Describe the four major steps in the generation of electricity within a

fuel cell. Describe the potential reasons for loss in fuel cell
performance for each step.

major steps involved in producing electricity in a fuel cell.

1. Reactant delivery (transport) into the fuel cell
For a fuel cell to produce electricity, it must be continually supplied with fuel
and oxidant.
2. Electrochemical reaction
The current generated by the fuel cell is directly related to how fast the
electrochemical reactions proceed. Fast electrochemical reactions result in a
high current output from the fuel cell. catalysts are generally used to increase
the speed and efficiency of the electrochemical reactions.
3. Ionic conduction through the electrolyte and electronic conduction through
the external circuit
Ions produced at one electrode must be consumed at the other electrode. The
same holds for electrons. For electrons this transport process is rather easy. As
long as an electrically conductive path exists, the electrons will be able to flow
from one electrode to the other. For ions, however, transport tends to be
more difficult. Fundamentally, this is because ions are much larger and more
massive than electrons. An electrolyte must be used to provide a pathway for
the ions to flow. In many electrolytes, ions move via “hopping” mechanisms.
Compared to electron transport, this process is far less efficient. Therefore,
ionic transport can represent a significant resistance loss, reducing fuel cell
performance.
4. Product removal from the fuel cell
all fuel cell reactions will generate at least one product species. If these
products are not removed from the fuel cell, they will build up over time and
eventually “strangle” the fuel cell, preventing new fuel and oxidant from being
able to react.
A residential solid-oxide fuel cell is operated on methane (CH4) and is
designed to provide the household with both heat and electricity.
Assuming 100% fuel utilization, how much water (in liters) would be
produced during 24 hours of operation at Pelec = 3 kW? (Given:
molar mass of water = 18 g/mol, density of water = 1 g/cm3.)
In the Tafel equation, how is the Tafel slope b related to α? (Remember that the Tafel equation is
defined using log instead of ln.) How is the intercept a related to the exchange current density?

What are the two main goals of fuel cell characterization? Discuss the relative advantages and
disadvantages of EIS versus current interrupt measurement.

Define Nernst-Einstein relation. Define resistance, specific resistance, conductivity conductance, and
specific conductivity.

Hydrogen gas fully saturated with water vapor at 1 atm and 80 oC flows over an anode electrode,
parallel to the anode surface, at a velocity of 1 m/s. If the anode is rectangular and the length along
the flow direction is 10 cm, determine the following; (i) the limiting current density profile
corresponding to the rate of convective mass transfer, (ii) the hydrogen concentration variation at
the electrode surface and its average value, if the current density drawn from the electrode if 0.5
A/cm2 .

Why we use the term half-cell reaction in electrochemistry and how we will identify cathode and
anode in a fuel cell? Give one examples of fuel cell reaction and identify which reaction is the
cathode reaction and which reaction is the anode reaction.

Half-cell reactions are useful in galvanic and voltaic cells in which the electrons flow from the
anode to the cathode through an electrolyte to produce an electromotive force (EMF).

The half cell reactions in hydrogen - oxygen fuel cell are given below.
Oxidation at anode:
Hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions are oxidised to water.
2H2(g)+4OH−(aq)→4H2O(l)+4e−

Reduction at cathode:
Oxygen gas and water molecules are reduced to hydroxide ions.
O2(g)+2H2O(l)+4e−→4OH−(aq)

Explain briefly with the help of mnemonic diagram, how energy can be transferred in a fuel cell from
one form to another?

Why charge transfer reaction have an activation energy?

Write a note on ideal and real efficiencies of fuel cell.

Discuss the relation between activation energy and reaction rate.

What are the major requirements for a candidate fuel cell electrolyte?

Discuss the various methods to improve the kinetic performance of a fuel cell.

List the important qualities required for an effective fuel cell catalyst material.

List two major advantages and two major disadvantages of fuel cells compared to other power
conversion devices.

Explain the four major steps in the generation of electricity within a fuel cell.

Write a note on stack clamping.

List the technologies for hydrogen storage.

Write the cell reaction of alkaline fuel cell.

Derive expressions for temperature dependence of the reversible voltage obtained from a fuel cell.

Derive Nernst equation for a general chemical reaction: ne-x lAT bB » mMTnNTne-r.

Explain the following:

i) Galvani Potential

ii) Butler Volmer Equation Tafel Equation

Write a note on the characteristics of fuel cell charge transport resistance

Discuss the principle and working of PEM Fuel Cell

Explain the design of a fuel cell stack

Discuss the configuration of fuel cell systems with fuel processors.

A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, operating at RTP (reference temperature and pressure), has the
following v-i characteristics: VL = 0.8 − 0.0001IL. Assume 100% current efficiency. What is the
hydrogen consumption rate (in mg/s) when the cell delivers 1 kW to a load? 5,5

What is hydrogen generation? Discuss the technique of hydrogen production from hydrocarbons
and water. (b) Why do we use coal gasification process? Explain along with proper diagram.