Abstract: A species transfer device in communication with at least two streams, one stream having a higher potential of a species than a lower potential stream. The species transfer device is capable of removing a portion of the species from the high potential stream, and transferring the removed species into the low potential stream. The species transfer device incorporates a housing assembly, exchange matrix and optionally, a sorbent. The housing assembly contains both the exchange matrix and optionally a sorbent inside a housing enclosure and between a sealing enclosure, and provides for the entrance and exhaust of the first and second streams therethrough. The exchange matrix can be, but need not be, in the form of a wheel having an average linear coefficient of thermal expansion at 25 to 800° C. of less than about 20×10−7/° C. The housing assembly with the housing and sealing enclosures enables the species transfer device to run efficiently through a range of pressures.

Abstract: A stream conditioning system for a fuel cell gas management system or fuel cell engine. The stream conditioning system manages species potential in at least one fuel cell reactant stream. A species transfer device is located in the path of at least one reactant stream of a fuel cell's inlet or outlet, which transfer device conditions that stream to improve the efficiency of the fuel cell. The species transfer device incorporates an exchange media and a sorbent. The fuel cell gas management system can include a cathode loop with the stream conditioning system transferring latent and sensible heat from an exhaust stream to the cathode inlet stream of the fuel cell; an anode humidity retention system for maintaining the total enthalpy of the anode stream exiting the fuel cell related to the total enthalpy of the anode inlet stream; and a cooling water management system having segregated deionized water and cooling water loops interconnected by means of a brazed plate heat exchanger.