Development of humidifier for fuel cells

• Grant number: 04/08884-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2005
• End date: March 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Ângelo Massatoshi Ebesui
• Grantee: Ângelo Massatoshi Ebesui
• Company: Electrocell Indústria e Comércio de Equipamentos Elétricos Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

This project aims to study and develop a gas humidifier for 5 kilowatt fuel cell which should offer greater efficiency and durability to the cells’ polymeric membranes. Three different types of prototype of a humidifier for 5Kw cells will be analyzed, built and tested, for subsequent selection of the winning technology. The following will be tested: 1) solid ionomer capillary tubes; 2) proton selective membrane associated with the cell; and 3) nebulizer and atomizer. The prototype with validated technology will be developed and refined for a fuel cell with 50 Kw power (five 10 Kw modules), in the Aneel/Eletropaulo project, supported by FAPESP, which is in progress. The expectation is that the development of this proposal will establish the technological consolidation of a complete package of the development of fuel cell with the application of the intelligent system concept. The validation of this development will bring the company and the team involved the expertise to commence scaled production, concomitantly with the final fuel cell tests and trials. The cells to be produced should ultimately have a power of 50 Kw for use in residential buildings, industries, hospitals and schools, among other consumers. (AU)