Fuel cell efficiency through humidity intelligence

Energizing the hydrogen economy

Advancing the hydrogen economy has a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint. Fuel cells have a special role to play in this future vision, but they depend on reliable humidity data. The concise 3-minute video will cover some future insights about the hydrogen economy and the use of fuel cells. You will also see how humidity data is related to fuel cell quality.

Next, get immediate access to presentation "Fuel cell R&D – Future trends, drivers and applications" for further insights from our Senior Strategy & Business Development Manager Anu Pulkkinen.

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Vaisala is a leading provider of humidity measurements in PEM fuel cell testing. Our sensors use our proprietary HUMICAP technology, ensuring reliable data even in the most challenging measurement conditions. Warmed-probe technology is our innovation for high-humidity environments. The heating function keeps the sensor continuously above the ambient temperature, ensuring condensation never forms. This minimizes the recovery time between measurements and increases the efficiency of fuel cell testing.

Fuel cell testing doesn't have to test your patience

An efficient PEM fuel cell testing process can save you hours. That is possible when you don't have to wait for your humidity instrument to recover from condensation. The recovery time depends on the technology and stability of the probe.

In the visualization, the Vaisala HUMICAP^® probe A has a heating functionality, whereas the probe B is non-heated. When 100% relative humidity (RH) is reached, probe A recovers quickly to show accurate humidity readings whereas B recovers very slowly.

Fuel Cell Humidity Lab

Are you curious about the impact of humidity measurement on the outcome of PEM fuel cell testing? Get free access to our Fuel Cell Humidity Lab webinar sessions hosted by our Product Manager Juhani Lehto!

Each session is under 30 minutes, so you can use your time efficiently by getting just the key facts. Learn more about each session below and register to ensure your virtual seat.

Juhani Lehto

Session 1

Humidity measurement basics for the fuel cell industry

Overcoming typical measurement challenges, and more.

Session 2

Selecting a humidity measurement instrument for fuel cell testing

Compare technologies and learn the pros and cons with instrument types.

Session 3

Taking a fuel cell humidity measurement instrument into use

Set up, install, get the correct readings and monitor.

Compact and compatible. Vaisala HUMICAP® HMP7 for high humidity conditions.

Vaisala HUMICAP® HMP7 measurement probe thrives in applications which involve constant high humidity or rapid changes in humidity such as humidifiers, drying and test chambers, combustion air and measurements where performance and chemical tolerance are essential.

Moreover, the HMP7 is compatible with our robust Indigo500, Indigo300 and Indigo200 transmitters, which enable easy data evaluation and visualization.

Easy to integrate. Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Module HMM170 for high humidity conditions.

This robust, open frame transmitter is the ideal choice when you need to integrate the device into fuel cell test equipment or other environmental chamber. The sensor tolerates high humidity, vacuum as well as high pressure conditions.

The integration is easy. Both digital and three configurable analog output channels are available, ensuring compatibility for most chamber types. In addition to relative humidity and temperature, also dew point and other calculated parameters are available. An integrated service port enables quick configurations.

Fuel cell measurement cases, papers & tools

Customer Case

Scribner uses Vaisala instruments to calibrate the humidifiers used in its fuel cell and membrane test systems

Fuel cell test equipment manufacturer Scribner demands that its fuel cell test systems produce a very stable, reproducible amount of water vapor, or humidity, within a gas stream.

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Application note

Maximizing the efficiency and lifetime of fuel cells with optimum humidification

Humidity measurement in the fuel stream helps to control the humidification process, estimate mass balances for water, and maintain correct membrane moisture.

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White paper

Controlling high-humidity applications with dew point temperature

This white paper is a vital resource for anyone aiming to maintain a controlled environment in a high-humidity application.

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Calculator

Vaisala Humidity Calculator

Relative humidity, absolute humidity, wet-bulb temperature, enthalpy, water concentration, and many more. Humidity calculations and conversions made easy.

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