NOVELTY - The humidification cell (1) includes two outer plates (9a, 9b) enclosing a gas space (21), a space for humidification water (31) and a water-permeable membrane (5) separating these spaces. A first, water-permeable support (7a) is arranged between the first outer plate and the membrane. The novel feature is use of a sieve fabric to form the first support. Between the membrane and the second outer plate a second water-permeable support (7b) is located, also made of sieve fabric. The fabric is made from plastic.    USE - A humidification cell for gases supplied to fuel cell electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE - The arrangement using sieve fabric support, achieves 100% humidification of the gases supplied to the fuel cell, without water droplet entrainment. It satisfies these two essential requirements for successful fuel cell operation. It replaces the carbon paper support used in earlier designs. The sieve is woven from continuous fibers; unlike carbon paper it cannot release short fibers. This prevents blockage of critical constrictions. The membrane can be connected to the supports or clamped detachably between them. The outer plates do not have to cover any part of the membrane, maximizing its wetting capability. The plastic can be selected to resist the harsh chemical environment and possibly high temperatures of operation. The sieve fabric retains the membrane in the same sealed manner as carbon paper, despite its pores. This avoids corrosion problems where metal outer plates are used, and upholds maximum wetting power.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The plastic used is polypropylene or polyester. It is alternatively a heavy duty plastic, especially polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polysulfone (PSU). The thickness and pore diameter (D) of the sieve fabric and the membrane rigidity are matched with each other and in respect of pressures in the spaces bordering the membrane. This ensures that the membrane is not forced through the pores during operation of the humidification cell. It contacts the outer plates (9a or 9b). The sieve fabric thickness is 3 to 4 times the diameter of its pores. The preferred sieve fabric pore diameter is 90 mu m to 110 mu m and its thickness is 300-400 mu m. The first outer plate, first support, membrane, second support and the second outer plate rest against each other.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic cross section of the humidification cell.    humidification cell (1)    water-permeable membrane (5)    first water-permeable support (7a)    second water-permeable support (7b)    outer plates (9a, 9b)    gas space (21)    space for humidification water (31)