Originally Posted by
Jaxom
Resistance alone does not generate heat. Current flow across a resistance generates heat. Since we know that P=VxI, and I=V/R, we can do some simple algebra and find that P=IxIxR. Thusly, the power dissipated across a given resistance is equal to the resistance times the square of the current across it (known as I^2xR.) In an electrolyzer, most of this power is used to split water, but some is wasted and converted to heat. The less heat you waste, the higher the thermal efficiency of the electrolyzer. This is backed by the accepted advantages of a dry cell over a bath cell....less currrent leakage around the plates, higher efficiency, less waste heat....it all ties in together.