FINE PORE ENTHALPY EXCHANGE BARRIER FOR A FUEL CELL POWER PLANT

摘要

A fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier (12) is disclosed for use with a fuel cell power plant. The barrier includes a support matrix that defines ports and a liquid transfer medium (113) that fills the pores creating a gas barrier. An inlet surface of the fine port enthalpy exchange barrier is positioned in contact with a process oxidant inlet stream (96) entering a fuel cell power plant, and an opposed exhaust surface of the barrier is positioned so that water and heat from the exhaust stream (88) exiting the power plant, so that the water and heat from the exhaust stream moves directly into the process oxidant stream to heat and humidify the stream as it enters the plant. The liquid transfer stream may include water, aqueous salt solutions, aqueous acid solutions, or organic antifreeze water solutions.