Fuel Cell Humidifier Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Recirculating Humidifier, Hollow Fiber Membrane Humidifier, and Flat Membrane Humidifier), By Humidification Type (Gas to Gas and Gas to Water), By Design (Internal and External), By Application (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, and Others), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global fuel cell humidifier market is expanding owing to the rising popularity of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), which require effective humidification systems to optimize their performance. A fuel cell humidifier prevents fuel cell membranes from drying out. Additionally, it adds humidity by transferring water vapor from the exhaust gases to the intake gases. This process guarantees that the gases sent to the fuel cell are humidified to maintain the optimal membrane hydration level.

Companies such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda are leading the market with models such as the Mirai, Nexo, and Clarity. Fuel cell systems need precise humidity levels to ensure efficient operation and longevity. Proper humidification improves fuel cell efficiency, enhances performance, and reduces wear and tear.

• According to the International Energy Agency, the global sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) reached approximately 25,000 units in 2022, with a significant portion of these sales attributed to leading models such as Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity.

Fuel Cell Humidifier Market Driver

Increasing Concern Over Fuel Cell Efficiency to Boost Product Demand

Many governments have set ambitious targets to increase the number of fuel cell electric vehicles on the road, backed by financial and tax incentives. Initiatives, such as strict emission control measures and international agreements to reduce greenhouse gases, are expected to drive the demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

• The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), a European private-public R&D collaboration, projected that by 2050, hydrogen fuel would constitute ~24% of the total regional energy usage.

Fuel Cell Humidifier Market Restraint

High Initial Investment and Competition from Electric Vehicles to Impede Market Growth

The widespread production capabilities of battery electric vehicle (BEV) companies and the high production costs of fuel-cell vehicles may hinder the development of the fuel-cell automobile market. However, efforts by governmental and private entities to address these challenges could help mitigate these impacts. These factors are expected to restrain the growth of the fuel cell humidifier market.

• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) noted that battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales significantly outpace fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) sales. As of 2023, there were approximately 2 million BEVs on the road compared to around 12,000 FCEVs.

Fuel Cell Humidifier Market Opportunity

Rising Integration of Advanced Technologies to Improve Efficiency of Vehicle Power Output to Offer New Opportunities

Many companies are developing advanced fuel cell humidifiers and integrating technologies to enhance vehicle power output efficiency. This development might create demand in the market over the coming years.

In addition, the hydrogen infrastructure is crucial for FCEV deployment, supporting refuelling needs. Key players are also focused on building new fueling stations and producing clean hydrogen fuel to boost the expansion of fuel cell-based vehicles. This infrastructure growth might create lucrative opportunities for fuel cell humidifier manufacturers.

• Governments and private companies are investing in the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. This includes building new fueling stations and upgrading existing ones to support the growing fleet of FCEVs.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Fuel Cell Humidifier
• Key Industry Development (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market 
• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape for the Fuel Cell Humidifier

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the market is subdivided into recirculating humidifier, hollow fiber membrane humidifier, and flat membrane humidifier.

A recirculating humidifier is a type of humidification system that operates by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack back into the humidification process. This process helps to maintain the optimal humidity levels within the fuel cell stack, which is crucial for its efficient operation. By recirculating the exhaust gas, the system can capture and reuse moisture, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing water consumption.

Analysis by Humidification Type

On the basis of humidification type, the market is divided into gas to gas and gas to water.

Gas-to-gas humidification involves adding moisture to a gas stream by using another gas stream that contains moisture. This method is typically used in industrial processes where direct contact between the humidifying gas and the process gas is acceptable. A moist gas (such as steam or humid air) is mixed with the target gas stream. The mixing can occur in a mixing chamber or through a membrane that allows the transfer of water vapor without direct mixing of the gases.

• In a chemical processing plant, introducing steam into a process gas stream increased the humidity from 10% to 80% relative humidity (RH) within minutes.

Analysis by Design

On the basis of design, the market is segmented into internal and external.

Humidification design considers strategies for increasing and maintaining desired moisture levels within a space. Internal humidification involves installing a system within the conditioned space to add moisture to the air directly. A vapor barrier on the warm side of walls and ceilings minimizes moisture migration and reduces the humidification load.

• A study published by the Department of Energy found that a properly installed vapor barrier can improve energy efficiency by up to 15% by reducing heating and cooling loads.

Analysis by Application

Based on application, the market is subdivided into proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), solid oxide fuel cell, and others.

A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a type of fuel cell that operates on the principle of converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. PEMFCs are at the forefront of fuel cell technology due to their efficiency, versatility, and clean energy benefits. However, ongoing research and development aim to address cost and durability challenges to broaden their adoption across various sectors.

• PEMFCs produce electricity with zero emissions of pollutants at the point of use, contributing to environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially when hydrogen is sourced from renewable sources.

Regional Analysis

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On the basis of region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is poised hold a dominant market share, driven by increasing deployment targets for fuel cell electric vehicles. Government investments in hydrogen fuel cell humidifier development are also expected to bolster regional growth.

• In October 2020, the China Society of Automotive Engineers, guided by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, released a technology roadmap. The roadmap highlights China’s goal to develop a hydrogen economy, adding that the country aims to have 1 million FCEVs on its roads by 2035, focusing on commercial vehicles. 

Europe is expected to experience notable growth in the global market due to increased government emphasis on formulating norms mandating carbon reduction targets for vehicles.

• In April 2024, fuel cell technology firm Ballard Power Systems announced the signing of a long-term supply agreement with its customer Solaris Bus & Coach for the supply of 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell engines through 2027 for the European transit bus market.

Key Players Covered

• Shanghai Super Power Technology Co. Ltd (China)
• Pentair (U.S.)
• Emprise (U.S.)
• Pentair Engineered Filtration (U.S.)
• Mann+ Hummel (Germany)
• Smart Fog (U.S.)
• dPoint Technologies (Canada)
• Freudenberg Filtration Technologies SE & Co. KG KOLON (Germany)
• Norsk Analyze AS (Norway)
• Perma Pure LLC (U.S.)
• Szextender (China)

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy allocated new grants to support research and development in fuel cell technologies, including advanced humidification systems. This initiative is part of broader efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy. These grants are anticipated to spur innovation and investment in fuel cell humidifiers, contributing to market growth and technological advancements.
• In July 2024, BMW and Toyota announced a collaboration to develop next-generation fuel cell systems with integrated humidifiers. The focus is on enhancing the performance and efficiency of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This partnership is expected to accelerate the commercialization of more efficient FCEVs, boosting the market for automotive fuel cell humidifiers.