Interaction between membrane humidifier and air supply system for application of fuel cells in vehicles

Interaction between membrane humidifier and air supply system for application of fuel cells in vehicles

The potentialities of a membrane passive humidifier and its interaction with two different air supply devices were examined for application on a PEFC (polymeric electrolyte fuel cell) system to be used in vehicles. A rotary vane compressor was compared to a side channel blower with respect to their capability to assure the correct working of the membrane humidifier in different load conditions. The results obtained on a 12 kW stack evidenced that the higher working pressures of the rotary vane compressor permitted improvements in individual cell performance, and determined the possibility to reduce the energy requirements of humidification devices. 2012 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The potentialities of a membrane passive humidifier and its interaction with two different air supply devices were examined for application on a PEFC (polymeric electrolyte fuel cell) system to be used in vehicles. A rotary vane compressor was compared to a side channel blower with respect to their capability to assure the correct working of the membrane humidifier in different load conditions. The results obtained on a 12 kW stack evidenced that the higher working pressures of the rotary vane compressor permitted improvements in individual cell performance, and determined the possibility to reduce the energy requirements of humidification devices. 2012 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.