FUEL CELL PRINCIPLES

Abstract

Knowledge of basic and applied electrochemistry, as well as of electrochemical engineering is important for an understanding of the modus operandi of fuel cell power plant/power sources. It is for this reason that the first three chapters focused on evolution of electrochemistry, charge transfer reactions at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and leading electrochemical technologies and applications. Chapter 3 was included because the electrochemical industries consume about 5% of the electrical energy consumed in the USA, and several of these technologies are in some way relevant to fuel cells. As stated in Chapter 3, there are three types of electrochemical technologies—electrochemical synthesis, electrochemical energy conversion, and electrochemical energy storage. Even though this chapter is entitled “Fuel Cell Principles,“ Section 4.2 is included to familiarize the reader with the basic similarities and dissimilarities among the three types of electrochemical technologies.