Analytical Current-Potential Relation for Coupled Activation, Liquid Diffusion and OHMIC Losses in Porous Gas Diffusion Electrodes

In earlier work on a flooded agglomerate model for molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) cathodes, analytical current density-overpotential expressions were developed. In computing MCFC performance, some way of interpolating is needed in order to describe cathode performance. Rather than impose arbitrary criteria for interpolating among and 'crossing-over' between the various analytical limiting forms, a more unified approach was undertaken. Current densities calculated using this analytical method have been compared extensively with exact results found via numerical integration. Over a broad range of conditions, agreement was found to within 2-3% in all cases studied.