Characterization of Electrochemical

Devices
Learning objectives:

1)To become familiar with the various

parameters used to compare
electrochemical devices
2)To use constant set point operation to
diagnose electrochemical devices
3)To use polarization curves to diagnose
electrochemical devices
Energy Storage Device:
Fuel and oxidant are stored within
the device.

Energy Conversion Device:

Fuel and oxidant are stored external
to the device
Cell:
A single electrochemical unit; i.e. one
anode, one cathode, and the electrolyte

Battery:
A collection of cells in series or parallel
Primary Cell:
Single use power source

Secondary Cell:
Can be recharged
 Cell characteristics:
Capacity: Total charge in cell
Coulombs or Ah
Voltage
Power = V * I
Current Watts

Time Power * Time

Energy: Joules or Wh
Constant set-point operation

Voltage Vs Current

Current Vs Current density

 Polarization curve

Activation losses
1.5 Ohmic losses

Mass Transport losses

Voltage (V)

0.0
0.0 Current density (A/cm2) 1.0
1.5 Polarization curve Power 1.0

Power (W)
Voltage (V)

0.0 0.0
0.0 Current (A) 1.0
 A comparison between two cells

1.5
Voltage (V)

Cell A
Cell B

0.0
0.0 Current density (A/cm2) 1.0
 Schematic of polarization curve from a fuel cell
Example:
0.4 A/cm2 at 0.5 V
1.0
 200 cells in series,
Voltage

each 100cm2 in area

0.5 can provide 40 A at 100 V (DC)
(V)

0.0
0.0 0.5 1.0
Current density (A/cm2)