The power performance curve for engineering analysis of fuel cells

Jay Burton Benziger, Yannis Kevrekidis, M. B. Satterfield, W. H.J. Hogarth, J. P. Nehlsen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The power delivered by a fuel cell to an external load is controlled by the impedance of the external load. The Power Performance Curve is a new metric that relates the power delivered to the external load to its impedance. The power delivered is zero for both an open circuit and a short circuit (infinite and zero external impedance) and is a maximum when the external load impedance matches the internal resistance of the fuel cell. Fuel efficiency is 50% at maximum power output. Higher fuel efficiency is achieved when the load impedance is much greater than the internal resistance of the electrolyte. A simple equivalent circuit for the fuel cell consisting of a battery, diode, and resistor captures the essential characteristics of a fuel cell as part of an electrical circuit and can be used to analyze the response to changes in load. Simple circuit analysis can be employed to elucidate the power output and efficiency of large area fuel cells and fuel cell stacks. Non-uniformities in large area fuel cells create internal potential differences that drive internal currents dissipating energy. Non-uniformities in fuel cell stacks can drive low power cells into an electrolytic state, eventually leading to failure. The Power Performance Curve simplifies analysis of control and operation of fuel cell systems. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase (Cincinnati, OH 10/30/2005-11/4/2005).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication05AIChE
Subtitle of host publication2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase, Conference Proceedings
PublisherAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers
ISBN (Print)0816909962, 9780816909964
StatePublished - 2005
Event05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase - Cincinnati, OH, United States
Duration: Oct 30 2005Nov 4 2005

Publication series

NameAIChE Annual Meeting Conference Proceedings
Volume2005

Other

Other05AIChE: 2005 AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCincinnati, OH
Period10/30/0511/4/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Energy

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