Fuel Cell Spectra Analysis

Introduction to Fuel Cell Spectra

Fuel Cell Spectra is a small US-based startup dedicated to analyzing impedance spectra of low- and high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs and HT-PEMFCs). We have developed physics-based models to provide you with precise fitting of your experimental spectra. By utilizing advanced least-squares algorithms, we determine crucial parameters relevant to performance of your fuel cell.

What We Analyze

Through fitting our models to your experimental spectra, we can extract parameters of the cell cathode side:

  • Tafel slope of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
  • Proton conductivity of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL)
  • CCL electron conductivity (optional)
  • Double layer capacitance
  • Effective CCL oxygen diffusivity
  • Membrane resistivity
  • Effective oxygen diffusivity of the gas diffusion layer* (GDL)
  • Mean liquid water saturation of the CCL (for low-T PEMFCs, optional)

* Can only be calculated from the spectra measured at sufficiently high current density

To perform the analysis we need

  • A csv- or Excel- file with three columns: frequency (Hz), Z_real, Z_imag (Ohm*cm^2).
  • The thicknesses of the cathode catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer
  • The cell temperature
  • The cathode absolute pressure
  • The air flow stoichiometry and relative humidity

Your spectra will be analyzed under the supervision of Dr. Andrei Kulikovsky. Andrei has published over 50 papers on PEMFC and HT-PEMFC impedance modeling in high-ranked scientific journals. In 2013 Andrei was awarded the Alexander Kuznetsov Prize for Theoretical Electrochemistry and in 2015 the Schoenbein medal of Honour in recognition of the distinguished contributions to the science and technology of fuel cells. Andrei’s short bio and the books he authored and co-authored can be found here: Andrei’s short bio

Examples and free software for download

An example of fitted PEMFC spectrum: PEMFC spectrum
A fitted HT-PEMFC spectrum: HT-PEMFC spectrum
A free Python code for DRT calculation: DRT Python code
A free soft for DRT/DTT calculation: zip archive with exe-file
Unpack and follow instructions in “Readme_gui.pdf”

With our knowledge and tools, we can provide insights into the operation of your fuel cell. Plus, the first spectrum analysis is complimentary!

Email us: info@fuelcellspectra.com