(JP10074532-A)      The apparatus (20) has multiple water permeation members (22a-22f). Fuel gas passageways (34a-34c) and oxidizing agent gas passageways (48a-48c) are formed on one surface of a permeation member alternatively. On the other surface of the permeation member, humidification irrigation canals (40a-40f) are formed. Multiple medium flow paths (44) are also provided adjacent to the canals. The flow paths receive temperature from the canals, when water is frozen inside the canal for humidification of fuel gas or oxidizing agent gas. The gases are supplied to a battery with a lateral anode and cathode separated by a solid state polymer electrolyte film.    ADVANTAGE -   Exchanges heat between water and medium. Decompresses water for humidification quickly.    (US5965288-A)      A gas humidifying device (14) for a fuel cell to humidify the fuel gas and/or oxygen containing gas which is supplied to the fuel cell having an anode electrode and cathode electrode facing each other with a solid electrolyte membrane between comprising: (a) water permeable elements (22a-22f); (b) gas supply passages (34a-34c), (48a-48c) formed on side surfaces of the water permeable elements; (c) humidifying water passages (40a-40f) formed on the other side surfaces of the water permeable elements; and (d) medium flow passages (44) for supplying a medium having a melting point below that of water. The passages being independent from yet located close to the humidifying water passage.    USE -   In the humidification of gases supplied to a fuel cell to maintain a solid polymer electrolyte in an optimal humidified state.    ADVANTAGE -   When water which is used for humidifying a fuel gas and oxygen containing gas becomes frozen within the water passages of the humidifier a medium having a melting point below that of water is supplied to medium flow passages which are located in the vicinity of the water passages to exchange heat between the water and the medium. As a result the fuel cell, which has a simple structure, enables simple and efficient melting of the frozen humidifying water.    (EP831543-B1)      A gas humidifying device (14) for a fuel cell to humidify the fuel gas and/or oxygen containing gas which is supplied to the fuel cell having an anode electrode and cathode electrode facing each other with a solid electrolyte membrane between comprising: (a) water permeable elements (22a-22f); (b) gas supply passages (34a-34c), (48a-48c) formed on side surfaces of the water permeable elements; (c) humidifying water passages (40a-40f) formed on the other side surfaces of the water permeable elements; and (d) medium flow passages (44) for supplying a medium having a melting point below that of water. The passages being independent from yet located close to the humidifying water passage.    USE -   In the humidification of gases supplied to a fuel cell to maintain a solid polymer electrolyte in an optimal humidified state.    ADVANTAGE -   When water which is used for humidifying a fuel gas and oxygen containing gas becomes frozen within the water passages of the humidifier a medium having a melting point below that of water is supplied to medium flow passages which are located in the vicinity of the water passages to exchange heat between the water and the medium. As a result the fuel cell, which has a simple structure, enables simple and efficient melting of the frozen humidifying water.