Enter the current density, exchange current density, and temperature into the calculator to determine the polarization loss in a fuel cell or electrolyzer. This calculator helps in understanding the efficiency of electrochemical systems.
Polarization Loss Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the polarization loss:
PL = (R * T / (2 * F)) * ln(J / J₀)
Variables:
- PL is the polarization loss (V)
- R is the universal gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K))
- T is the temperature (K)
- F is Faraday’s constant (96485 C/mol)
- J is the current density (A/cm²)
- J₀ is the exchange current density (A/cm²)
To calculate the polarization loss, multiply the universal gas constant (R) by the temperature (T), divide by twice the Faraday’s constant (2 * F), and then multiply by the natural logarithm of the current density (J) divided by the exchange current density (J₀).
What is Polarization Loss?
Polarization loss is the voltage loss in an electrochemical cell due to the kinetics of the electrochemical reactions. It is a measure of the inefficiency that occurs when the reaction rate is not fast enough to keep up with the current being drawn from the cell. This type of loss is significant in determining the overall performance of fuel cells and electrolyzers.
How to Calculate Polarization Loss?
The following steps outline how to calculate the polarization loss:
- First, determine the current density (J) in A/cm².
- Next, determine the exchange current density (J₀) in A/cm².
- Next, determine the temperature (T) in Kelvin (K).
- Use the formula PL = (R * T / (2 * F)) * ln(J / J₀) to calculate the polarization loss (PL) in volts (V).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Current Density (J) = 0.01 A/cm²
Exchange Current Density (J₀) = 0.001 A/cm²
Temperature (T) = 298 K
