Cellcentric and Mahle have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the field of fuel cell technology for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles as well as for other applications with comparable requirements. The cooperation focuses on the development and series production of the system component flat membrane humidifier. Among other things, the technology improves the durability of the fuel cell and thus ensures a longer service life, the companies say. The flat membrane humidifier is to be used both in fuel cell systems for commercial vehicles and in stationary systems, such as emergency power generators.
The flat membrane humidifier from Mahle takes on a supporting role in the fuel cell system. In order to work as effectively and efficiently as possible, fuel cells must be supplied with sufficient fresh air and humidity.
To ensure the correct moisture content in the fuel cell, conventional humidifiers use small hollow membrane fibers. Mahle instead uses very thin membranes that are stacked in layers in the humidifier, thereby ensuring effective humidification of the fuel cells. The higher the humidity in the fuel cell, the more efficiently it works and the longer its service life, Mahle says.
