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.