Consider an automotive application where nominally 300 V is required to operate
ID: 1842629 • Letter: C
Question
Consider an automotive application where nominally 300 V is required to operate the electric motors powering the wheels. If the fuel cells operate at an average voltage of 0.6 V at 1.1. A/cm^2: How many cells in series will the stack have? If the cells are 300 cm^2 active area each, what is the total current out of the stack? If the stack is now arranged with the individual cells in parallel, what is the current and voltage output of the stack? Is there a difference in power output of the two designs (parallel vs series)? Why would you choose one design over the other in a practical application?Explanation / Answer
1) No of fuel cells required = 300/0.6
= 500 cells
2)
Total current= No of cells* Area per cell* A/cm2
= 500*300*1.1
= 16500 A
3)
If in parallel,
Voltage = 0.6 V
Amperes= 8250000 A ( sincepower output is same)
4)
there is power difference
second case is not favourable because the large currents may cause the fuel cells to get damaged