A fuel cell is an electrochemical device?
used to create electricity through a reaction
between a fuel (such as hydrogen) and
an oxidant (such as oxygen) in the presence
of an electrolyte. In addition to producing
electricity, the reaction generates by-
products, which typically are only water
and heat. Therefore, using fuel cells
is an environmentally friendly way to
produce electricity.
If you are involved in any of the various stages
of developing fuel cells, you need to draw
current from your fuel cell or fuel cell stack.
In addition, measuring the AC impedance of
your fuel cell can help you identify the kinetic
and ohmic resistances, which can uncover
ef? ciency issues by revealing internal cell
losses. Measuring impedance across a range
of frequencies (electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy or EIS) can help you identify
problems with the fuel cell components or
deviations in the fuel cell assembly process.