Fuel cells are a promising alternative energy technology. They are based on producing energy by the following reaction:

One type of fuel cell, the solid oxide fuel cell, operates at high temperatures. A solid oxide fuel cell is fed 0.32 mol/s H2 and 0.16 mol/s O2, and the reaction goes to completion. The heat loss rate (in W) is given by:

where T is in K and T0 is the ambient temperature, which can be taken to be 293 K. (Thanks to Prof. Jason Keith for providing the information for this problem.)

(a) Explain physically what the fi rst and second terms on the right-hand side of the preceding heat rate equation represent.

(b) Calculate the temperature at which the rate of heat loss is equal to the rate of heat generation.

Transcribed Image Text:

+ (8) OH + (8) 0 0 02. H2(g)