JP2007285600A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve humidifying efficiency in a humidifier comprising a hydrogen permeable film. <P>SOLUTION: This humidifier comprises a water vapor permeable member to which the water vapor is permeated, a first fluid supply passage, a second fluid supply passage and a filter. The first fluid supply passage is a flow channel for supplying a first fluid to a first face of the water vapor permeable member, and has a first introduction port for introducing the first fluid. The second fluid supply passage is a flow channel for supplying the second fluid to a second face of the water vapor permeable member, and has a second introduction port for introducing the second fluid. The filter is disposed on a flowing passage of the first fluid from the first introduction port to the first face in the first fluid supply passage, and the longer the flowing passage of an area is, the smaller the pressure loss in accompany with permeation of the first fluid is. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier, and more particularly to a humidifier used in a fuel cell system.

  As a kind of humidifier for humidifying a fluid, conventionally, a humidifier equipped with a water vapor permeable member that allows water vapor to permeate has been used. In this humidifier, the moisture to be humidified is supplied to one surface of the water vapor permeable member, and the humidified fluid is supplied to the other surface of the water vapor permeable member, so that the moisture contained in the humidified fluid is passed through the water vapor permeable member. Move into humidified fluid.

  Here, as one of the humidifying devices, a long hole extending in the predetermined direction of the water vapor permeable member is provided in the storage portion for containing the water vapor permeable member, and the humidified fluid or the fluid to be humidified is introduced along the long hole. The thing of the structure which arrange | positions the introduction path for doing is known (for example, refer patent document 1). In such a humidifier, the fluid is introduced from one end of the introduction path, and the fluid is supplied from the introduction path to the surface of the water vapor permeable member in the storage portion through the long hole.

International Publication No. 2004/107940 Pamphlet JP 2004-152726 A

  In the humidifier having the above-described structure, there is a possibility that the amount of fluid flowing into the housing portion from the long hole differs depending on the portion of the long hole. That is, there is a possibility that the amount of fluid flowing from a portion far from the fluid introduction end of the introduction path is smaller than the amount of fluid flowing into the storage portion from a portion near the fluid introduction end of the introduction path. If it does so, the quantity of the fluid supplied to the water-vapor-permeable member surface will also change with site | parts, and sufficient quantity of fluid cannot be supplied over the whole water-vapor-permeable member, and the humidification efficiency may fall. Such a problem is not limited to the humidifying device having the long hole, and is a common problem when the path length of the path from the fluid introduction end to the surface of the water vapor transmission member is different.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and supplies a sufficient amount of humidified fluid and / or humidified fluid over the entire water vapor permeable member to improve the humidification efficiency of the humidifier. It aims to improve.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifying device for humidifying a fluid to be humidified out of a first fluid and a second fluid. The humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a water vapor permeable member that allows water vapor to pass therethrough, a first fluid supply path, a second fluid supply path, and a filter. The first fluid supply path is a flow path for supplying the first fluid to the first surface of the water vapor permeable member, and has a first inlet through which the first fluid is introduced. Have. The second fluid supply path is a flow path for supplying the second fluid to the second surface of the water vapor permeable member, and is a second inlet through which the second fluid is introduced. Have The filter is disposed on a flow path of the first fluid from the first introduction port to the first surface in the first fluid supply path, and the longer the flow path, the first The pressure loss due to the permeation of the fluid becomes smaller.

  According to the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, the flow amount of the first fluid generated in the first fluid supply path in the long portion and the short portion due to the difference in the pressure loss of the filter. This difference can be eliminated or reduced. Therefore, the uniformity of the supply amount of the first fluid with respect to the first surface of the water vapor permeable member is improved, and the humidification efficiency of the humidifier can be improved.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, an internal flow path that accommodates the water vapor permeable member and is formed between one inner wall surface and the first surface and through which the first fluid flows. And an opening that opens to the upstream end of the internal flow path, the permeable member accommodating portion, the first inlet, and the first fluid. Is introduced into the internal flow path through the opening, and the first fluid supply path includes the internal flow path of the permeable member accommodating portion, the first introduction path, and The filter is disposed in a region corresponding to the first opening, and the longer the flow path of the first fluid from the inlet, the smaller the pressure loss. good. In this way, due to the difference in the pressure loss of the filter, the inflow amount difference that occurs between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the introduction path for the first fluid flowing from the opening into the transmission member accommodating portion is eliminated. Or it can be reduced. Therefore, the uniformity of the supply amount of the first fluid with respect to the first surface of the water vapor permeable member is improved.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the opening is a first long hole that opens along an upstream end of the internal flow path, and the first introduction path includes the The first fluid is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the first long hole, and the first fluid is allowed to flow in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the first long hole, and the filter is arranged in the first direction. The pressure loss may be reduced toward. In this way, due to the difference in the pressure loss of the filter, the difference in the amount of inflow that occurs between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the introduction path for the first fluid flowing from the elongated hole into the transmission member accommodating portion is eliminated. Or it can be reduced. Therefore, the uniformity of the supply amount of the first fluid with respect to the first surface of the water vapor permeable member is improved.

  In the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, the water vapor permeable member includes a third side facing the first side, the second side adjacent to the first side, and the second side in plan view. And the first direction is substantially parallel to the first side of the water vapor permeable member, and the first elongated hole is the second side of the water vapor permeable member. The third side may be reached from the side. In this way, since the first fluid is supplied through the long hole extending from one end to the other end of the substantially rectangular water vapor transmission member, the amount of the first fluid supplied to the first surface of the water vapor transmission member is reduced. Uniformity is improved.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the permeable member accommodating portion is further opened at an end portion on the downstream side of the internal flow path, and a longitudinal direction thereof is a second along the first direction. The first fluid that has a long hole and is further disposed along the longitudinal direction of the second long hole and is discharged from the internal flow path through the second long hole. May be provided with a discharge passage for causing the fluid to flow in a direction opposite to the first direction. In a humidifier equipped with such a fluid discharge system, the inflow amount difference generated between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the introduction path described above may be larger. Due to the difference in pressure loss, this difference in inflow can be eliminated or reduced.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the filter has a plurality of ridge lines in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an interval between ridge lines adjacent to each other is directed toward the first direction. You may have a pleat shape which becomes large. By so doing, it is possible to easily realize a filter in which the pressure loss accompanying the permeation of the first fluid is reduced in the first direction.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the filter may be a filter having a thickness that decreases toward the first direction, and a porosity increases toward the first direction. It may be a filter.

  In the humidifying device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first fluid is a fluid to be humidified and a reaction gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and the filter is included in the reaction gas. It may be a filter for removing impurities. If it carries out like this, while the humidification efficiency of the humidification apparatus which comprises a fuel cell system can be improved, the impurity contained in reaction gas can be removed in a humidification apparatus.

  In the humidifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second fluid may be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell. If it carries out like this, reaction gas can be humidified using the exhaust gas containing the produced water produced by the electrochemical reaction.

  The present invention can be realized in various aspects other than the first aspect, and can be realized in aspects such as a fuel cell system including a humidifier and a fluid humidification method.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.

A. Example:
-Overall configuration of the device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fuel cell system 10 includes a fuel cell 22, a hydrogen tank 23, an air compressor 24, and an air cleaner 25. The fuel cell 22 receives supply of air as an oxidizing gas and hydrogen as a fuel gas, and generates electric power through an electrochemical reaction using these gases. The fuel cell 22 is, for example, a solid polymer fuel cell that uses a solid polymer electrolyte membrane that exhibits good proton conductivity in a wet state as an electrolyte layer. The hydrogen tank 23 is a tank that stores hydrogen as a fuel gas, for example, a hydrogen cylinder that stores high-pressure hydrogen or a tank that stores hydrogen by being stored in a hydrogen storage alloy. The air compressor 24 takes in air as an oxidizing gas from the atmosphere and supplies it to the fuel cell 22. The air cleaner 25 removes foreign matters such as dust and dust from the air taken in by the air compressor 24.

  The hydrogen tank 23 is connected to the anode of the fuel cell 22 by a hydrogen supply path 60, and hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 23 is supplied to the anode of the fuel cell 22 as fuel gas. The air compressor 24 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell 22 via the air cleaner 25 by the oxidizing gas supply path 67, and the air taken in by the air compressor 24 is supplied as the oxidizing gas to the cathode of the fuel cell 22. The Below, the flow of the gas in each part which comprises the fuel cell system 10, and the fuel cell system 10 is further demonstrated.

  The hydrogen gas stored in the hydrogen tank 23 is discharged to the hydrogen supply path 60 connected to the hydrogen tank 23, and then adjusted (depressurized) to a predetermined pressure by the pressure adjusting valve 62, so that the fuel cell 22 serves as a fuel gas. Is supplied to the anode of each single cell.

  The anode exhaust gas discharged from the anode of the fuel cell 22 flows through the anode exhaust gas path 63 and flows into the hydrogen supply path 60 again. In this way, the remaining hydrogen in the anode exhaust gas circulates in the circulation flow path composed of a part of the hydrogen supply path 60, the anode exhaust gas path 63, and the flow path in the fuel cell 22, and returns to the fuel cell 22 again. Supplied. In order to circulate the anode exhaust gas in the circulation channel, a hydrogen pump 65 is provided in the anode exhaust gas channel 63.

  The anode exhaust gas path 63 is provided with a gas-liquid separator 27. Water generated at the cathode by the electrochemical reaction is also mixed into the anode exhaust gas through the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell 22. In addition, impurities such as nitrogen are mixed into the anode exhaust gas from the cathode side through the electrolyte membrane. The gas-liquid separator 27 condenses the water vapor contained in the anode exhaust gas and opens the discharge valve 27a, whereby a part of the anode exhaust gas containing the condensed water and impurities is discharged to the outside. The

  The air compressor 24 supplies pressurized air as an oxidizing gas to the cathode of the fuel cell 22 via the oxidizing gas supply path 67. The cathode exhaust gas discharged from the cathode is discharged to the outside through the cathode exhaust gas path 68. In the fuel cell system 10, the oxidizing gas supply path 67 and the cathode exhaust gas path 68 pass through the humidifier 100. The humidifier 100 uses a cathode exhaust gas containing water vapor as a humidified gas, and humidifies an oxidizing gas supplied to the cathode as a humidified gas. In this way, by humidifying the oxidizing gas prior to supply to the fuel cell 22, the fuel cell 22 of this embodiment ensures a wet state of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane that is the electrolyte layer. The configuration of the humidifier 100 will be described in detail later.

  Furthermore, the fuel cell system 10 includes a control unit (not shown). This control unit is configured using, for example, a well-known computer, and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output port, and the like. The control unit acquires detection signals from various sensors included in the fuel cell system 10 and information on load requests for the fuel cell 22, and controls the operation of the pressure adjustment valve 62, the air compressor 24, the hydrogen pump 65, or the valve 27a. To control and operate the fuel cell system 10.

・ Configuration of humidifier:
With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the structure of the humidification apparatus 100 is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the external appearance of the humidifying device. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an AA cross section in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a BB cross section in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a CC cross section in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 100 includes a housing portion 101, a humidified gas introduction path 102, a humidified gas discharge path 103, a humidified gas discharge path 104, each formed of an airtight material. A humidified gas introduction path 105. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the accommodating portion 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space therein.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the film body 110 and the chemical filter 150 are accommodated in the space inside the accommodating portion 101. The film body 110 includes a water vapor permeable film 111 and reinforcing materials 112 and 113. The water vapor permeable membrane 111 is a film having a property of selectively selectively transmitting only water vapor from a fluid containing water vapor. As the water vapor permeable film 111, for example, a film formed of a water vapor permeable material or a film formed by laminating or impregnating a water vapor permeable material on a porous substrate can be used. Examples of the water vapor permeable material include water-absorbing or water-containing resins, specifically, non-electrolytic polymers such as polyethylene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol, and copolymers thereof, or polyacrylic acid and polyacrylamide. These electrolyte polymers and their copolymers can be used. The thickness of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is set to, for example, about 10 μm to 500 μm.

  The reinforcing material 112 is disposed on one surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111, and the reinforcing material 113 is disposed on the other surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111. As the reinforcing materials 112 and 113, for example, a sheet material having excellent gas permeability such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a resin net, and a metal net is used. The thickness of the reinforcing members 112 and 113 is set to, for example, about 100 μm to 2000 μm, and the porosity of the reinforcing members 112 and 113 is set to, for example, about 50% to 95%.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the film body 110 composed of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 and the reinforcing materials 112 and 113 is bent along a plurality of substantially parallel mountain fold lines and a plurality of valley fold lines. It is formed into a so-called pleated shape having a fold. An interval (pleat pitch) between ridge lines adjacent to each other among the ridge lines of the pleats is constant. The pleat pitch is set to, for example, about 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The pleat height (the length in the Y direction in FIG. 3) is set to about 10 mm to 100 mm, for example. In the film body 110, the pleated shape is maintained by the reinforcing materials 112 and 113, and the water vapor permeable film 111 is prevented from coming in contact with the fold line interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4, the film body 110 has a substantially rectangular shape with a shape viewed in the Y-axis direction (a shape in plan view) substantially equal to the CC cross-sectional shape of the space inside the housing portion 101. Then, the outer periphery of the substantially rectangular shape in a plan view of the film body 110 has a side wall (Z-axis positive and negative walls, X-axis positive and negative directions) of the housing portion 101 with the entire periphery thereof interposed through the adhesive 120. It is hermetically bonded to the inner wall of the wall. Instead of the adhesive 120, it may be bonded by thermal welding.

  As a result, the space inside the accommodating portion 101 is divided into two spaces by the water vapor permeable membrane 111. Referring to FIG. 3, the first space is a portion of the inner wall surface that is above the bonding portion with the water vapor permeable film 111 (on the positive direction side of the Y axis) and the surface above the water vapor permeable film 111. Is a space formed between the two. The second space is formed between a portion of the inner wall surface that is below the adhesion portion with the water vapor permeable film 111 (the negative direction side of the Y axis) and the lower surface of the water vapor permeable film 111. It is space. As will be described later, the first space is a space that functions as an internal flow path through which the humidified gas flows, and includes not only the space between the film body 110 and the inner wall surface, but also the space inside the reinforcing material 112. The second space is a space that functions as an internal flow path through which the humidified gas flows as described later, and includes not only the space between the film body 110 and the inner wall surface, but also the space inside the reinforcing material 113.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the chemical filter 150 covers the entire inner wall surface from the inside between the film body 110 and the inner wall surface facing the film body 110 in the first space of the housing portion 101. Are arranged as follows. As the chemical filter 150, for example, a base material (base paper) having gas permeability and an adsorbent such as activated carbon or zeolite supported thereon, a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric formed of activated carbon fibers are used. As the base material having gas permeability, for example, a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric formed of inorganic fibers such as glass and organic fibers such as nylon and aramid is used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the chemical filter 150 has a pleated shape having a plurality of folds in the same direction as the folds of the film body 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the interval between ridge lines adjacent to each other among the ridge lines of the pleats (pleat pitch) is gradually increased toward the positive direction of the Z axis. The pleat pitch of the chemical filter 150 may be continuously increased toward the positive direction of the Z axis, or may be increased stepwise. For example, a pleat pitch P1 near the end on the negative side of the Z-axis in FIG. 3, a pleat pitch P3 near the end on the positive side of the Z-axis, and a pleat pitch P2 between these parts. P1 <P2 <P3. Since the chemical filter 150 has a configuration in which the pleat pitch gradually increases in the positive direction of the Z axis, the pressure loss when the gas passes through the chemical filter 150 in the Y axis direction is directed toward the positive direction of the Z axis. And become smaller step by step. The thickness of the chemical filter 150 is set to, for example, about 0.1 mm to several mm, and the pleat pitch is set to, for example, about 0.2 mm to 10 mm.

  The housing 101 further includes a humidified gas supply port as an opening that communicates with the first space-side wall (the Y-axis positive wall) as viewed from the water vapor permeable membrane 111. 106 and a humidified gas discharge port 107 are formed. The humidified gas supply port 106 and the humidified gas discharge port 107 are long holes whose longitudinal direction is the Z-axis direction and whose lateral direction is the X-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the humidified gas supply port 106 is along one long side (long side on the negative direction side of the X axis) of the substantially rectangular film body 110 (water vapor permeable film 111) in a plan view. Has been placed. The humidified gas supply port 106 is disposed over almost the entire length of the long side. That is, the humidified gas supply port 106 extends from one short side to the other short side facing each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the humidified gas discharge port 107 is along the other long side (long side on the positive direction side of the X axis) of the substantially rectangular film body 110 (water vapor permeable film 111) in a plan view. Is arranged. Similar to the humidified gas supply port 106, the humidified gas discharge port 107 is disposed over almost the entire length of the long side. That is, the humidified gas discharge port 107 extends from one short side to the other short side.

  The container 101 further has a humidified gas supply port 109 as an opening communicating with the second space (wall on the negative direction side of the Y axis) as viewed from the water vapor permeable membrane 111 and the second space. And a humidified gas outlet 108 are formed. The humidified gas supply port 109 and the humidified gas discharge port 108 are, as with the humidified gas supply port 106 and the humidified gas discharge port 107 described above, long with the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal direction and the X-axis direction as the short direction. It is a hole.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the humidified gas discharge port 108 is disposed along one long side (long side on the negative direction side of the X axis) of the substantially rectangular film body 110 (water vapor permeable film 111) in a plan view. The humidified gas supply port 109 is arranged along the other long side (the long side on the positive direction side of the X axis). The humidified gas discharge port 108 and the humidified gas supply port 109 are disposed over almost the entire length of the long side. That is, the humidified gas discharge port 108 and the humidified gas supply port 109 reach from one short side to the other short side facing each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the humidified gas introduction path 102 is a bowl-shaped body having a U-shaped cross section in the short direction. The humidified gas introduction path 102 is arranged with its longitudinal direction along the humidified gas supply port 106 so that the opening of the U-shaped cross section covers the humidified gas supply port 106. One end of the humidified gas introduction path 102 in the longitudinal direction (end in the positive direction of the Z axis) is closed, and the other end (end in the negative direction of the Z axis) is open. Has been. The opening of the humidified gas introduction path 102 is an inlet through which humidified gas (oxidizing gas) is introduced, as indicated by an arrow Din in FIG.

  The humidified gas discharge path 103, the humidified gas discharge path 104, and the humidified gas introduction path 105 are bowl-like bodies similar to the humidified gas introduction path 102. Similarly, the humidified gas discharge path 103 is along the humidified gas discharge port 107, the humidified gas discharge path 104 is along the humidified gas discharge port 108, and the humidified gas introduction path 105 is along the humidified gas supply port 109. , Each is arranged. Similarly to the humidified gas introduction path 102, the humidified gas discharge path 103, the humidified gas discharge path 104, and the humidified gas introduction path 105 are closed at the end in the positive direction of the Z axis, respectively. The end of the direction is opened. The cross section in the short direction of each introduction path and discharge path is not limited to a U-shape, and may be, for example, a semicircular shape or an Ω shape.

-Operation of the humidifier 100:
Similarly, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the operation of the humidifier 100 will be described focusing on the flow of each gas. As described, the humidifier 100 is connected in the middle of the oxidizing gas supply path 67, and the air (oxidized gas) taken in by the air compressor 24 is an inlet that is the open end of the humidified gas introduction path 102. To the humidified gas introduction path 102 (FIG. 2: arrow Din). The air supplied to the humidified gas introduction path 102 flows in the humidified gas introduction path 102 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and flows into the first space of the housing portion 101 via the humidified gas supply port 106. .

  The air that has flowed into the first space first passes through the chemical filter 150 that covers the humidified gas supply port 106 as shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 5. When passing through the chemical filter 150, minute impurities that are not removed by the air cleaner 25 contained in the air are removed by the chemical filter 150. Such minute impurities include, for example, sea salt, snow melting agent, hydrogen sulfide and the like that damage the solid polymer film of the fuel cell 22. The air that has passed through the chemical filter 150 includes the inside of the pleated fold (the inside of the reinforcing material 112 having a high gas permeability) as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 4 and the solid arrow in FIG. The space 1 flows in the direction along the ridgeline of the fold (the positive direction of the X axis). Thereafter, the air passes through the chemical filter 150 and is discharged to the humidified gas discharge path 103 through the humidified gas discharge port 107. The air discharged to the humidified gas discharge path 103 flows in the humidified gas discharge path 103 in the negative direction of the Z axis, that is, in the direction opposite to the flow direction in the humidified gas introduction path 102, and the humidified gas. It discharges from the opening end of the discharge path 103 (FIG. 2: arrow Dout). The air discharged from the open end of the humidified gas discharge path 103 is supplied to the anode of the fuel cell 22.

  Further, as described, the humidifier 100 is connected in the middle of the cathode exhaust gas path 68, and the cathode exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell 22 is supplied from the open end of the humidified gas inlet path 105 to the humidified gas inlet path 105. Supplied inside (FIG. 2: arrow Win). The air supplied to the humidified gas introduction path 105 flows in the humidified gas introduction path 105 in the positive direction of the Z axis, and flows into the second space of the housing portion 101 through the humidified gas supply port 109.

  The cathode exhaust gas that has flowed into the second space passes through the inside of the pleated fold (the inside of the reinforcing material 113 having a high gas permeability) as indicated by the black arrow in FIG. 4 and the dashed arrow in FIG. The second space including the fluid flows in the direction along the ridgeline of the fold (the negative direction of the X axis). As can be seen from the figure, the air flowing through the first space and the cathode exhaust gas flowing through the second space flow oppositely with the water vapor permeable membrane 111 interposed therebetween. Thereafter, the cathode exhaust gas is discharged to the humidified gas discharge path 104 through the humidified gas discharge port 108. The cathode exhaust gas discharged to the humidified gas discharge path 104 flows in the humidified gas discharge path 104 in the negative direction of the Z axis, that is, in the direction opposite to the flow direction in the humidified gas introduction path 105, and the humidified gas discharge path 104. (FIG. 2: arrow Wout). The cathode exhaust gas discharged from the open end of the humidified gas discharge path 104 is released into the atmosphere.

  As understood from the above description, the first space has an end communicating with the humidified gas supply port 106 (an end on the X-axis negative direction side) as an upstream end, and an end communicating with the humidified gas discharge port 107. The portion (the end on the X-axis positive direction side) serves as a downstream end, and functions as a humidified gas internal flow path for allowing the humidified gas to flow in the positive direction of the X-axis. The second space has an end portion (end portion on the X axis positive direction side) communicating with the humidified gas supply port 109 as an upstream end and an end portion (end portion on the X axis negative direction side) communicating with the humidified gas discharge port 108. The end portion) functions as a humidified gas internal flow path that causes the humidified gas to flow in the negative direction of the X axis. Then, the humidified gas introduction path 102 and the first space functioning as the internal flow path of the humidified gas allow the water vapor permeable membrane 111 to pass through the humidified gas introduction port, which is the open end of the humidified gas introduction path 102. A supply channel for the humidified gas reaching the first surface is formed. Similarly, the second space of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is formed from the humidified gas introduction port, which is the open end of the humidified gas introduction channel 105, by the humidified gas introduction channel 105 and the second space functioning as an internal flow path of the humidified gas. A humidified gas supply path to the surface is formed.

  The cathode exhaust gas flowing in the second space has a very high humidity because it contains a large amount of water produced by the electrochemical reaction, and has a substantially saturated vapor pressure, for example. Such high-humidity cathode exhaust gas is in contact with air having lower humidity flowing through the first space via the water vapor permeable membrane 111, so that water vapor passes through the water vapor permeable membrane 111 from the cathode exhaust gas side to the air side. To Penetrate. As a result, when the air discharged through the first space is humidified and supplied to the cathode of the fuel cell 22, it is brought into a suitable state for keeping the solid polymer electrolyte membrane moist.

  Looking at the flow of the humidified gas in the second space where the chemical filter 150 is not arranged, as shown in FIG. 4, the area on the positive side of the Z axis, that is, the opening as the inlet of the humidified gas introduction path 105 is shown. The farther from the end (region where the flow path from the opening end is longer), the smaller the flow rate of the humidified gas, the lower the Z-axis direction region, that is, the region closer to the opening end of the humidifying gas introduction path 105 (from the opening end). The longer the flow path), the higher the flow rate of the humidified gas. Thus, in the second space, the distribution of the humidified gas is biased depending on the region. The humidified gas that has flowed in from the opening end of the humidified gas introduction path 105 has a pressure loss due to the flow in the humidified gas introduction path 105, and a part of the humidified gas that has flowed into the second space via the humidified gas supply port 109. By flowing in, the pressure decreases as the flow path from the open end of the humidified gas introduction path 105 goes to the long downstream side (the positive direction side of the Z axis). As a result, the inflow amount of the humidified gas from the humidified gas supply port 109, which is a long hole, into the second space increases as the portion is closer to the opening end of the humidifying gas introduction path 105, and decreases as the portion is farther from the opening end. It is.

  On the other hand, in the first space, air as the humidified gas is supplied over the entire first space by the rectifying action of the chemical filter 150. Similar to the second space described above, the humidified gas that has flowed from the opening end that is the inlet of the humidified gas introduction path 102 has a pressure loss inside the humidified gas introduction path 102 or a part of the humidified gas. By flowing into the first space through the humidified gas supply port 106, the pressure decreases as the flow path from the open end of the humidified gas introduction path 102 goes to the long downstream side (the positive direction side of the Z axis). Become. However, the pleat pitch of the chemical filter 150 is adjusted so that the pressure loss is small in the positive direction of the Z axis and the pressure loss is large in the negative direction of the Z axis. As a result, the inflow amount of the humidified gas from the humidified gas supply port 106, which is a long hole, into the first space has a high pressure loss (permeation resistance) of the chemical filter 150 in the portion near the opening end of the humidified gas introduction path 102. ) And a relatively large amount of humidified gas is distributed to a portion far from the open end where the pressure loss of the chemical filter 150 is low. Therefore, the inflow amount of the humidified gas from the humidified gas supply port 106 to the first space eliminates or reduces the difference between the portion near the opening end of the humidifying gas introduction path 102 and the portion far from the opening end, The portions of the humidified gas supply port 106 are relatively uniform. As a result, the uniformity of the amount of humidified gas supplied to the surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is improved, and the humidification efficiency of the humidifier 100 can be improved.

  Furthermore, the chemical filter 150 can remove impurities in the air that is a humidified gas. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a similar chemical filter in other parts of the fuel cell system 10.

B. Variation:
・ First modification:
A first modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier in the first modification. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a humidifying device 100a according to a first modification corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 in the embodiment. The humidifier 100a according to the first modified example is different from the humidifier 100 according to the embodiment in that the rectifying filter 155 is provided in the second space in the housing portion 101, similarly to the first space. Other configurations are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The rectifying filter 155 is disposed between the film body 110 and the inner wall surface facing the film body 110 in the second space so as to cover the entire inner wall surface from the inside. The rectifying filter 155 has a pleated shape having a plurality of folds in the same direction as the folds of the film body 110, like the chemical filter 150 arranged in the first space. Like the chemical filter 150, the interval (pleat pitch) between adjacent ridge lines among the plurality of ridge lines is gradually increased in the positive direction of the Z axis. For example, between the pleat pitch P1 near the end on the negative direction side of the Z-axis, the pleat pitch P3 near the end on the positive direction side of the Z-axis, and the pleat pitch P2 between these portions. As in the case of the pleat pitch of the chemical filter 150, P1 <P2 <P3 holds.

  Unlike the chemical filter 150, the rectifying filter 155 does not have an impurity adsorbing action and has only a rectifying effect on the cathode exhaust gas. As the rectifying filter 155, for example, a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric formed of inorganic fibers or organic fibers is used.

  According to the humidifying device 100a according to the first modification, in addition to the humidified gas (air) in the first space, the rectifying action of the rectifying filter 155 also causes the entire second space in the second space. A cathode exhaust gas that is a humidified gas is supplied. As a result, the uniformity of the supply amount of the humidifying gas to the surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is improved, and the humidifying efficiency of the humidifying device 100 can be further improved.

・ Second modification:
A second modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier in the second modification. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a humidifying device 100b according to a second modification corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 in the embodiment. The humidifying device 100b according to the second modification is different from the humidifying device 100 according to the embodiment in that a chemical filter 150b is provided instead of the chemical filter 150. Other configurations are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The chemical filter 150b is a flat plate-like filter, and the same material and fine structure as the chemical filter 150 in the embodiment can be used. The chemical filter 150b is formed such that the film thickness is thicker toward the negative side of the Z axis, and the film thickness is gradually decreased toward the positive direction of the Z axis. The film thickness of the chemical filter 150b is set, for example, in a range of 0.1 mm to several mm so that the thickness becomes thinner continuously or stepwise toward the positive region of the Z axis.

  According to the humidifier 100b according to the second modification, the chemical filter 150b has a small pressure loss toward the positive direction of the Z axis and a large pressure loss toward the negative direction of the Z axis, as with the chemical filter 150. Become. As a result, like the chemical filter 150, the chemical filter 150b exhibits a rectifying action on the air as the humidified gas described above. As a result, the humidifier 100b according to the second modified example can obtain the same operations and effects as the humidifier 100 according to the embodiment.

・ Third modification:
A third modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a humidifier in a third modification. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a humidifying device 100c according to a third modification corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 in the embodiment. The humidifying device 100c according to the third modification is different from the humidifying device 100 according to the embodiment in that a chemical filter 150c is provided instead of the chemical filter 150. Other configurations are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The chemical filter 150c is a flat plate-like filter, and the same material as the chemical filter 150 in the embodiment can be used. The chemical filter 150c has a uniform film thickness, but has a lower porosity in the negative direction region of the Z-axis, and the porosity gradually increases toward the positive region of the Z-axis. Is formed. The porosity is the ratio of pores per unit volume. The porosity of the chemical filter 150c is set, for example, in the range of 30% to 95% so as to increase continuously or stepwise toward the positive region of the Z axis. Increasing the porosity can be achieved, for example, by increasing the number of holes per unit volume and / or increasing the average pore diameter.

  According to the humidifying device 100c according to the third modification, the chemical filter 150c has a small pressure loss toward the positive direction of the Z axis and a large pressure loss toward the negative direction of the Z axis, like the chemical filter 150. Become. As a result, like the chemical filter 150, the chemical filter 150c exhibits a rectifying action on the air as the humidified gas described above. As a result, the humidifier 100c according to the third modified example can obtain the same operations and effects as the humidifier 100 according to the embodiment.

-Fourth modification:
A fourth modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gas flow of the humidifier according to the fourth modification and a gas flow of the humidifier according to the embodiment. FIG. 9A shows the gas flow of the humidifier 100 according to the embodiment described above as a comparison. FIG. 9B shows the gas flow of the humidifier 100d according to the fourth modification. In FIG. 9, in order to make the drawing easier to see, only the housing 101, the humidified gas introduction path 102, the humidified gas discharge path 103, the humidified gas discharge path 104, the humidified gas introduction path 105, and an arrow indicating the gas flow are shown. The illustration is omitted and other configurations are omitted. In FIG. 9, white arrows indicate the flow of the humidified gas (air), and black arrows indicate the flow of the humidified gas (cathode exhaust gas).

  The humidified gas discharge path 103 of the humidifying device 100d according to the fourth embodiment is opposite to the humidified gas discharge path 103 of the humidifying apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, and the end on the positive direction side of the Z axis is an open end. The end on the negative direction side of the Z-axis is the end in the closed state. And the humidification gas discharge path 104 of the humidification apparatus 100d which concerns on 4th Example is opposite to the humidification gas discharge path 104 of the humidification apparatus 100 which concerns on an Example, and the edge part by the side of the positive direction of a Z-axis is an open end. The end on the negative direction side of the Z-axis is the end in the closed state.

  As a result, in the humidifying device 100d according to the fourth modified example, the direction in which the humidified gas flows in the humidified gas introduction path 102 and the direction in which the humidified gas flows in the humidified gas discharge path 103 are the examples. Unlike the humidifying device 100 according to the above, the direction is the same (the positive direction of the Z axis). In such a configuration, if the pressure loss in the humidified gas discharge path 103 is taken into consideration, the humidified gas is distributed to the region on the positive side in the Z-axis direction in the first space as compared with the humidifier 100 in the embodiment. Easy to be. However, the distribution of the humidified gas in the first space strongly depends on the upstream pressure distribution, that is, the pressure distribution in the humidified gas introduction path 102 and the humidified gas supply port 106. As a result, also in the humidifying device 100d according to the fourth modified example, when the chemical filter 150 is not disposed, the flow rate of the humidified gas in the first space is closer to the opening end of the humidified gas introduction path 102 in the first space. Become more. Therefore, even in the humidifying device 100d according to the fourth modified example, by arranging the chemical filter 150, the supply amount of the humidified gas to the surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is uniform as in the humidifying device 100 according to the example. And the humidifying efficiency of the humidifying device 100 can be improved.

  Further, in the humidifying device 100d according to the fourth modification, a rectifying filter 155 may be provided in the second space as in the first modification. If it carries out like this, the uniformity of supply_amount | feed_rate of the humidification gas with respect to the surface of the water vapor permeable film 111 can be improved like the 1st modification, and the humidification efficiency of the humidification apparatus 100 can further be improved.

-5th modification:
A fifth modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a humidifier according to a fifth modification.

  The humidifying device 100e according to the fifth modification includes two humidified gas discharge paths 103a and 103b and humidified gas discharge ports 107a and 107b for one humidified gas introduction path 102 and humidified gas supply port 106. It differs from the humidifier 100 which concerns on an Example by the point provided.

  In the humidifying device 100e according to the fifth modification, the humidified gas introduction path 102 and the humidified gas supply port 106 are substantially centered in the X-axis direction of the wall on the first space side when viewed from the water vapor permeable film 111 of the housing portion 101. Provided in the department. The humidified gas discharge paths 103a and 103b and the humidified gas discharge ports 107a and 107b are respectively provided at both ends of the wall in the X-axis direction. Therefore, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 10, the first space has a humidified gas flow path having an approximately central portion in the X-axis direction as an upstream end and two end portions in the X-axis direction as two downstream ends. Function as.

  Furthermore, the humidifier 100e according to the fifth modification includes two humidified gas introduction paths 105a and 105b and humidified gas supply ports 109a and 109b with respect to one humidified gas discharge path 104 and humidified gas outlet 108. Thus, it is different from 100 according to the embodiment.

  In the humidifying device 100e according to the fifth modification, the humidified gas discharge path 104 and the humidified gas discharge port 108 are located at a substantially central portion in the X-axis direction of the wall on the second space side when viewed from the water vapor permeable film 111 of the housing unit 101. Is provided. The humidified gas introduction paths 105a and 105b and the humidified gas supply ports 109a and 109b are respectively provided at both ends of the wall in the X-axis direction. Therefore, as shown by the black arrows in FIG. 10, the second space is a humidified gas flow path having both ends in the X-axis direction as two upstream ends and a substantially central portion in the X-axis direction as a downstream end. Function.

  Since the other structure in the humidification apparatus 100e which concerns on a 5th modification is the same as that of the humidification apparatus 100 which concerns on an Example, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Also in the humidifier 100e according to the fifth modified example, when the chemical filter 150 is not disposed, the flow rate of the humidified gas increases in the first space in the region closer to the opening end of the humidified gas introduction path 102. Therefore, even in the humidifying device 100e according to the fifth modification, by providing the chemical filter 150, as in the humidifying device 100 according to the example, the uniformity of the supply amount of the humidified gas to the surface of the water vapor permeable membrane 111 is uniform. And the humidifying efficiency of the humidifying device 100 can be improved.

  Further, also in the humidifier 100e according to the fifth modified example, the rectifying filter 155 may be provided in the second space as in the first modified example. If it carries out like this, the uniformity of supply_amount | feed_rate of the humidification gas with respect to the surface of the water vapor permeable film 111 can be improved like the 1st modification, and the humidification efficiency of the humidification apparatus 100 can further be improved.

-6th modification:
In the above embodiment, the humidified gas inlet 106 and the humidified gas inlet 109 are each formed as one elongated hole. However, the shape and number of the humidified gas inlet 106 and the humidified gas inlet 109 are the same. Not limited to. For example, it can be formed as various polygonal or circular openings, or can be formed as a plurality of openings having these various shapes. Further, in accordance with the shape and number of the humidified gas inlet 106 and the humidified gas inlet 109, the humidified gas inlet 102 and the humidified gas inlet 102 communicated with the humidified gas inlet 106 and the humidified gas inlet 109. The shape of 105 is also changed.

  In such a case, the pressure loss of the chemical filter 150 can be changed according to the length of the flow path from the opening end serving as the humidified gas inlet to the humidified gas inlet 106 in the humidified gas inlet 102. It ’s fine. That is, in the chemical filter 150, the region corresponding to the portion where the flow path length from the opening end is long among the one or more humidified gas inlets 106 is the region corresponding to the portion where the pressure loss is small and the flow path length is short. The pressure loss may be set large.

・ Other variations:
In the embodiment, cathode exhaust gas is used as the high-humidity gas, and the oxidizing gas for supplying to the fuel cell is humidified. However, different configurations may be used. For example, the humidification device of the present invention may be used to humidify the fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell using the anode exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell as the high humidity gas. In this case, for example, the humidifier 100 may be connected in the middle of the hydrogen supply path 60 at a site upstream of the gas-liquid separator 27. Alternatively, the reaction gas may be humidified using a steam-containing gas other than the exhaust gas corresponding to the reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell as the high humidity gas. In addition to the fuel cell system, the humidifier of the present invention may be applied to humidify a fluid other than the reaction gas supplied to the fuel cell. Further, in the humidifier 100, the humidified gas may be humidified using a fluid containing other moisture, for example, water instead of the humidified gas.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

It is explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the fuel cell system which is an Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing showing the schematic structure of the external appearance of a humidifier. It is sectional drawing which shows the AA cross section in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the BB cross section in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows CC cross section in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus in a 1st modification. It is sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus in a 2nd modification. It is sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus in a 3rd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the gas flow of the humidification apparatus which concerns on a 4th modification, and the gas flow of the humidification apparatus which concerns on an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the humidification apparatus which concerns on a 5th modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fuel cell system 22 ... Fuel cell 23 ... Hydrogen tank 24 ... Air compressor 25 ... Air cleaner 27 ... Gas-liquid separator 27a ... Discharge valve 60 ... Hydrogen supply path 62 ... Pressure control valve 63 ... Anode exhaust gas path 65 ... Hydrogen pump 67 ... oxidizing gas supply path 68 ... cathode exhaust gas path 100, 100a to 100e ... humidifier 101 ... housing portion 102 ... humidified gas introduction path 103, 103a, 103b ... humidified gas discharge path 104 ... humidified gas discharge path 105, 105a, 105b ... Humidified gas introduction path 106 ... Humidified gas supply port 107, 107a, 107b ... Humidified gas discharge port 108 ... Humidified gas discharge port 109, 109a, 109b ... Humidified gas supply port 110 ... Film body 111 ... Water vapor permeable membrane 112 113 ... Reinforcement material 120 ... Adhesive material 150, 150b, 150c ... Mika Le filter 155 ... rectifier filter

Claims (10)

A humidifying device for humidifying a humidified fluid of the first fluid and the second fluid,
A water vapor permeable member that transmits water vapor;
A flow path for supplying the first fluid to the first surface of the water vapor permeable member, a first fluid supply path having a first inlet into which the first fluid is introduced;
A flow path for supplying the second fluid to the second surface of the water vapor permeable member, a second fluid supply path having a second inlet into which the second fluid is introduced; ,
In the first fluid supply path, the first fluid is disposed on the flow path of the first fluid from the first inlet to the first surface, and the longer the flow path, the more the first fluid permeates. A filter that reduces pressure loss due to
A humidifier comprising: The humidifying device according to claim 1 is:
The water vapor permeable member is accommodated, and is formed between an inner wall surface and the first surface, and an internal channel through which the first fluid flows, and an upstream end of the internal channel An opening to be opened, and the transmission member accommodating portion,
An introduction path that has the first introduction port, communicates with the opening, and introduces the first fluid into the internal flow path through the opening;
With
The first fluid supply path is formed by the internal flow path of the transmission member accommodating portion and the first introduction path,
The said filter is a humidification apparatus arrange | positioned in the area | region corresponding to a said 1st opening part, and the said pressure loss becomes small, so that the flow path of the said 1st fluid from the said inlet is long. The humidifying device according to claim 2,
The opening is a first long hole that opens along an upstream end of the internal flow path,
The first introduction path is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the first long hole, and the first fluid is caused to flow in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the first long hole,
The said filter is a humidification apparatus with which the said pressure loss becomes small toward the said 1st direction. The humidifying device according to claim 3,
The water vapor permeable member has a substantially rectangular shape having a first side, a second side adjacent to the first side, and a third side facing the second side in plan view,
The first direction is substantially parallel to the first side of the water vapor permeable member,
The first elongated hole is a humidifier that extends from the second side to the third side of the water vapor permeable member. In the humidification device according to claim 3 or 4,
The transmission member accommodating portion further has a second long hole that opens at an end portion on the downstream side of the internal flow path, and whose longitudinal direction extends along the first direction,
The humidifier is further disposed along a longitudinal direction of the second long hole, and the first fluid discharged from the internal flow path through the second long hole is supplied to the first fluid. A humidifier provided with a discharge passage for flowing in a direction opposite to the direction. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the filter has a plurality of ridge lines in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and has a pleated shape in which an interval between adjacent ridge lines increases toward the first direction. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The humidifying device, wherein the filter is a filter whose thickness decreases toward the first direction. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The humidifying device, wherein the filter is a filter whose porosity increases toward the first direction. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first fluid is a humidified fluid and a reaction gas for supplying to the fuel cell,
The humidifying device, wherein the filter is a filter for removing impurities contained in the reaction gas. The humidifying device according to claim 9,
The humidifying device, wherein the second fluid is an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell.

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