A Simplified Air Humidifier Using a Porous Metal Membrane

摘要

Porvair Fuel Cell Technology has recently developed a unique, highly porous material which shows promise in the humidification of cathode and anode gases for PEM fuel cell systems. A simple humidification /cooling device was build that takes advantage of the new porous metal membrane's high capacity to transport water. Since the driving force for transport is evaporation from the air side of the membrane, the system tends to be self regulating with respect to air flow rate, temperature and relative humidity. The metal construction removes concerns about damage by over heating. Fundamental parameters and performance information on the experimental prototype are presented.