Patent ID: 7875396
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: B01D,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell comprising: a substantially planar first plate having a plurality of substantially linear flow channels formed therein, the flow channels of said first plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a first gas therethrough, the flow channels formed on both a top side and a bottom side of said first plate; a substantially planar second plate having a plurality of substantially linear flow channels formed therein, the flow channels of said second plate adapted to facilitate a flow of a second gas therethrough, the flow channels formed on both a top side and a bottom side of said second plate, wherein the flow channels of said first plate are substantially perpendicular to the flow channels of said second plate; a diffusion medium disposed between said first plate and said second plate, said diffusion medium adapted to permit a transfer of water vapor therethrough; and a membrane disposed between said first plate and said second plate, said membrane adapted to permit a transfer of water vapor therethrough, wherein said diffusion medium abuts the membrane and one of said first plate and said second plate, and wherein water vapor in the first gas is transferred through said diffusion medium and said membrane to the second gas.