Fuel Cell Efficiency Redefined; Carnot Limit Reassessed

Jacob, Kallarackel T and Jain, Saurabh (2005) Fuel Cell Efficiency Redefined; Carnot Limit Reassessed. In: Q1 - Ninth International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC IX), 2005-07, USA.

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Abstract

There are deficiencies in current definition of thermodynamic efficiency of fuel cells (ηcth = ΔG/ΔH); efficiency greater than unity is obtained when AS for the cell reaction is positive, and negative efficiency is obtained for endothermic reactions. The origin of the flow is identified. A new definition of thennodynamic efficiency is proposed that overcomes these limitations. Consequences of the new definition are examined. Against the conventional view that fuel cells are not Carnot limited, several recent articles have argued that the second law of thermodynamics restricts fuel cell energy conversion in the same way as heat engines. This controversy is critically examined. A resolution is achieved in part from an understanding of the contextual assumptions in the different approaches and in part from identifying some conceptual limitations.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publisher:	The Electrochemical Society
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to The Electrochemical Society.
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	29 Dec 2011 07:41
Last Modified:	29 Dec 2011 07:41
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/42739

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