Comparative Study of Membrane Humidifier and Enthalpy Wheel Humidifier for Large Power Fuel Cell System

Abstract

The performance of membrane humidifier (MH) and enthalpy wheel humidifier (EWH) for a large power proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system is compared using simulations and experiments. The MH model is based on one dimensional diffusion equation and the EWH model is based on the porous media surface diffusion equation. Simulation results agree well with experimental data. According to the results, the effect of intake air temperature has a lower effect on the MH performance than it does on the EWH performance while the air mass flow has a much higher effect on the MH performance than it does on the EWH performance. MH performs better than EWH at a low flow rate but worse at a high flow rate. Vapor transfer mechanism in the humidifiers is also studied.