Ensuring uniform membrane hydration in a PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) is important for its performance and durability. In this study, a bubble humidifier for humidifying hydrogen in a 50 kW PEMFC pilot plant was designed, built, and modeled. Initial tests, carried out by humidifying air, show that a dew point temperature of higher than 59 degrees C is attained when operating the PEMFC plant at nominal power at 65 degrees C. The model simulation results show good agreement with experimental data and the model is used for studying humidifier performance at other conditions. Steady state simulation results suggest that by increasing the heating water flow rate, the humidifier outlet dew point temperature can be increased by several degrees because of improved heat transfer. Finally, dynamic simulation results suggest that the humidity of the hydrogen can be controlled by manipulating the heat supply to the humidifier. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.