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How Humidicore™ Works
Warm,
humid exhaust air enters the Humidicore™ from the Fuel Cell. The
rotating Cordierite drum adsorbs the exhaust water vapor and
transfers it to the incoming cool, dry inlet stream. The
characteristics of the desiccant coated drum allow only the water
vapor to be transferred, while the spent gases continue out of the
system. The water vapor never condenses; therefore, no external
energy is required to move it back into vapor form. The Humidicore
drum uses face seals to separate the incoming stream from the
exhaust.
What is Cordierite?
The
Humidicore™
Fuel Cell Humidifier uses a ceramic honeycomb material.
Its dominate chemical composition is Cordierite
(2Mg0·2Al2O3·5SiO2). Properties include low pressure drop, high
structural strength, dimensional stability, long life and chemical
inertness.
In addition, Cordierite is currently in mass production. It is
commonly used in automotive catalytic converters and costs as
little as 30 cents per cubic inch.
The unique properties of cordierite allow the construction of a
simple, inexpensive and almost indestructible enthalpy wheel. The
rotor is a unitary cylinder of the honeycomb material shown
(left). The contact type end seals act directly against the
honeycomb to form very efficient labyrinth seals. The very low
thermal expansion rate of Cordierite greatly simplifies the
sealing system by minimizing axial growth during operation. |
Benefits
Click HERE to view
Humidicore™ performance maps
Click HERE to view
Humidicore™ testing results
Current Production Models
(custom sizes available upon request)
Click HERE to
Download a Custom Request Form
Emprise
currently offers production models of the Humidicore in three
different models designed to work with a 3kW, 10kW and 20kW fuel
cell. Physical sizes are listed in the chart below:
|
3kW nominal, atmospheric
pressure |
3.20Ф x 4” lg |
|
10kW nominal, atmospheric
pressure |
5.66Ф x 4” lg |
|
20kW nominal, atmospheric
pressure |
5.66Ф x 6” lg
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Other
custom sizes are available by request. Each model is constructed
largely from plastic and can be powered by either an AC or DC
motor. All materials are compatible with deionized water and do
not release compounds that are harmful to fuel cells.
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