CN216850016U

CN216850016U - Humidifier

Info

Publication number: CN216850016U
Application number: CN202123063177.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 棚桥敏彦
Original assignee: Toyota Boshoku Corp
Current assignee: Toyota Boshoku Corp
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2022-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-08
Also published as: JP2022094467A

Abstract

The utility model relates to a humidifier. The passage forming member (9) includes a 1 st support rib and a 1 st passage rib (18) protruding from the bottom plate (16) toward the 1 st surface (10a) of the water vapor permeable membrane (10). The 1 st support rib forms a humidified gas passage (22). The 1 st passage rib (18) includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 1 st surface (10 a); and a clamping part (18b) which is in contact with the 1 st surface (10a) at the position corresponding to the inlet (22a) and the outlet of the humid gas channel (22). The passage forming member (9) includes a 2 nd support rib (19) and a 2 nd passage rib protruding from the bottom plate (16) toward the 2 nd surface (10b) of the water vapor permeable membrane (10). The 2 nd support rib (19) forms a dry gas passage. The 2 nd passage rib includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 2 nd surface (10 b); and a clamping part which is contacted with the 2 nd surface (10b) at the position corresponding to the inlet and the outlet of the drying gas channel.

Description

Humidifier

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a humidifier.

Background

Fuel cells mounted on automobiles and the like receive supply of fuel gas such as hydrogen and oxidizing gas such as air. The fuel cell generates electricity based on a reaction between these fuel gases and the oxidizing gas. In the fuel cell power generation, water is generated along with the reaction between the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas. The water thus generated flows out of the fuel cell together with the exhaust gas.

The fuel cell has a property of high power generation efficiency in a wet state. Thus, the following operations are performed: the humidifier applies moisture to a gas (dry gas) such as a fuel gas or an oxidizing gas flowing into the fuel cell, thereby bringing the inside of the fuel cell into a wet state. As a humidifier, as described in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2009-26624, there is known a humidifier that extracts moisture from exhaust gas (humidified gas) flowing from a fuel cell and applies moisture to the dry gas.

The humidifier described in this publication includes the following water vapor permeable membrane and passage forming member. The water vapor permeable membrane can pass moisture (water vapor) without passing gas. The water vapor permeable membrane has a 1 st surface and a 2 nd surface located on both sides in the thickness direction. The passage forming member sandwiches the water vapor permeable membrane in the thickness direction.

A humidified gas passage through which a humidified gas flows is formed between a passage forming member in contact with the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane and the 1 st surface. The passage forming member is formed with a plurality of pillars that protrude toward the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane in the humidified gas passage. A dry gas passage through which a dry gas flows is formed between a passage forming member in contact with the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane and the 2 nd surface. The passage forming member is formed with a plurality of pillars protruding toward the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane in the dry gas passage. These pillars are used to support the water vapor permeable membrane.

In the humidifier, when the humidified gas passes through the humidified gas passage, moisture contained in the humidified gas is collected in the water vapor permeable membrane. When the dry gas passes through the dry gas passage of the humidifier, moisture is applied to the dry gas from the water vapor permeable membrane. Then, the dry gas is supplied to the fuel cell together with the moisture, and the inside of the fuel cell is brought into a wet state.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Problem to be solved by utility model

In the humidifier of the above publication, the support for supporting the water vapor permeable membrane is in contact with the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane in the wet gas passage and is in contact with the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane in the dry gas passage. In this way, the area of contact of the humidified gas with the 1 st surface is reduced by the amount of contact of the support with the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane, and the area of contact of the dry gas with the 2 nd surface is reduced by the amount of contact of the support with the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane. As a result, the humidifier has a low efficiency of transferring moisture from the humid gas to the dry gas.

Means for solving the problems

The following describes means for solving the above problems and its operational effects.

The humidifier solving the above problems includes: a water vapor permeable film having a 1 st surface and a 2 nd surface located on both sides in a thickness direction; and a passage forming member that sandwiches the water vapor permeable membrane in a thickness direction. A humidified gas passage through which humidified gas flows is formed between a passage forming member in contact with the 1 st surface and the 1 st surface. A dry gas passage through which a dry gas flows is formed between a passage forming member in contact with the 2 nd surface and the 2 nd surface. In the humidifier, moisture contained in the humidified gas passing through the humidified gas passage is taken into the water vapor permeable membrane, and moisture is applied from the water vapor permeable membrane to the dry gas passing through the dry gas passage. The path forming member in contact with the 1 st surface includes: a bottom plate opposite to the 1 st face; a 1 st support rib protruding from the base plate and contacting the 1 st surface, and extending along an outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane; and a 1 st via rib protruding from the bottom plate toward the 1 st face. The 1 st support rib separates a wet gas path between the base plate and the 1 st face from the outer portion, including an inlet and an outlet of the wet gas path. The inlet of the humidified gas passage is connected to the humidified gas introduction path, and the outlet of the humidified gas passage is connected to the humidified gas discharge path. The 1 st passage rib is formed to extend between the inlet and the outlet of the humidified gas passage, and includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 1 st surface; and a clamping portion contacting the 1 st surface at positions corresponding to the inlet and the outlet. The passage forming member in contact with the 2 nd face includes: a bottom plate opposite to the 2 nd face; a 2 nd support rib protruding from the base plate and contacting the 2 nd surface, and extending along an outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane; and a 2 nd passage rib protruding from the bottom plate toward the 2 nd face. The No. 2 support rib separates the dry gas passage between the base plate and the No. 2 surface from the outside, and is provided with an inlet and an outlet of the dry gas passage at positions separated from the inlet and the outlet of the wet gas passage. An inlet of the dry gas passage is connected to the dry gas introduction path, and an outlet of the dry gas passage is connected to the dry gas discharge path. The 2 nd passage rib is formed to extend between the inlet and the outlet of the dry gas passage, and includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 2 nd surface; and a clamping portion contacting the 2 nd surface at positions corresponding to the inlet and the outlet.

In the humidifier, it is preferable that the 1 st passage rib is a plurality of 1 st passage ribs provided in parallel with being spaced apart from each other, and the 2 nd passage rib is a plurality of 2 nd passage ribs provided in parallel with being spaced apart from each other.

In the humidifier, it is preferable that the humidified gas passage and the dry gas passage include: a moisture exchange region for allowing the wet gas and the dry gas to flow in opposite directions at positions sandwiching the water vapor permeable membrane; an introduction zone connecting the moisture exchange zone with the inlet; and a lead-out region connecting the moisture exchange region and the outlet, the moisture exchange region of the wet gas passage and the moisture exchange region of the dry gas passage being located at corresponding positions, the lead-in region of the wet gas passage and the lead-out region of the dry gas passage being located at corresponding positions, the lead-out region of the wet gas passage and the lead-in region of the dry gas passage being located at corresponding positions, the separation portion of the 1 st passage rib being located in the moisture exchange region of the wet gas passage, the separation portion of the 2 nd passage rib being located in the moisture exchange region of the dry gas passage, the nip portion of the 1 st passage rib being located in the lead-in region and the lead-out region of the wet gas passage, and the nip portion of the 2 nd passage rib being located in the lead-in region and the lead-out region of the dry gas passage.

According to the above configuration, the humidified gas introduced from the humidified gas introduction path to the humidified gas passage passes through the humidified gas passage and is then led out to the humidified gas lead-out path. When the humidified gas passes through the humidified gas passage, the humidified gas can also enter between the separation portion of the 1 st passage rib and the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane. Therefore, the contact area of the humidified gas with the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane can be suppressed from decreasing due to the contact of the 1 st surface with the separation portion of the 1 st channel rib. On the other hand, the dry gas introduced from the dry gas introduction path to the dry gas passage passes through the dry gas passage and is then discharged to the dry gas discharge path. When the dry gas passes through the dry gas passage, the dry gas can also enter between the separation part of the 2 nd passage rib and the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane. Therefore, the contact area of the second surface of the water vapor permeable membrane with the separation portion of the second channel rib can be prevented from being reduced. Therefore, in the humidifier, the efficiency of moisture transfer from the wet gas to the dry gas can be suppressed from being lowered.

However, at the inlet of the humidified gas passage, the water vapor permeable membrane is located between the 1 st passage rib and the 2 nd support rib. When the 1 st channel rib is apart from the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane at the inlet of the humidified gas channel and the water vapor permeable membrane in the vicinity of the inlet of the humidified gas channel is not sandwiched between the 1 st channel rib and the 2 nd support rib, a gap is generated between the 1 st channel rib and the 1 st surface and between the 2 nd support rib and the 2 nd surface. Further, if the gap is connected to the wet gas introduction path, there is a possibility that gas may flow between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage.

Further, at the outlet of the humidified gas passage, the water vapor permeable membrane is located between the 1 st passage rib and the 2 nd support rib. When the 1 st channel rib is located away from the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane at the outlet of the humidified gas passage and the water vapor permeable membrane in the vicinity of the outlet of the humidified gas passage is not sandwiched between the 1 st channel rib and the 2 nd support rib, a gap is generated between the 1 st channel rib and the 1 st surface and between the 2 nd support rib and the 2 nd surface. Further, if the gap is connected to the wet gas lead-out path via the wet gas lead-out path, there is a possibility that gas flows between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage.

However, the 1 st channel rib is restrained from leaving the 1 st surface of the water vapor permeable membrane at the inlet and outlet of the humidified gas channel by the sandwiching portion of the 1 st channel rib. Therefore, the water vapor permeable membrane near the inlet and outlet of the humidified gas passage is sandwiched between the 1 st passage rib sandwiching portion and the 2 nd support rib, and no gap is generated between the 1 st passage rib sandwiching portion and the 1 st surface and between the 2 nd support rib and the 2 nd surface. This can suppress the occurrence of gas between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage due to the gaps as described above.

At the entrance of the dry gas channel, the water vapor permeable membrane is located between the 2 nd channel rib and the 1 st support rib. When the 2 nd channel rib is apart from the 2 nd surface of the water vapor-permeable membrane at the inlet of the dry gas channel and the water vapor-permeable membrane in the vicinity of the inlet of the dry gas channel is not sandwiched between the 2 nd channel rib and the 1 st support rib, a gap is generated between the 2 nd channel rib and the 2 nd surface and between the 1 st support rib and the 1 st surface. Further, if the gap is connected to the dry gas introduction path, there is a possibility that gas leaks between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage.

Further, at the outlet of the dry gas passage, a water vapor permeable membrane is located between the 2 nd passage rib and the 1 st support rib. When the 2 nd channel rib is apart from the 2 nd surface of the water vapor-permeable membrane at the outlet of the dry gas channel and the water vapor-permeable membrane in the vicinity of the outlet of the dry gas is not sandwiched between the 2 nd channel rib and the 1 st support rib, a gap is generated between the 2 nd channel rib and the 2 nd surface and between the 1 st support rib and the 1 st surface. Further, if the gap is connected to the dry gas lead-out passage via the dry gas lead-out passage, there is a possibility that gas leakage occurs between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage.

However, the 2 nd channel rib is restrained from leaving the 2 nd surface of the water vapor permeable membrane at the inlet and outlet of the dry gas channel by the sandwiching portion of the 2 nd channel rib. Therefore, the water vapor permeable membrane near the inlet and outlet of the dry gas channel is sandwiched between the sandwiching portion of the 2 nd channel rib and the 1 st support rib, and no gap is generated between the sandwiching portion of the 2 nd channel rib and the 2 nd surface and between the 1 st support rib and the 1 st surface. This can suppress the occurrence of gas between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage due to the gaps as described above.

Therefore, the circulation of the gas between the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage is suppressed, and the decrease in the efficiency of the moisture transfer from the wet gas to the dry gas can be suppressed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas supply and discharge structure of a fuel cell to which a humidifier is applied.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the humidifier.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the passage forming member.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a water vapor permeable membrane.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the passage forming member is viewed from the direction of arrow E-E in fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the inlet of the humidified gas passage in the passage forming member as viewed from the direction of arrow a in fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the outlet of the humidified gas passage in the passage forming member as viewed from the direction of arrow B in fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a front view of the inlet of the dry gas passage in the passage forming member as viewed from the direction of arrow C in fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the outlet of the dry gas passage in the passage forming member as viewed from the direction of arrow D in fig. 3.

Description of the reference numerals

5. A humidifier; 9. a passage forming member; 10. a water vapor permeable membrane; 10a, 1 st surface; 10b, the 2 nd surface; 15. an outer frame; 16. a base plate; 17. the 1 st support rib; 18. a 1 st via rib; 18a, a separation part; 18b, a clamping part; 19. a 2 nd support rib; 20. a 2 nd passage rib; 20a, a separation part; 20b, a clamping part; 21. a partition wall; 22. a humidified gas passage; 22a, an inlet; 22b, an outlet; 23. a dry gas passage; 23a, an inlet; 23b, an outlet.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the humidifier will be described below with reference to fig. 1 to 9.

The fuel cell 1 shown in fig. 1 includes a multi-layered membrane electrode assembly partitioned by separators. The fuel cell 1 receives the supply of a fuel gas (hydrogen in this example) and an oxidizing gas (atmospheric air in this example), and generates electric power based on a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen in the atmospheric air.

The anode side of the fuel cell 1 is connected to a fuel-side passage 2. The upstream end of the fuel-side passage 2 is connected to a hydrogen tank 4 for storing hydrogen. The fuel-side passage 2 supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 4 to the anode side of the fuel cell 1, more specifically, between the anode electrode layer of the membrane electrode assembly and the adjacent separator. The fuel-side passage 2 allows exhaust gas to flow out from the anode side of the fuel cell 1.

The cathode side of the fuel cell 1 is connected to the atmosphere-side passage 3. The upstream end of the atmosphere-side passage 3 is open to the atmosphere. The atmosphere-side passage 3 supplies the atmosphere to the cathode side of the fuel cell 1, more specifically, between the cathode electrode layer of the membrane electrode assembly and the adjacent separator. Further, the atmosphere-side passage 3 flows the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell 1.

In the fuel cell 1, power generation is performed based on a reaction between hydrogen supplied to the anode side and oxygen in the atmosphere supplied to the cathode side. Further, in the fuel cell 1, water is generated along with the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The water thus produced is contained in the exhaust gas flowing out from the anode side of the fuel cell 1 via the fuel-side passage 2, and is also contained in the exhaust gas flowing out from the cathode side of the fuel cell 1 via the atmospheric-side passage 3.

However, the fuel cell 1 has a property of increasing the power generation efficiency by bringing the membrane electrode assembly inside into a wet state. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a humidifier for extracting moisture contained in the exhaust gas (humidified gas) flowing out of the fuel cell 1 and applying the moisture to a gas (dry gas) such as the fuel gas or the oxidizing gas flowing into the fuel cell 1, in at least one of the fuel-side passage 2 and the atmosphere-side passage 3. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the humidifier 5 is provided in the atmosphere-side passage 3.

The exhaust gas (atmosphere) flowing out from the fuel cell 1 through the atmosphere-side passage 3 becomes a humid gas containing water generated in the fuel cell 1 in a state of water vapor. The humidifier 5 extracts moisture (water vapor) contained in the exhaust gas. Then, the humidifier 5 supplies the moisture to the dry atmosphere (dry gas) flowing in the atmosphere-side passage 3 at a position upstream of the fuel cell 1 to turn the atmosphere into a humid gas. The atmospheric air as the wet gas is supplied to the cathode side of the fuel cell 1. This brings the inside of the fuel cell 1 into a wet state.

On the other hand, the fuel-side passage 2 is connected to the gas-liquid separator 7 at a position downstream of the fuel cell 1. The gas-liquid separator 7 separates water contained in the exhaust gas (hydrogen that is not used in the fuel cell 1) flowing out of the fuel cell 1 from the exhaust gas. Then, in the gas-liquid separator 7, the exhaust gas (hydrogen) separated from the water is recirculated to the upstream of the fuel cell 1 in the fuel-side passage 2 via the hydrogen passage 8.

Next, the humidifier 5 will be described in detail.

As shown in fig. 2, the humidifier 5 includes a passage forming member 9 and a water vapor permeable membrane 10. The passage forming member 9 is formed in a rectangular frame shape and is stacked in the thickness direction. The water vapor permeable membrane 10 is sandwiched between the passage forming members 9. In other words, the passage forming member 9 sandwiches the water vapor permeable film 10 in the thickness direction. The passage forming members 9 of the passage forming members 9 are formed in the same shape except for the passage forming members 9 located at both ends (upper and lower ends in fig. 2) in the stacking direction in which they are stacked. The end surfaces of the passage forming members 9 positioned at both ends in the stacking direction in which the passage forming members 9 are stacked in the thickness direction are closed, specifically, the end surfaces positioned outside the humidifier 5.

The passage forming member 9 located at the lower end of fig. 2 has a wet gas inlet 11 and a dry gas inlet 13. The passage forming member 9 located at the upper end of fig. 2 has a wet gas lead-out port 12 and a dry gas lead-out port 14. The humidified gas flows into the humidifier 5 from the humidified gas inlet 11 and then flows out of the humidifier 5 from the humidified gas outlet 12. The dry gas flows into the humidifier 5 from the dry gas inlet 13, and then flows out of the humidifier 5 from the dry gas outlet 14.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a state of the passage forming members 9 excluding the passage forming members 9 located at both ends in the stacking direction among the passage forming members 9, and a state of the water vapor permeable film 10, respectively, as viewed from above. As shown in fig. 3, the passage forming member 9 has an outer frame 15, a bottom plate 16, a 1 st support rib 17, a 1 st passage rib 18, a 2 nd support rib 19, and a 2 nd passage rib 20.

The outer frame 15 is formed in a rectangular shape. A bottom plate 16 is disposed inside the outer frame 15. The bottom plate 16 is formed in a hexagonal shape. The bottom plate 16 is formed integrally with a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long side of the outer frame 15. The end of the bottom plate 16 in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in fig. 3) of the outer frame 15 is connected to the end of the outer frame 15 in the longitudinal direction via a partition 21. As shown in fig. 4, the water vapor permeable membrane 10 is formed in a hexagonal shape similar to the bottom plate 16 of the passage forming member 9 shown in fig. 3. The water vapor permeable membrane 10 is sandwiched between the passage forming members 9 adjacent to each other so as to be located at a position corresponding to the bottom plates 16 of the passage forming members 9.

Fig. 5 shows a state where the passage forming member 9 and the water vapor permeable membrane 10 are viewed from the direction of the arrow E-E in fig. 3. As shown in fig. 5, the water vapor permeable film 10 has a 1 st surface 10a and a 2 nd surface 10b on both sides in the thickness direction thereof. The bottom plate 16 of the passage forming member 9 faces the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 and also faces the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 located beside the water vapor permeable membrane 10. A humidified gas passage 22 through which humidified gas flows is formed between the base plate 16 and the 1 st surface 10 a. A dry gas passage 23 through which a dry gas flows is formed between the bottom plate 16 and the 2 nd surface 10 b.

The 1 st support rib 17, the 1 st passage rib 18, the 2 nd support rib 19, and the 2 nd passage rib 20 will be described in detail below.

[ 1 st support rib 17]

The 1 st support rib 17 protrudes from the base plate 16 toward the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10, and is in contact with the 1 st surface 10 a. As shown in fig. 3, the 1 st support rib 17 extends along the outer edge of the bottom plate 16, in other words, the outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 (fig. 4). The 1 st support rib 17 is connected to the partition wall 21 and is integrated with a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long side of the outer frame 15. The 1 st support rib 17 serves to separate the humid gas channel 22 from the outer portion. The 1 st support rib 17 includes an inlet 22a and an outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22.

[ 1 st passage rib 18]

As shown in fig. 5, the 1 st channel rib 18 protrudes from the bottom plate 16 toward the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10. As shown in fig. 3, the 1 st passage rib 18 is formed to extend between the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22. The 1 st passage rib 18 is provided in plurality so as to be parallel to the 1 st support rib 17 at equal intervals. The 1 st passage rib 18 has the same length.

The center of the humidified gas passage 22 in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 16 serves as a water exchange region AM. The water exchange area AM is connected to the inlet 22a of the humidified gas passage 22 via the introduction area AI of the humidified gas passage 22. Further, the moisture exchange region AM is connected to the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22 via the lead-out region AO of the humidified gas passage 22.

The 1 st path rib 18 includes a separating portion 18a located in the moisture exchange area AM of the humidified gas path 22 and a sandwiching portion 18b located in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the humidified gas path 22. The height at which the separating portion 18a protrudes with respect to the base plate 16 is lower than the height at which the clamping portion 18b protrudes with respect to the base plate 16.

Fig. 6 shows a state where the inlet 22a of the humidified gas passage 22 is viewed from the direction of arrow a in fig. 3, and fig. 7 shows a state where the outlet 22B of the humidified gas passage 22 is viewed from the direction of arrow B in fig. 3. As is apparent from fig. 6 and 7, the nip portion 18b of the 1 st channel rib 18 is in contact with the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the humidified gas channel 22. Thus, the clamping portion 18b contacts the 1 st surface 10a at positions corresponding to at least the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22.

[ 2 nd support rib 19]

As shown in fig. 5, the 2 nd support rib 19 protrudes from the bottom plate 16 toward the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10, and is in contact with the 2 nd surface 10 b. As shown in fig. 3, the No. 2 support ribs 19 extend along the outer edge of the bottom plate 16, in other words, the outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 (fig. 4). The 2 nd support rib 19 is connected to the partition wall 21 and is integrated with the longitudinal center of the outer frame 15. The 2 nd support rib 19 serves to separate the dry gas passage 23 from the outer portion. The 2 nd support rib 19 includes an inlet 23a and an outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 at positions separated from the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humid gas passage 22. In addition, the positional relationship between the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 is opposite to the positional relationship between the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humid gas passage 22.

[ 2 nd passage rib 20]

As shown in fig. 5, the 2 nd channel rib 20 protrudes from the bottom plate 16 toward the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10. As shown in fig. 3, the 2 nd path rib 20 is formed to extend between the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas path 23. The 2 nd passage ribs 20 are provided in plurality so as to be parallel to each other at equal intervals and also parallel to the 2 nd support rib 19. The 2 nd passage ribs 20 are equal in length to each other.

The central portion of the dry gas passage 23 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 16 also serves as a water exchange region AM. The moisture exchange area AM of the dry gas passage 23 is located at a position corresponding to the moisture exchange area AM of the wet gas passage 22. The moisture exchange area AM of the dry gas passage 23 is connected to the inlet 23a of the dry gas passage 23 via the introduction area AI of the dry gas passage 23. The introduction area AI of the dry gas passage 23 is located at a position corresponding to the discharge area AO of the wet gas passage 22. Further, the moisture exchange region AM of the dry gas passage 23 is connected to the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 via the lead-out region AO of the dry gas passage 23. The lead-out area AO of the dry gas passage 23 is located at a position corresponding to the lead-in area AI of the wet gas passage 22.

The 2 nd passage rib 20 includes a separation part 20a located in the moisture exchange area AM of the dry gas passage 23 and a nip part 20b located in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the dry gas passage 23. The height at which the separating portion 20a protrudes with respect to the base plate 16 is lower than the height at which the clamping portion 20b protrudes with respect to the base plate 16.

Fig. 8 shows a state where the inlet 23a of the dry gas passage 23 is viewed from the direction of arrow C in fig. 3, and fig. 9 shows a state where the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 is viewed from the direction of arrow D in fig. 3. As is apparent from fig. 8 and 9, the nip portion 20b of the 2 nd channel rib 20 contacts the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the dry gas channel 23. Thus, the nip portion 20b contacts the 2 nd surface 10b at positions corresponding to at least the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23.

Next, a description will be given of a passage structure for flowing the humidified gas and the dry gas in the humidifier 5.

As shown in fig. 3, a humidified gas introduction path 24, a humidified gas discharge path 25, a dry gas introduction path 26, and a dry gas discharge path 27 are formed in the outer frame 15 of the passage forming members 9 stacked in the thickness direction.

The humidified gas introduction path 24 is connected to the humidified gas introduction port 11 and the inlet 22a of the humidified gas passage 22, and is partitioned by the outer frame 15, the partition wall 21, and the 2 nd support rib 19 to extend along the stacking direction of the passage forming member 9. The humidified gas lead-out path 25 is connected to the humidified gas lead-out port 12 and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22, and is partitioned by the outer frame 15, the partition wall 21, and the 2 nd support rib 19 to extend in the stacking direction of the passage forming member 9. Therefore, the humidified gas flows through the humidified gas inlet 11, the humidified gas introduction path 24, the humidified gas passage 22, the humidified gas discharge path 25, and the humidified gas discharge port 12 in this order.

The dry gas introduction path 26 is connected to the dry gas introduction port 13 and the inlet 23a of the dry gas passage 23, and is partitioned by the outer frame 15, the partition wall 21, and the 1 st support rib 17 to extend in the lamination direction of the passage forming member 9. The dry gas lead-out path 27 is connected to the dry gas lead-out port 14 and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23, and is partitioned by the outer frame 15, the partition wall 21, and the 1 st support rib 17 to extend in the stacking direction of the passage forming member 9. Therefore, the dry gas flows through the dry gas inlet 13, the dry gas inlet passage 26, the dry gas passage 23, the dry gas outlet passage 27, and the dry gas outlet 14 in this order.

The positional relationship between the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 is opposite to the positional relationship between the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the wet gas passage 22. Therefore, the humidified gas flowing through the moisture exchange region AM of the humidified gas passage 22 and the dry gas flowing through the moisture exchange region AM of the dry gas passage 23 flow in opposite directions to each other. In the humidifier 5, moisture contained in the humidified gas passing through the humidified gas passage 22 shown in fig. 5 is taken into the water vapor permeable membrane 10 (fig. 4), and moisture is applied from the water vapor permeable membrane 10 to the dry gas passing through the dry gas passage 23.

Next, the operation of the humidifier 5 of the present embodiment will be described.

The humidified gas introduced from the humidified gas introduction path 24 to the humidified gas passage 22 through the inlet 22a shown in fig. 3 passes through the humidified gas passage 22, and then is discharged to the humidified gas discharge path 25 through the outlet 22 b. When the humidified gas passes through the humidified gas passage 22, the humidified gas can also enter between the separation portions 18a of the 1 st passage ribs 18 and the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 shown in fig. 5. Therefore, the contact between the separating portion 18a of the 1 st channel rib 18 and the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 can be prevented from decreasing the area where the humidified gas contacts the 1 st surface 10 a. On the other hand, the dry gas introduced from the dry gas introduction path 26 shown in fig. 3 into the dry gas passage 23 through the inlet 23a passes through the dry gas passage 23, and then is discharged to the dry gas discharge path 27 through the outlet 23 b. When the dry gas passes through the dry gas passage 23, the dry gas also enters between the separation part 20a of the 2 nd passage rib 20 and the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 shown in fig. 5. Therefore, the contact area between the dry gas and the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 can be prevented from being reduced by the contact between the separation parts 20a of the 2 nd passage ribs 20 and the 2 nd surface 10 b. Therefore, in the humidifier 5, the efficiency of moisture transfer from the humidified gas to the dry gas can be suppressed from being lowered.

As shown in fig. 6, at the inlet 22a of the humidified gas passage 22, the water vapor-permeable membrane 10 is located between the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 2 nd support rib 19. In the case where the 1 st channel rib 18 is away from the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the inlet 22a of the humidified gas channel 22 and the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the inlet 22a of the humidified gas channel 22 is not sandwiched between the 1 st channel rib 18 and the 2 nd support rib 19, the following occurs. That is, a gap is generated between the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 1 st surface 10a and between the 2 nd support rib 19 and the 2 nd surface 10 b. If these gaps are connected to each other through the wet gas introduction path 24 (fig. 3), there is a possibility that gas flows between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23.

As shown in fig. 7, at the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22, the water vapor-permeable membrane 10 is located between the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 2 nd support rib 19. In the case where the 1 st channel rib 18 is away from the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the outlet 22b of the humidified gas channel 22 and the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the outlet 22b of the humidified gas channel 22 is not sandwiched between the 1 st channel rib 18 and the 2 nd support rib 19, the following occurs. That is, a gap is generated between the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 1 st surface 10a and between the 2 nd support rib 19 and the 2 nd surface 10 b. Further, the gap may cause the gas to flow between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 through the wet gas lead-out path 25 (fig. 3).

However, the 1 st channel rib 18 is restrained from leaving the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas channel 22 by the sandwiching portion 18b of the 1 st channel rib 18. Therefore, the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22 is sandwiched between the sandwiching portion 18b of the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 2 nd support rib 19, and no gap is generated between the sandwiching portion 18b of the 1 st passage rib 18 and the 1 st surface 10a and between the 2 nd support rib 19 and the 2 nd surface 10 b. This can suppress the occurrence of gas between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 due to these gaps.

As shown in fig. 8, at the inlet 23a of the dry gas passage 23, the water vapor permeable membrane 10 is located between the 2 nd passage rib 20 and the 1 st support rib 17. In the case where the 2 nd channel rib 20 is apart from the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the inlet 23a of the dry gas channel 23 and the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the inlet 23a of the dry gas channel 23 is not sandwiched between the 2 nd channel rib 20 and the 1 st support rib 17, the following occurs. That is, a gap is generated between the 2 nd passage rib 20 and the 2 nd surface 10b and between the 1 st support rib 17 and the 1 st surface 10 a. Further, the gap may cause the passage of gas between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 through the dry gas introduction path 26 (fig. 3).

As shown in fig. 9, at the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23, the water vapor permeable membrane 10 is located between the 2 nd passage rib 20 and the 1 st support rib 17. In the case where the 2 nd channel rib 20 is apart from the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the outlet 23b of the dry gas channel 23 and the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the outlet 23b of the dry gas channel 23 is not sandwiched between the 2 nd channel rib 20 and the 1 st support rib 17, the following occurs. That is, a gap is generated between the 2 nd passage rib 20 and the 2 nd surface 10b and between the 1 st support rib 17 and the 1 st surface 10 a. Further, the gap may cause the gas to flow between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 through the dry gas lead-out path 27 (fig. 3).

However, the 2 nd channel rib 20 is restrained from coming off the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 at the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas channel 23 by the nip portion 20b of the 2 nd channel rib 20. Therefore, the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas channel 23 is sandwiched between the sandwiching portion 20b of the 2 nd channel rib 20 and the 1 st supporting rib 17, and no gap is generated between the sandwiching portion 20b of the 2 nd channel rib 20 and the 2 nd surface 10b and between the 1 st supporting rib 17 and the 1 st surface 10 a. This can suppress the occurrence of gas between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 due to these gaps.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The circulation of gas between the wet gas passage 22 and the dry gas passage 23 can be suppressed, and the decrease in the efficiency of moisture transfer from the wet gas to the dry gas can be suppressed.

(2) At the humidified gas passage 22, humidified gas easily passes between a plurality of 1 st passage ribs 18 which are arranged in parallel at intervals from each other. When the humidified gas is caused to flow through the humidified-gas passage 22 in this manner, the humidified gas tends to flow through the entire humidified-gas passage 22. As a result, the flow of the humidified gas in the humidified gas passage 22 can be suppressed from being biased. Further, at the dry gas passage 23, the dry gas easily passes between the plurality of 2 nd passage ribs 20 which are disposed in parallel at intervals from each other. In this way, when the dry gas is caused to flow through the dry gas passage 23, the dry gas tends to flow through the entire dry gas passage 23. As a result, the flow of the dry gas in the dry gas passage 23 can be prevented from being biased.

(3) The 1 st passage rib 18 extends between the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas passage 22 so as to be parallel to each other at equal intervals, and has the same length. Therefore, the flow path resistance of the humidified gas flowing through the humidified gas passage 22 can be suppressed from being biased in the passage 22. The plurality of 2 nd passage ribs 20 extend between the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 at equal intervals and in parallel to each other, and have equal lengths. Therefore, the flow path resistance of the dry gas flowing through the dry gas passage 23 can be suppressed from being biased in the passage 23.

(4) The nip 18b of the 1 st passage rib 18 is positioned in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the humidified gas passage 22, and the nip 20b of the 2 nd passage rib 20 is positioned in the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO of the dry gas passage 23. Further, the introduction area AI of the humidified gas passage 22 and the discharge area AO of the dry gas passage 23 are located at corresponding positions, and the discharge area AO of the humidified gas passage 22 and the introduction area AI of the dry gas passage 23 are located at corresponding positions. Therefore, the nip 18b of the 1 st passage rib 18 and the nip 20b of the 2 nd passage rib 20 nip the water vapor permeable film 10 at positions corresponding to the introduction area AI and the discharge area AO. This allows the water vapor permeable membrane 10 in the vicinity of the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the wet gas passage 22 and in the vicinity of the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas passage 23 to be sandwiched over a relatively wide range, thereby suppressing deformation and breakage.

(5) The pinching portions 18b of the 1 st passage rib 18 extend over the entire introduction area AI of the humidified gas passage 22 and over the entire discharge area AO of the humidified gas passage 22. Therefore, the humidified gas from the inlet 22a can be sent to the moisture exchange region AM of the humidified gas passage 22 without being biased. The pinching portions 20b of the 2 nd passage rib 20 extend over the entire introduction area AI of the dry gas passage 23 and over the entire discharge area AO of the dry gas passage 23. Therefore, the dry gas from the inlet 23a can be sent to the moisture exchange area AM of the dry gas passage 23 without being biased.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows, for example. The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within a range not technically contradictory to each other.

The sandwiching portions 18b of the 1 st channel rib 18 may be in contact with the 1 st surface 10a of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 only at positions near the inlet 22a and the outlet 22b of the humidified gas channel 22, and may be separated from the 1 st surface 10a at other positions. The sandwiching portion 20b of the 2 nd channel rib 20 may be in contact with the 2 nd surface 10b of the water vapor permeable membrane 10 only at positions near the inlet 23a and the outlet 23b of the dry gas channel 23, and may be separated from the 2 nd surface 10b at other positions.

The 1 st passage ribs 18 are not necessarily equally spaced from each other.

The 1 st passage ribs 18 are not necessarily parallel to each other.

The 1 st passage ribs 18 do not necessarily have the same length.

The 2 nd passage ribs 20 are not necessarily equally spaced from each other.

The 2 nd passage ribs 20 are not necessarily parallel to each other.

The 2 nd passage ribs 20 do not necessarily have the same length.

The humidifier 5 may be provided in the fuel-side passage 2. In this case, the exhaust gas flowing out to the downstream side of the fuel side passage 2 from the fuel cell 1 is the wet gas, while the hydrogen flowing into the fuel cell 1 from the upstream side of the fuel side passage 2 from the fuel cell 1 is the dry gas, and the humidifier 5 transfers the moisture from the wet gas to the dry gas.

Claims

1. A humidifier, comprising: a water vapor permeable film having a 1 st surface and a 2 nd surface located on both sides in a thickness direction; and a passage forming member that sandwiches the water vapor permeable membrane in a thickness direction, a wet gas passage through which a wet gas flows is formed between the passage forming member in contact with the 1 st surface and the 1 st surface, and a dry gas passage through which a dry gas flows is formed between the passage forming member in contact with the 2 nd surface and the 2 nd surface, moisture contained in the wet gas passing through the wet gas passage is taken into the water vapor permeable membrane, and the dry gas passing through the dry gas passage is given moisture from the water vapor permeable membrane,

the passage forming member in contact with the 1 st surface includes: a bottom plate opposite to the 1 st surface; a 1 st support rib protruding from the base plate and contacting the 1 st surface, and extending along an outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane; and a 1 st via rib protruding from the bottom plate toward the 1 st face,

the 1 st support rib separating the humid gas path between the base plate and the 1 st face from an outer portion, including an inlet and an outlet of the humid gas path,

an inlet of the humidified gas passage is connected to a humidified gas introduction path, and an outlet of the humidified gas passage is connected to a humidified gas discharge path,

the 1 st passage rib is formed to extend between the inlet and the outlet of the humidified gas passage, and includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 1 st surface; and a clamping portion contacting the 1 st surface at a position corresponding to the inlet and the outlet,

the passage forming member in contact with the 2 nd face includes: a bottom plate opposite to the 2 nd surface; a 2 nd support rib protruding from the bottom plate and contacting the 2 nd surface, and extending along an outer edge of the water vapor permeable membrane; and a 2 nd passage rib protruding from the bottom plate toward the 2 nd face,

the 2 nd support rib separates the dry gas passage between the base plate and the 2 nd surface from the outside, and includes an inlet and an outlet of the dry gas passage at positions separated from the inlet and the outlet of the wet gas passage,

an inlet of the dry gas passage is connected to the dry gas introduction path, and an outlet of the dry gas passage is connected to the dry gas discharge path,

the 2 nd passage rib is formed to extend between the inlet and the outlet of the dry gas passage, and includes: a separation part which generates a gap with the 2 nd surface; and a clamping portion contacting the 2 nd surface at a position corresponding to the inlet and the outlet.

2. The humidifier of claim 1,

the 1 st path rib is a plurality of 1 st path ribs arranged in parallel at intervals from each other,

the 2 nd passage rib is a plurality of 2 nd passage ribs arranged in parallel at intervals from each other.

3. The humidifier of claim 2,

the wet gas passage and the dry gas passage have: a water exchange region for allowing the wet gas and the dry gas to flow in opposite directions at positions sandwiching the water vapor permeable membrane; an introduction zone connecting the moisture exchange zone with an inlet; and a lead-out area connecting the moisture exchange area with an outlet,

the moisture exchange area of the humid gas passage and the moisture exchange area of the dry gas passage are located at corresponding positions, the introduction area of the humid gas passage and the lead-out area of the dry gas passage are located at corresponding positions, the lead-out area of the humid gas passage and the introduction area of the dry gas passage are located at corresponding positions,

the separating portion of the 1 st passage rib is located in the moisture exchange area of the humid gas passage, the separating portion of the 2 nd passage rib is located in the moisture exchange area of the dry gas passage, the sandwiching portion of the 1 st passage rib is located in the introduction area and the discharge area of the humid gas passage, and the sandwiching portion of the 2 nd passage rib is located in the introduction area and the discharge area of the dry gas passage.