Fuel cells

• What do chemical fuel cells convert into electrical energy?

  Chemical energy
• How do chemical fuel cells compare to batteries?

  They continuously consume fuel unlike batteries
• What analogy is used to describe chemical fuel cells?

  An always-charging flashlight
• Why are chemical fuel cells not considered rechargeable batteries?

  They consume fuel instead of storing energy
• What are the key characteristics of chemical fuel cells?

  • Convert chemical energy to electrical energy
  • Continuously consume fuel
  • Not rechargeable like traditional batteries
  • Function like an always-charging flashlight
• What is the purpose of the electrolyte in a solid oxide fuel cell?

  To allow oxygen ions to flow from the cathode to the anode
• Why is hydrogen gas fed into the anode of a solid oxide fuel cell?

  To react with the oxygen ions and produce water, releasing electrons
• What moves through the electrolyte layer in a fuel cell?

  Positive ions
• How does the flow of electrons and oxygen ions occur in a solid oxide fuel cell?

  • Electrons flow from the anode to the load
  • Oxygen ions flow from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte
  • This creates an electrical current to power the load
• What are the main components of a solid oxide fuel cell?

  • Anode
  • Cathode
  • Electrolyte
  • Electron flow
  • Oxygen ions
• What two elements are converted into electricity in a fuel cell?

  Hydrogen and oxygen
• What are the key steps in the operation of a fuel cell?

  1. Hydrogen splits into electrons and positive ions at anode
  2. Ions move through electrolyte
  3. Oxygen gains electrons at cathode
  4. Water forms as by-product
• Where do electrons split from hydrogen in a fuel cell?

  At the anode
• How does the solid oxide fuel cell design differ from other types of fuel cells?

  It uses a solid ceramic electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte
• How does a fuel cell generate electricity?

  By converting hydrogen and oxygen directly
• What flows through the external circuit in a fuel cell?

  Electrons
• What is the role of the electrolyte in a fuel cell?

  To allow positive ions to move through
• How does the fuel cell process relate to the "charging itself" concept?

  It continuously provides electrons instead of charging
• How can the efficiency of a solid oxide fuel cell be improved?

  • Use materials with higher ionic conductivity in the electrolyte
  • Increase operating temperature to improve reaction kinetics
  • Optimize the design and flow of reactants to maximize power output
• What is produced as a by-product of the fuel cell process?

  Water
• What is the name of the main component in the image?

  Electrolyte
• What is the fuel production efficiency of a battery electric vehicle?

  95%
• What percentage of energy is lost during AC/DC inversion in a battery electric vehicle?

  5%
• If the radius of the circle in the image is $r =$$5\text{ cm}$, what is the area of the electrolyte?


  $25\pi \text{ cm}^2$
• What are the main components of the fuel cell shown in the image?

  • Hydrogen inlet
  • Electrolyte
  • Oxygen inlet
  • Electric circuit
• What are the two main reactants shown in the image?

  Hydrogen and oxygen
• What is the purpose of the electrolyte in the image?

  It allows the flow of ions between the hydrogen and oxygen sides
• What are the key differences between the hydrogen and oxygen sides of the fuel cell?

  • Hydrogen side: Oxidation reaction occurs, producing electrons
  • Oxygen side: Reduction reaction occurs, accepting electrons
  • Hydrogen ions (H+) flow through the electrolyte to the oxygen side
  • Electrons flow through the external circuit from the hydrogen to oxygen side
• How does the fuel cell in the image generate electricity?

  • Hydrogen is oxidized at the anode, producing electrons
  • Oxygen is reduced at the cathode, accepting electrons
  • The electrolyte allows the flow of ions between the two sides
  • This flow of electrons through the external circuit generates electricity
• What are the main advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells like the one shown?

  Advantages:

  • High efficiency, low emissions
  • Scalable power generation
  • Quiet operation

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • High initial cost
  • Durability and lifetime issues
  • Hydrogen storage and distribution challenges
• What are the three main parts of a fuel cell?

  Anode, electrolyte, and cathode
• What role does the electrolyte play in a fuel cell?

  It is a conductive medium for ions
• What happens at the cathode of a fuel cell?

  Oxygen enters and combines with electrons
• What is the function of the anode in a fuel cell?

  Where hydrogen enters and splits
• What is the function of the anode in terms of chemical reaction?

  Hydrogen oxidation
• What percentage of energy is lost during the electrolysis process in a battery electric vehicle?

  5%
• What happens to oxygen in a fuel cell?

  It gains electrons at the cathode
• What are the functions of the components of a fuel cell?

  • Anode: Hydrogen oxidation
  • Electrolyte: Ion transport
  • Cathode: Oxygen reduction
• What is the function of the electrolyte in a fuel cell?

  Ion transport
• Where do positive ions move in a fuel cell?

  Through the electrolyte