Novel Fuel-cell Humidification System for Zero-emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Applications

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**Project Aim**The project aims to develop and demonstrate a high-flow, robust and modular humidifier for proton-exchange membrane fuel-cells (PEMFCs) in heavy duty vehicle (HDV) applications. The humidifier innovation is enabled by Parker's proprietary hollow fibre technology, achieving a higher flow rate and a longer lifetime compared to best-in-class products. The unique humidifier design enables an unprecedented performance thanks to smart hollow fibre packing within the housing and seamless disassembly/recycling at product service or end-of-life.**Competition Alignment**The proposed project aligns with the competition, as it is focused on capability demonstration through a physical humidifier subsystem by late 2024\. Addressed competition area: 'fuel cell and associated balance of plant' (100%).**Expected Impact**Using public funding to demonstrate the humidifier prototype will allow Parker to accelerate product development and position the humidifier innovation towards OEMs currently developing PEMFC drivetrains for HDV applications to enter the market in the next decade. The expected economic impact on Parker and the local economy will be the creation of new jobs and safeguarding jobs by anchoring the manufacturing capability for the new product in the area.It will also mean establishing a UK-based value chain centred around innovative PEMFC balance-of-plant (BoP) technologies -an emerging market not served yet by UK companies and currently dominated by companies from Germany, South Korea, and China. The expected environmental impact is to pave the way for the UK's automotive sector transition towards zero-emission mobility by demonstrating an enabling net-zero humidifier technology. Potential spill-over effects to other markets like marine and aerospace are expected.**Applicant & Benefits**The project is a single-applicant endeavour led by Parker Hannifin ('Parker'). Parker is a large industrial specialising in motion & control technologies for various industries. The Parker Dewsbury location is developing filtration solutions for HDV applications. The changing HDV market dynamics and shift towards net-zero propulsion provides an opportunity for Parker to pivot towards the development of PEMFC BoP technologies whilst building upon its decade-long experience in the development of filtration solutions for traditionally powered drivetrains.