Fuel cells (2017 VCE)

 

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2)Submarines operate both on the surface and underwater. When operating underwater, the submarine acts as a closed system, where there is no interaction with the atmosphere. Most types of submarines use both batteries and diesel engines to provide their energy requirements. A new type of submarine uses proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and diesel engines. Below is a diagram of a PEM fuel cell.

a) State the function of the electrolyte in a fuel cell.

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b) Write the balanced overall redox reaction that occurs in this PEM fuel cell.

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c) Give two safety considerations for the safe storage of hydrogen, H2, gas on a submarine.

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d) State two advantages of using a PEM fuel cell compared to a diesel engine when a submarine is underwater

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e) Most submarines generate more H2 gas for their fuel cells when travelling on the surface. Explain how the H2 gas could be generated.

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