RCAIDE.Library.Methods.Powertrain.Converters.Fuel_Cells.Larminie_Model.compute_voltage

compute_voltage#

compute_voltage(fuel_cell, current_density)[source]#

Calculates fuel cell voltage based on current density using the Larminie-Dicks model.

Parameters:
  • fuel_cell (RCAIDE.Components.Energy.Converters.Fuel_Cell) –

    The fuel cell component containing electrochemical parameters
    • rfloat

      Area-specific resistance [Ohms*cm²]

    • A1float

      Tafel slope [V]

    • mfloat

      Mass transport loss coefficient [V]

    • nfloat

      Mass transport loss exponential coefficient [cm²/A]

    • Eocfloat

      Open circuit voltage [V]

  • current_density (float or array) – Current density [A/m²]

Returns:

v – Cell voltage [V]

Return type:

float or array

Notes

This function implements the Larminie-Dicks semi-empirical model to calculate fuel cell voltage as a function of current density. The model accounts for activation losses, ohmic losses, and concentration losses.

Major Assumptions
  • Voltage curve follows the Larminie-Dicks model form

  • Steady-state operation (no transient effects)

  • Uniform current distribution across the cell

  • Constant temperature operation

Theory

The Larminie-Dicks model calculates cell voltage as:

\[V = E_{oc} - r \cdot i - A_1 \ln(i) - m \exp(n \cdot i)\]
where:
  • \(E_{oc}\) is the open circuit voltage

  • r is the area-specific resistance

  • A_1 is the Tafel slope for activation losses

  • m and n are parameters for mass transport losses

  • i is the current density

References

[1] Larminie, J., & Dicks, A. (2003). Fuel Cell Systems Explained (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons Ltd.