VIASPACE Delivers Humidity Sensor

VIASPACE Inc. of Pasadena, California, has begun shipments of its new VIASENSOR HS-100 humidity sensor with initial deliveries to Fuel Cell Technologies Inc. of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The performance of hydrogen fuel cells using polymer electrolyte membrane depends on the moisture level of the membrane. The membrane only conducts protons when it is moistened by water vapor in the incoming air or hydrogen stream. The VIASENSOR HS-1000 provides real-time measurements of the amount of water vapor in gas streams. It is the only humidity sensor that provides in-situ, continuous and fast-responding dew point measurement. With its laser-based design, the unit takes data measurements every five seconds, does not require specialized installation and is safe for the fuel cell.

“The VIASENSOR HS-1000 solves the key challenges of accurately measuring the fuel cell humidity levels in both high temperature and high humidity environments,” says Dr. Carl Kukkonen, VIASPACE’s CEO.

In other news, VIASPACE reports that two of Caltech’s pending direct methanol fuel cell patents were issued in Japan. They are Japanese patent numbers 3914726, Methods of Forming a Direct Feed Methanol Fuel Cell, and 3914727, Direct Methanol Fuel Feed Cell and System. These patents have been licensed to Caltech by VIASPACE subsidiary, Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Corp.