Quantitative analysis of irreversibilities causes voltage drop in fuel cell (simulation & modeling)

Abstract Power level of a fuel cell depends on its operating condition, which is product of voltage and current-density the highest level of voltage is identified as reversible open circuit voltage (ROCV), which represents an ideal theoretical case [J. Larmin, A. Dicks, Fuel Cell System Explained, Willy, 2000 (ISBN)]. Compared to that is ideal operating voltage which is usually characterized as open circuit voltage (OCV) [J. Larmin, A. Dicks, Fuel Cell System Explained, Willy, 2000 (ISBN)]. An evaluation of deviation of operating voltage level from ideal operational case may provide information on the extent of improving efficiency and energy efficiency of a fuel cell. Therefore, quantification of operation deviation from OCV is the main point that is discussed in the present paper. The analysis procedure of voltage drop is based on step-by-step review of voltage drops over activation, internal currents (fuel-cross-over), Ohmic and mass-transport or concentration losses. Accumulated total voltage drops would be estimated as a sum of aforementioned losses. The accumulated voltage drops will then be reduced from OCV to obtain the operating voltage level. The above numerical analysis has been applied to identify the extents of voltage drop. The possible reducing variables in voltage drops reviewed and concluded that the activation loss has considerable impact on total voltage drops and it explains the most part of total losses. It is also found that the following correspondence parameters cause decrease in voltage drops: 1. Temperature increasing 2. Pressure increasing 3. Hydrogen or oxygen concentration increasing 4. Electrode effective surface increasing 5. Electrode and electrolyte, conductivity modification 6. Electrolyte thickness reducing up to possible limitation 7. Connection modification