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Abstract

A fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is disclosed for use with a fuel cell power plant. The barrier includes a flexible support matrix that defines pores and a liquid transfer medium that fills the pores creating a gas barrier. An inlet surface of the fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is positioned in contact with a process oxidant inlet stream entering a fuel cell power plant, and an opposed exhaust surface of the barrier is positioned in contact with an exhaust stream exiting the plant so that water and heat exchange from the exhaust stream directly into the process oxidant inlet stream to heat and humidify the stream as it enters the plant. The flexible support matrix defines hydrophilic pores having a pore-size range of about 0.1-100 microns and results in a bubble pressure that is greater than 0.2 pounds per square inch. The liquid transfer medium may include water, aqueous salt solutions, aqueous acid solutions, or organic antifreeze water solutions. The fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier may be disposed within a structure of a direct mass and heat transfer device of the plant in fluid communication with the process oxidant inlet and plant exhaust streams so that the structure and barrier cooperate to restrict bulk mixing of the inlet and exhaust streams, and water and heat transfer through the transfer medium from the plant exhaust stream into the process oxidant stream entering the plant.

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First Claim