To increase the voltage of a hydrogen fuel cell, the primary method is to connect individual fuel cells in series to form a fuel cell stack.
Understanding Fuel Cell Voltage
A single hydrogen fuel cell typically produces a relatively low voltage. For practical applications, this voltage needs to be increased. Here’s how it's done:
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Series Connection: By connecting multiple fuel cells in series, the individual voltages add up, resulting in a higher overall voltage. This arrangement is known as a fuel cell stack.
- Example: If each fuel cell produces 1 volt, a stack of 10 fuel cells connected in series will produce 10 volts.
Factors Affecting Fuel Cell Performance
While connecting cells in series boosts voltage, another important factor influencing fuel cell performance is its ability to produce current, which is related to its cross-sectional area.
- Cross-Sectional Area: According to the reference, the cross sectional area of a fuel cell affects its ability to produce current. Greater area means more reaction sites, and this allows more current to be generated.
Summary
| Method | Effect on Voltage | Effect on Current |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting cells in Series | Increases | No direct effect |
| Increasing Cross Sectional Area | No direct effect | Increases |
Therefore, to increase the voltage of a hydrogen fuel cell system, the most effective method is to connect individual cells in series within a fuel cell stack.
