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Roe - 086 - 20200325
Roe - 086 - 20200325
Contents
1.1 Performance analysis of fuel Cells
1.2 Performance Characteristics
1.3 Limitations of fuel cells
Performance Analysis
The theoretical maximum electromotive force (EMF) developed in a
fuel cell can be calculated with the help of Gibbs free energy as given
below
−∆𝐺
E= volts
𝑛𝐹
Where ∆G= change in Gibbs free energy in the reaction [J/mol]
n= No. of electrons per mole of fuel which take part in the
reaction (for hydrogen=2)
F= Faraday’s constant = 96487 coulombs/mole
Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering
ROE-086 Renewable Energy Resources Unit-3
The change in the Gibbs free energy in a chemical reaction is given by:
∆G = ∆H – T∆S [J/mol]
Where ∆H = change of enthalpy of total reaction [J/mol]
T.∆S = Amount of heat absorbed during a reversible process at constant
temperature [J/mol]
The voltage of fuel cell also depends upon temperature and pressure of 1
atmosphere, the value of E at 25ºC is 1.23 V and only 1.15 V at 200ºC. If pressure
increases the fuel cell voltage also increases.
Performance Characteristics
The Carnot efficiency of any heat engine increases with the source
temperature for a given sink temperature.
𝑇1 −𝑇0
ηc =
𝑇1
The heat source temperature T1 if varied from 400 K to 1400 K, the performance
curve is plotted assuming heat sink temperature 300 K. If the fuel cell
temperature is equal to source temperature the efficiency decreases linearly with
temperature. The theoretical efficiency of H2O2 fuel cell as a function of
temperature is plotted.
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