Fuel Cell Tech Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is a fuel cell?
Device that converts chemical energy into electricity through electrochemical reaction.
Fuel cells are known for being clean and efficient, with heat and water as byproducts.
What are the basic steps of fuel cell operation?
- Fuel enters anode
- Anode splits protons and electrons
- Electrons flow through external circuit (generate electricity)
- Protons move through electrolyte to cathode
- Protons combine with oxidant to create byproducts.
This sequence illustrates the flow of energy and the conversion process in a fuel cell.
What is the anode material in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell?
Hydrogen
The anode is where the fuel (hydrogen) is introduced and processed.
What is the electrolyte used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells?
Polymer membrane
The polymer membrane allows protons to pass while keeping electrons from flowing through it.
What is the cathode material in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell?
Oxygen
Oxygen is the oxidant that combines with protons at the cathode.
What is the operating temperature of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell?
75C
This low operating temperature makes it suitable for various applications.
What is the efficiency range of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells?
35 to 60%
Efficiency can vary based on operating conditions and design.
What type of vehicles are powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells?
Light duty vehicles
These fuel cells are ideal for applications such as passenger cars.
What does FCEV stand for?
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
FCEVs are powered by hydrogen fuel and emit water vapor as a byproduct.
Fill in the blank: The byproducts of a fuel cell are _______.
heat and water
These byproducts highlight the clean energy nature of fuel cells.
True or False: Fuel cells are inefficient and produce harmful emissions.
False
Fuel cells are known for their efficiency and clean operation.
consider a hydrogen fuel cell operating at 200C.
Gibbs free energy of -220 kJ.
Calculate cell voltage released by fuel cell.
F = N x e
E = change in G / 2F
ans = 1.14V
what is the equation to calculate cell voltage released by a fuel cell
E (cell voltage) = - (change in G / 2F)
equation for faradays constant
F = N x e