3.4 Physical chemistry, material properties 3.4.7 Thermochemistry, calorimetry
Characteristic curve and efficiency of a PEM fuel cell and a PEM electrolyser
Principle In a PEM electrolyser, the electrolyte consists of a proton-conducting membrane and water (PEM = Proton- Exchange-Membrane). When an electric voltage is applied, hydrogen and oxygen are formed. The PEM fuel cell generates electrical energy from hydrogen and oxygen. The electrical properties of the electrolyser and the fuel cell are investigated by recording a current-voltage characteristic line. To determine the efficiency, the gases are stored in small gasometers in order to be able to measure the quantities of the gases generated or consumed. Tasks 1. 2. 3. 4.
Recording the characteristic line of the PEM electrolyser. Recording the characteristic line of the PEM fuel cell. Determination of the efficiency of the PEM electrolysis unit. Determination of the efficiency of the PEM fuel cell.
What you can learn about ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Electrolysis Electrode polarisation Decomposition voltage Galvanic elements Faraday's law
Literature for this experiment as follows: TESS expert Handbook Laboratory Experiments Physics 16502-32 English P2411100
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