JP2002289229A - Humidifier and its use - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier easy to enclose a hollow fiber membrane bundle in a case, having high gas exchange rate and excellent in strength of the hollow fiber membrane. SOLUTION: The hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 in a form of cord fabric is rolled in a roll shape around a pipe 3 in the form superposed on a film 6, and enclosed in the case 2 along with the pipe 3 in the form rolled in the roll shape around the pipe 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying a combustion gas supplied to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a method for using the humidifier.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (hereinafter, referred to as a fuel cell) has attracted attention as a clean power generation system, and has been actively developed.

In a fuel cell, electricity and water vapor are generated by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Since the electricity generated during this reaction moves with water molecules, the partition wall (ion exchange membrane) is always kept moist. There is a need.

[0004] In this case, it is conceivable to supply water from a water tank or the like. However, since it is assumed that the water is used outdoors for both stationary and on-vehicle use, there is a problem of freezing in winter. Is not appropriate.

[0005] Therefore, in order to carry out this moisturizing, an attempt has been made to effectively collect the water vapor generated by the reaction in the fuel cell as described above and send it to the fuel cell again.

Therefore, a humidifier using a water vapor permeable membrane capable of separating water contained in a gas is required.

A humidifier according to the related art will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing a humidifier according to the related art.

As shown, a humidifier 10 according to the prior art is shown.
Reference numeral 0 generally comprises a case 101, a hollow fiber membrane 102 filled in the case 101, and a potting portion 103 for opening only the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 102 to the outside.

With this configuration, fuel gas is introduced from the inlet 101a provided in the case 101, flows through the inside of the case, and is discharged from the outlet 101b. on the other hand,
A gas (exhaust gas) generated by the above-described reaction in the fuel cell flows through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 102.

As a result, the water contained in the exhaust gas passes through the hollow fiber membrane 102 and is separated therefrom, and the fuel gas is humidified.

[0011]

However, in the case of the above-described prior art, the following problems have occurred.

First, there are problems that the workability when filling the hollow fiber membrane into the case is poor and that a dead space is easily generated in the filled state.

[0013] Generally, the hollow fiber membrane is supplied in the form of a handle as shown in Fig. 13 (A) or in the state of a bobbin as shown in Fig. 13 (B). In this case, when the case has a cylindrical shape, the filling operation is relatively easy. However, when the case is a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG. 14, the filling operation is difficult, and the dead space D is easily generated. .

Second, there is a problem that the gas exchange rate is poor.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fuel gas is introduced from the inlet 101a in the direction of arrow S0 and discharged from the outlet 101b in the direction of arrow S2. Since the hollow fiber membrane 102 is bent as shown in the figure due to the fluid pressure of the gas, a cavity is formed.

Accordingly, since the fuel gas flows in the hollow portion in the direction of arrow S1 as shown in the figure, the fuel gas is discharged without contacting the hollow fiber membrane 102 or the hollow gas hardly contributes to gas exchange (contributes to humidification). Due to an increase in the number of thread membranes, the gas exchange rate has deteriorated.

One of the causes of the bending of the hollow fiber membrane is that each hollow fiber membrane is individually formed in the potting portion 10.
The strength is low because it is only supported by 3.

Further, as described above, when the dead space D is generated as shown in FIG. 14, the fuel gas flows through this portion, which further reduces the gas exchange rate. Was.

Third, there is a problem such as breakage of the hollow fiber membrane due to poor strength of the hollow fiber membrane.

As described above, since each hollow fiber membrane is supported only by the potting portion 103 alone, the strength is low and it is easy to bend. It is to put it.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to easily fill a hollow fiber membrane bundle into a case, to provide a high gas exchange rate,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier excellent in strength of a hollow fiber membrane.

[0022]

In order to achieve the above object, a humidifier according to the present invention comprises: a tubular pipe having an opening in a wall; a pipe provided concentrically with the pipe; A cylindrical case having an opening in the pipe, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes filled in an annular gap between the pipe and the case, and from the hollow inside of the pipe through an opening provided in the pipe. A first path that is a path leading to an opening provided in the case or a path opposite to the first path; and a second path that passes through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane, and includes a first path and a second path. By flowing a fuel gas to be supplied to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell to one of them and flowing a gas containing water to the other, water contained in the gas is separated by the hollow fiber membrane, and the fuel gas is separated from the fuel gas. A humidifier for humidifying, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle is A plurality of hollow fiber membranes are lined up, and the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes in the form of a blind weave is filled in the case together with the pipe in a state of being wound in a roll shape around the pipe. It is characterized by having.

Therefore, since the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of a blind weave is filled into the case while being wound on a pipe, the hollow fiber membrane can be easily filled into the case. Further, since the hollow fiber membrane is in the form of a blind weave, each hollow fiber membrane is difficult to bend, so that it is difficult to form a hollow portion. ) Flows from the pipe to the case, or vice versa, and passes through the entire hollow fiber membrane filled in the annular gap between the pipe and the case, so that the gas exchange rate is good. Furthermore, since the hollow fiber membrane is in the form of a blind weave, the strength of each hollow fiber membrane is high.

[0024] The bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of the woven fabric is preferably wound in a roll shape around the pipe in a state where a film is stacked on the bundle.

Accordingly, the gas passing through the first path flows according to the flow path formed along the flow path along the layer of the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes, so that almost all the hollow fiber membranes can contribute to the gas exchange. The gas exchange rate is further improved.

In the humidifier of the present invention, a case having an inlet and an outlet for a fuel gas to be supplied to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and a bundle of hollow fiber membranes filled in the case are provided. A first path from an inlet to an outlet provided in the case, and a second path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane.
A fuel gas to be supplied to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell through one of the first path and the second path, and a gas containing water through the other, thereby allowing the hollow fiber membrane to pass through. A humidifier for separating moisture contained in a gas and humidifying the fuel gas, wherein the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes is in the form of a blind weave in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of a bamboo weave is filled in the case in a state of being folded so as to conform to the shape of the inside of the case.

Therefore, since the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of a blind weave is filled into the case in a state of being folded so as to conform to the shape of the inside of the case, the filling is easy and the dead space is also reduced. It is unlikely to occur. In addition, since a dead space hardly occurs and the hollow fiber membrane is in the form of a blind weave, each hollow fiber membrane hardly bends. Therefore, since a cavity is not easily formed, the gas exchange rate is good. Furthermore, since the hollow fiber membrane is in the form of a blind weave, the strength of each hollow fiber membrane is high.

A rectifying plate for regulating the gas flow is provided between the layers of the hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by folding the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of the blind weave into multiple layers. It is good to interpose.

As a result, the gas flows along the straightening vanes, so that almost all the hollow fiber membranes can contribute to gas exchange, and the gas exchange rate is further improved.

[0030] The bundle of the hollow fiber membranes is preferably in the form of a blind weave, in which the bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is woven.

Thus, the strength of the hollow fiber membrane can be increased.

The hollow fiber membrane is preferably made of an imide-based material.

Further, in the method of using the humidifier of the present invention, the exhaust gas discharged from the polymer electrolyte fuel cell is introduced into the humidifier, and the water contained in the exhaust gas is separated. And humidifies the fuel gas.

[0034]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions of the components described in this embodiment,
The materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them unless otherwise specified.

(First Embodiment) A humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view schematically showing a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state before filling of a bundle of hollow fiber membranes. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion P in FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a step of filling the hollow fiber membrane bundle.

The humidifier 1 according to the present embodiment has a cylindrical pipe 3, a cylindrical case 2 provided concentrically with the pipe 3, and an annular gap between the pipe 3 and the case 2. Between the outer wall of the hollow fiber membrane and the inner wall of the case 2 so that only the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane is opened at both ends of the case 2 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 filled into the case 2. And a potting unit 5 to be used.

The case 2 is provided with an opening 21 for conducting between the inside and the outside of the case.

The pipe 3 includes an inner tube and an outer tube (the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4).
(A filling portion) and an interruption portion 32 for interrupting a passage in the pipe.

Next, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is in a blind weave form before filling. As described above, the hollow fiber membrane bundle in the form of the bamboo weave is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-1036, which has already been filed and published by the present applicant.
Since it is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57, its detailed description is omitted and will be briefly described.

An apparatus for producing such a hollow fiber membrane bundle is also disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-137337, which has been filed and published by the present applicant.

As shown in FIG. 2, one (or a plurality of) hollow fiber membranes 41 are folded as shown so that a plurality of wefts are arranged. And two threads 42,4
3, the knitting is performed so as to sandwich each weft of the hollow fiber membrane 41.

As a result, the intersection 4 is formed between the weft yarns.
6 are formed. Here, both ends of the yarns 42 and 43 are respectively joined (joining portions 44 and 45).

In this way, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 in the form of a blind membrane in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged is formed.

In the figure, C1 and C2 are potting portions 5
Is a portion to be cut after the formation of Therefore,
At the end face of the potting portion 5, the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 41 is opened to the outside.

The hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 configured as described above (however, before being cut by C1 and C2) is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), it is wound in a roll around the pipe 3 in a state of being superimposed on the film 6.

The case 2 is filled together with the pipe 3 in such a state that the pipe 3 is wound in a roll shape.

Therefore, the filling operation of the hollow fiber membrane bundles 4 is very simple as compared with the case where individual hollow fiber membrane bundles 4 are separated.

Here, the film is made of a material having a property of impervious to fuel gas.

Next, the humidifying operation will be described.

First, a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell is caused to flow through the pipe 3 in the direction of arrow K0 in the figure. Then, this fuel gas flows in the pipe (arrow K1), and the opening 3
1, is discharged to the outside of the pipe 3, passes through the filling portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4, is discharged to the outside through an opening 21 provided in the case 2, and is supplied to the fuel cell.

Since the shut-off portion 32 is provided inside the pipe 3, all the fuel gas is discharged from the opening 31 to the outside of the pipe 3.

On the other hand, a gas containing water (specifically, exhaust gas after reaction in the fuel cell) flows into the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 41 (arrow L0 in the figure), and flows through the hollow interior (arrow L1). ), And discharge it as it is (arrow L
2).

As a result, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
The water contained in the gas passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 41 permeates the membrane (arrow M) and is discharged to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 41.

Therefore, the fuel gas passing through this portion is humidified.

Next, the flow path of the fuel gas will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 in the form of a blind membrane is wound with the films 6 stacked on each other, as shown in FIG. Bundle 4
Is a state in which the film 6 is interposed between the layers.

Since the film 6 is made of a material that does not transmit fuel gas, the fuel gas discharged from the opening 31 provided in the pipe 3 is, as shown in FIG. Flows along a flow path that swirls along, and is discharged from an opening 21 provided in the case 2.

Therefore, the fuel gas is supplied to all the hollow fiber membranes 41.
Therefore, all the hollow fiber membranes 41 contribute to gas exchange (that is, contribute to humidification), and have a very high gas exchange rate.

Although the case where the fuel gas flows from the inside of the pipe 3 to the outside of the case 2 has been described here, the opposite path, that is, the opening 21 provided in the case 2 is provided.
After passing the fuel gas through the filling portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and through the opening 31 provided in the pipe 3 to the inside of the pipe 3, the fuel gas may be supplied to the fuel cell. Needless to say, they perform the same function.

As described above, in the humidifier 1 according to the present embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is formed in a blind weave form.
Since it was wrapped around the pipe 3 and filled into the case 2,
Excellent filling workability.

Further, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is formed in a blind weave form, the strength is high and the deflection is small, so that the cut hollow fiber membrane 41 can be prevented from being cut and the cavity can be hardly formed. In addition, the gas exchange rate can be prevented from lowering. In addition, since the film 6 is interposed, the swaying (bending) of the hollow fiber membrane 41 can be further suppressed, so that the strength can be further increased.

Further, since all the hollow fiber membranes 41 can contribute to gas exchange (humidification), the gas exchange rate is excellent and the humidification efficiency can be improved.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment. In the first embodiment,
The configuration in which the film is stacked and wound on the hollow fiber membrane bundle is shown,
In this embodiment mode, a structure without a film is shown.

Since other structures and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a humidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the film 6 is interposed between the layers of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 by overlapping and winding the film 6 on the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4, and the fuel gas flow path is formed. Is shown.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, only the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 is wound around the pipe 3.

Even in this configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, if a sufficient gap is formed between the case 2 and the inner periphery of the case 2, the hollow fiber membrane bundle passes through the opening 31 from inside the pipe 3. Since the fuel gas discharged to the filling portion of No. 4 flows radially and thereafter is discharged from the opening 21 provided in the case 2, almost all of the hollow fiber membranes 41 undergo gas exchange (humidification).
Can be made to contribute.

In the present embodiment, the gas exchange rate (humidifying efficiency) is inferior to that of the first embodiment, but is higher than that of the prior art. The structure can be simplified as much as the film is not required.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 7 to 10 show a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state before filling the hollow fiber membrane bundle used in the humidifier according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case is filled with the hollow fiber membrane bundle. 9 and 10 are schematic longitudinal sectional views of a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Also in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4
a is in the form of a blind weave in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged.

In the present embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a before filling is supplied and stored in a folded state as shown in FIG.

Here, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a is folded so as to have a shape conforming to the shape inside the case 2a.

That is, in this embodiment, the case 2a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 8, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a is shaped and sized so as to match the internal shape thereof.
Is folded.

Therefore, the folded hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a can be easily filled in the case 2a, and the folded hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a has the same internal shape and size as the case 2a. Since they match, the occurrence of dead space can be suppressed.

Next, the humidifying operation will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell is introduced from an inlet 22a provided in the case 2a (arrow K'0), and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a is filled. Through the cut portion (arrow K'1), the gas is discharged from the discharge port 23a provided in the case 2a (arrow K'2) and supplied to the fuel cell.

On the other hand, a gas containing moisture (specifically, an exhaust gas after reaction in the fuel cell) flows into the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane 41a (arrow L'0 in the figure), and flows through the hollow interior. It is discharged to the outside as it is (arrow L'2).

The mechanism for humidifying the fuel gas by allowing the moisture to permeate through the membrane is the same as that described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the flow path of the fuel gas will be described in more detail.

As described above, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a in the form of a bamboo weave is in a state of being folded many times in the present embodiment, but by interposing a rectifying plate between the layers,
It is possible to regulate the flow path of the fuel gas.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, one end side of the rectifying plate 71 interposed between the layers of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a is fixed by the potting portion 5, and the other end is provided at a position away from the potting portion 5. , Forming a flow path.

Further, the side fixed by the potting portion 5 is configured to be alternately opposite.

Therefore, since the fuel gas flows as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9, the fuel gas comes into contact with all the hollow fiber membranes 41a, and all the hollow fiber membranes 41a can contribute to gas exchange (humidification). Become.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4
Both ends of the current plate 72 interposed between the layers a are provided at positions away from the potting portion 5 to form a flow path.

Therefore, since the fuel gas flows as shown by the arrow in FIG. 10, the fuel gas comes into contact with all the hollow fiber membranes 41a, and all the hollow fiber membranes 41a can contribute to gas exchange (humidification). Become.

As described above, in any case, all the hollow fiber membranes can contribute to gas exchange (humidification), so that the gas exchange rate (humidification efficiency) can be improved.

[0091] Even in the case where the current plate is not provided, the occurrence of dead space can be suppressed.
Since the bending of the hollow fiber membrane can be prevented by increasing the strength, the gas exchange rate (humidification efficiency) can be improved as compared with the conventional technology.

As described above, in the humidifying apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a may be filled in the case as it is in the form of a bamboo weave, the filling operation is excellent. .

Further, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4a is formed in a blind weave form, the strength is high and the bending is small, so that the cut hollow fiber membrane 41a can be prevented from being cut and the cavity can be hardly formed. In addition, the gas exchange rate can be prevented from lowering.

Further, since the gas exchange rate can be improved,
Humidification efficiency can be improved.

(Fourth Embodiment) As described above, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 in the form of a blind weave has one weft of the hollow fiber membrane 41 as described with reference to FIG. Each is woven by two threads 42, 43.

Therefore, the intersections 46 are all formed between the adjacent weft yarns.

In this case, depending on the strength of the hollow fiber membrane used, there is a possibility that the hollow fiber membrane is cut due to insufficient strength or cut by an external force. Further, there may be a problem that it takes too much time to manufacture the hollow fiber membrane bundle 4 and the productivity is low.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, although not particularly shown, a bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes is a unit, in other words, in other words, a plurality of weft yarns are grouped into two yarns 42 and 43. It is configured to be knitted.

Therefore, the intersections 46 are provided every plural lines.

For example, by weaving 10 units,
The production time can be reduced to about one tenth and the strength can be improved.

(Others) Next, some specific examples for commercializing a humidifier will be described.

First, it is preferable that the hollow fiber membrane is made of an imide-based material. Thereby, the water vapor transmission coefficient can be increased, and the heat resistance can be increased.

When the hollow fiber membrane is directly inserted into the case and the potting portion is formed with the potting solution, the following problems can be considered.

That is, when the fuel gas to be humidified is introduced into the case, the gas directly hits the side surface of the hollow fiber membrane, so that the membrane is easily cut. Also, when inserting the hollow fiber membrane bundle into the case, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is loose and difficult to insert.
There is a risk of injury.

Therefore, although not particularly shown, a resin-based elastic mesh net is wound around the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundles 4, 4a and inserted into the cases 2, 2a.
This problem can be solved by protecting the hollow fiber membrane by performing the potting formation for each net.

In order to maintain heat resistance (usually in an environment of 140 ° C. or higher) for application to a fuel cell, it is necessary to consider other configurations other than the hollow fiber membrane. The points will be described.

The cases 2 and 2a and the potting portion 5 need to have heat resistance. Specifically, a modified PPO / polysulfone is used as a material for the cases 2 and 2a, and a potting agent for forming the potting portion 5 is used. Used are epoxy and silicone.

The cases 2 and 2a are annealed before cutting.

Also, the heat resistance of the hollow fiber membrane can be improved by applying heat treatment (shrinkage due to heating can be prevented). For example, the hollow fiber membrane is heated in an oven at 100 ° C. for 2 hours.

In this way, the heat resistance required in an environment of use is provided.

Next, the potting section will be described in more detail.

As the potting agent for forming the potting portion, a urethane-based adhesive or an epoxy-based adhesive is generally used.

In the case of a urethane-based adhesive, heat generation during curing is low, but heat resistance is low, and therefore, as described above, it is not suitable for a fuel cell. On the other hand, epoxy adhesives
As described above, although heat resistance is high, heat generation during curing is high, so that the hollow fiber membrane is likely to be adversely affected, and in particular, the interface is liable to break.

Therefore, when an epoxy-based adhesive having high heat resistance but high heat generation during curing is used, a method of reducing the amount of the adhesive is usually performed. Therefore, countermeasures are also required.

Therefore, the first potting portion (external side) is provided by first sealing with an adhesive having high heat resistance such as an epoxy-based adhesive, and further, a second adhesive is formed with a soft adhesive having low heat generation.
It is preferable to provide a second potting portion (inner side) by enclosing next.

By using the multi-stage potting as described above, the heat generated when the potting is cured can be suppressed. In particular, the heat generation at the interface side with the hollow fiber membrane can be suppressed to prevent the hollow fiber membrane from being cut. it can.

In addition, a sufficient adhesive strength can be maintained,
The heat resistance that can withstand the use environment is also satisfactory.

In each of the above embodiments,
An example has been described in which the fuel gas flows through a path (first path) passing outside the hollow fiber membrane and a gas containing moisture flows through a path (second path) passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane. In other words, a gas containing moisture may flow through the first path and a fuel gas may flow through the second path.

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle can be easily filled into the case, the gas exchange rate can be improved, and the humidification efficiency can be improved. Also, the strength of the hollow fiber membrane is excellent.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view schematically showing a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state before filling a bundle of hollow fiber membranes according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion P in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a step of filling the hollow fiber membrane bundle according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state before filling a hollow fiber membrane bundle used in a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state where a hollow fiber membrane bundle according to a third embodiment of the present invention is filled in a case.

FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially broken perspective view schematically showing a humidifier according to the related art.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a problem of the humidifier according to the related art.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a supply mode of a hollow fiber membrane according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a problem of the humidifier according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidifier 2, 2a Case 21 Opening 22a Inlet 23a Outlet 3 Pipe 31 Opening 32 Blocking part 4, 4a Hollow fiber membrane bundle 41, 41a Hollow fiber membrane 42, 43 Thread 44, 45 Joint 46 Intersection 5 Potting section 6 Film 71, 72 Rectifier plate

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) F24F 6/00 F24F 6/00 Z H01M 8/10 H01M 8/10 F term (reference) 3L055 AA10 BA03 4D006 GA41 HA08 HA09 HA62 HA72 JA04C PB17 PB65 PC80 5H026 AA06 5H027 AA06

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A tubular pipe having an opening in a wall surface, a cylindrical case provided concentrically with the pipe and having an opening in the wall surface, and an annular gap between the pipe and the case. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes to be filled in, a path from the hollow interior of the pipe to an opening provided in the case via an opening provided in the pipe,
Alternatively, a first path that is the reverse path thereof, and a second path that passes through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane is provided. One of the first path and the second path includes a polymer electrolyte fuel cell A humidifier for flowing a supplied fuel gas and flowing a gas containing water to the other to separate water contained in the gas by the hollow fiber membrane and humidify the fuel gas. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged, and the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of A humidifier filled in a case. 2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of the woven fabric is wound in a roll shape around the pipe in a state where a film is laid on the bundle. vessel. 3. A case having an inlet and an outlet for a fuel gas supplied to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a bundle of hollow fiber membranes filled in the case, and an inlet provided in the case. And a second path passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane. One of the first path and the second path is supplied to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A humidifier for flowing a fuel gas and flowing a gas containing moisture to separate the moisture contained in the gas by the hollow fiber membrane to humidify the fuel gas, wherein the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes Is a cross-woven fabric in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are arranged, and the bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the shape of the A humidifier characterized by being filled inside. 4. A rectifier for regulating a gas flow between layers of a hollow fiber membrane bundle formed by folding a bundle of hollow fiber membranes in the form of a blind weave into multiple layers. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein a plate is interposed. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes is in the form of a blind weave woven in units of a bundle of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Humidifier as described. 6. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane is made of an imide-based material. 7. An exhaust gas discharged from a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is introduced into the humidifier according to claim 1, and water contained in the exhaust gas is separated to obtain a fuel. Use of a humidifier characterized by humidifying gas.