Compact Water Recovery System Utilizing Permselective Membranes

Aspen Systems proposes to develop a highly efficient and compact water recovery system from the fuel cell exhaust stream by utilizing an innovative water permselective membrane technology. In the proposed water recovery technology, water vapor will be absorbed and transported through a superabsorbing membrane layer. From the superabsorbing membrane, water will be collected via a pervaporation or facilitated transport mechanism by using reduced pressure or air sweeping, respectively. In the proposed concept, the water recovery system and process are completely separate from the fuel cell exhaust stream by the membrane, and therefore, the process can be optimized independently and integration into the existing fuel cell system will be relatively simple. In Phase I, we will experimentally demonstrate the proposed concept of high efficiency water recovery system performance by developing nanocomposite-based water superabsorbing membranes. Based on these experimental results, we will also complete the conceptual engineering design of the prototype water recovery system, including design and performance specifications. In Phase II, we will fabricate and test the prototype permselective membrane-based water recovery system which can be easily integrated into the existing fuel cell power generation system, operating on logistic fuel reformates.