Kolon Industries Wins Patent Technology Award for Fuel Cell Humidity Control Technology

Improved humidification performance and durability by optimizing hollow fiber membrane arrangement

Kolon Industries received a patent technology award for its humidity control technology, which improves the power generation efficiency and durability of fuel cells.

Yang Hyungmo, head of the FCH Research Team at Kolon Industries (left), and Managing Director Lee Museok pose for a commemorative photo at the 2026 Patent Technology Awards ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Intellectual Property, on the 10th. Kolon Industries.

Kolon Industries said on November 11 that it received the Chungmugong Award for its patent on a “hollow fiber membrane module,” a humidity control device for fuel cells, at the 2026 Patent Technology Awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Intellectual Property on November 10.

The Patent Technology Awards recognize outstanding technologies registered as patents in Korea within the past 10 years that have contributed to improving the competitiveness of the country’s industrial technology.

A humidity control device is a key component that maintains an appropriate humidity level inside a fuel cell, thereby improving its power generation performance and durability. A hollow fiber membrane is a functional membrane shaped like a thin tube, similar to a straw, that transfers moisture to the air supplied to a fuel cell.

Previously, manufacturers increased the amount of hollow fiber membranes used to improve humidification performance. However, as the membrane bundles became thicker, moisture was not distributed evenly to the center, reducing efficiency and durability.

Kolon Industries optimized the shape and arrangement of the hollow fiber membranes so that moisture is distributed evenly throughout the membrane. This makes it possible to improve humidification performance without increasing the amount of membrane used, while also enabling product miniaturization and cost reductions.

Kolon Industries was the first in the world to mass-produce a humidity control device for fuel cells and has supplied the product to global automakers since 2013. Cumulative sales have exceeded 100,000 units.

A Kolon Industries official said, “This award recognizes the excellence of our hydrogen materials technology, which we have developed over more than 30 years,” adding, “We will secure technological leadership in the global hydrogen market by advancing our technology and strengthening our intellectual property portfolio.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.