JP5151853B2 - Humidifier - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier.

  Conventionally, a humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane uses a capillary condensation action to the pores inside the hollow fiber membrane to separate moisture from the moist gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane and move it to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane. It humidifies the dry gas flowing outside the yarn membrane. The wet gas may flow outside the hollow fiber membrane, and the dry gas may flow inside the hollow fiber membrane.

This type of humidifier has, for example, a hollow fiber membrane module in which a bundle of hollow fiber membranes is accommodated in a cylindrical case. Wet gas is allowed to flow into the hollow fiber membrane module so as to flow through each hollow fiber membrane, and the dry gas is hollowed so as to flow outside the hollow fiber membrane through a plurality of gas holes formed in the case. Let it flow into the membrane module. The wet gas and the dry gas are introduced by a so-called cross flow method in which the wet gas and the dry gas are supplied to be orthogonal to each other.
JP 2006-314919 A

  By the way, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled as one set in order to achieve uniform flow of gas flowing outside the individual hollow fiber membranes in the hollow fiber membrane module. A bundle of a plurality of sets of hollow fiber membranes is accommodated in a case with a gap. However, according to such a method, there is a disadvantage that the gas tends to flow locally in the gap and the flow cannot be made uniform.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this situation, The objective is aiming at the improvement of humidification efficiency by aiming at the uniformization of the flow of the gas which flows outside each hollow fiber membrane.

  In order to solve such a problem, the humidifying device of the present invention includes a first gas that flows through a flow passage formed inside the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction and a flow of the first gas through the outside of the hollow fiber membrane. It is a device that exchanges moisture with a second gas that flows in a direction crossing the direction, and includes a hollow fiber membrane module and a housing that accommodates the entire hollow fiber membrane module. Here, the storage case of the hollow fiber membrane module has a main introduction surface, a discharge surface, and upper and lower surfaces facing the inner wall surface of the housing, and a plurality of gas holes are formed on each surface. The housing also has an internal bypass passage for dividing a part of the second gas introduced into the hollow fiber membrane bundle through a plurality of gas holes formed on the main introduction surface of the storage case, and upper and lower surfaces of the storage case. And configure each.

  According to the present invention, since the second gas flows in from the vertical direction via the internal bypass flow path in addition to the main flow direction from the main introduction surface to the discharge surface, the second gas is fed into the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Can be introduced in a distributed manner. Therefore, the flow of gas passing through the inside can be made uniform, and the humidification efficiency can be improved.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a humidifier 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This humidifier 1 is suitable as a humidifier used in, for example, a fuel cell system. A fuel cell system mainly includes a fuel cell stack that generates electricity by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas (for example, hydrogen) and an oxidant gas (for example, air). The fuel cell stack is configured by sandwiching a fuel cell structure in which an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode are opposed to each other with a separator and an electrode catalyst composite in between, and laminating a plurality of these. As an electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte is often used in consideration of high energy density, low cost, light weight, and the like. The solid polymer electrolyte is composed of, for example, an ion conductive polymer membrane such as a fluororesin ion exchange membrane, and functions as an ion conductive electrolyte when saturated with water. Therefore, in such a fuel cell system, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane of each cell is humidified by supplying the reaction gas (fuel gas or oxidant gas) to the fuel cell stack in a state of being humidified by the humidifier. .

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the humidifying device 1 according to the present embodiment. The humidifying device 1 of the present embodiment includes a reaction gas (hereinafter referred to as “second gas G2”) containing a wet gas, for example, water vapor discharged from the fuel cell, and a reaction for supplying a dry gas, for example, a fuel cell. Moisture exchange is performed with gas (hereinafter referred to as “first gas G1”) to humidify the dry gas. The humidifier 1 includes a hollow fiber membrane module 2 using a hollow fiber membrane as a water permeable membrane, and a housing 3 in which the entire hollow fiber membrane module 2 is accommodated.

  The hollow fiber membrane module 2 is mainly composed of a hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 configured by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 4 and a rectangular tubular storage case 6 that accommodates the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 therein. Has been.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 is configured by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 4. Each hollow fiber membrane 4 has a flow passage 7 which is a pore penetrating in the longitudinal direction, and has an elongated straw shape with a circular cross section.

  In the hollow fiber membrane module 2, the first gas G1 is supplied into the hollow fiber membrane 4 (flow passage 7), and the second gas G2 containing moisture is supplied to the outside (outside) of the hollow fiber membrane 4. Moisture is condensed (capillary condensation) in pores (capillaries) formed in the thickness direction in the hollow fiber membrane 4, and moisture is transferred from the outside of the hollow fiber membrane 4 due to a difference in water vapor partial pressure inside and outside the hollow fiber membrane 4. It penetrates inward. The flow of the air in the second gas G2 is inhibited by the condensation of moisture in the pores in the hollow fiber membrane 4, and as a result, only the water vapor in the wet gas selectively moves to the first gas G1 side. To Penetrate. The permeated water comes into contact with the first gas supplied to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and vaporizes, whereby the first gas G1 is humidified.

  In the humidifier 1 of the present embodiment, a so-called cross flow method is adopted in which the second gas G2 flows in a direction that intersects (specifically, substantially perpendicular) with the flow direction of the first gas G1. The hollow fiber membrane module 2 supplies the second gas G2 that is a wet gas into the hollow fiber membrane 4 and performs water exchange even when the first gas G1 that is a dry gas flows outside the hollow fiber membrane 4. be able to.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the storage case 6. FIG. 4A is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the storage case 6, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 is stored in the storage case 6. is there. The storage case 6 has a rectangular tube shape with both ends opened, and has a function of storing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 therein.

  In the storage case 6, the second gas G <b> 2, which is a wet gas, is placed inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 (each A plurality of gas holes 8 and 9 for flowing into the gap between the hollow fiber membranes 4 are formed on almost the entire surface. Each gas hole 8 formed in one side surface 6a (hereinafter referred to as “second gas main introduction surface 6a” as necessary) is a gas for allowing the second gas G2 to flow into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5. Functions as an introduction hole. On the other hand, each gas hole 9 formed in the other side surface 6b (hereinafter, referred to as “second gas discharge surface 6b” if necessary) passes through the inside of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 as the second gas G2. Functions as a gas discharge hole for discharging the gas to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 2.

  Further, a gas for allowing a bypass second gas G2 (described later) to flow into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 into each of the opposing upper and lower surfaces 6c, 6d, that is, the pair of surfaces constituting the short side of the opening. A plurality of holes 10 and 11 are formed on almost the entire surface. Each gas hole 10 formed in the upper surface 6c (hereinafter referred to as “second gas sub-introduction surface 6c” as necessary) introduces a gas for allowing the bypass second gas G2 to flow into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5. Functions as a hole. On the other hand, each gas hole 11 formed in the lower surface 6d (hereinafter referred to as “second gas sub-introducing surface 6d” if necessary) flows the bypass second gas G2 into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5. It functions as a gas introduction hole for making it happen.

  The hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 is formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 4 and then fixing both ends with a potting agent (adhesive). Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 accommodated in the storage case 6 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the case with a potting agent at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and other portions are not adhered. The portions excluding both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 have fine voids without being joined to each other, and the second gas G2, which is a wet gas, flows through the voids. Yes. That is, the site | part except the both ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 functions as a humidification field which humidifies the 1st gas G1 with the 2nd gas G2.

  Further, in the hollow fiber membrane module 2, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 is not accommodated over the entire area of the accommodation case 6, but is accommodated in such a manner that a gap is generated in part. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 includes a corner portion between the second gas discharge surface 6b and the upper surface 6c, and a corner portion between the second gas discharge surface 6b and the lower surface 6d. It is accommodated in the storage case 6 so that a space is formed in each part.

  The storage case 6 has an opening cross section, that is, a length (lateral length) L1 in the flow direction of the second gas G2 in an aspect ratio in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 accommodated therein. The length (vertical length) L2 of the storage case 6 in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the second gas G2 is set to be shorter. In other words, the storage case 6 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with an aspect ratio in which the second gas main introduction surface 6a and the second gas discharge surface 6b are long sides and the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d are short sides in the opening cross section. Can be set.

  1 and 2, the housing 3 has a housing 12, a first gas introduction manifold 14 having an introduction port 13 for the first gas G1, and an exhaust port 15 for the first gas G1. The first gas discharge manifold 16, the second gas introduction manifold 18 having the second gas G2 introduction port 17, and the second gas discharge manifold 20 having the second gas G2 discharge port 19 Become.

  The housing 12 is a case for accommodating the entire hollow fiber membrane module 2 therein, and has a quadrangular prism shape with both ends opened.

  The first gas introduction manifold 14 is attached so as to close one opening 21 formed in the front-rear direction of the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the seal between the first gas introduction manifold 14 and the housing 12 employs a shaft seal structure using, for example, an O-ring 22 at the inner end of the opening 21. . The first gas introduction manifold 14 is formed with an introduction port 13 for introducing the first gas G1 into the hollow fiber membrane module 2 in the housing 12.

  The first gas discharge manifold 16 is attached so as to close the other opening 23 formed in the front-rear direction of the housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the seal between the first gas discharge manifold 16 and the housing 12 employs a shaft seal structure using, for example, an O-ring 24 at the inner end of the opening 23. . The first gas discharge manifold 16 is formed with a discharge port 15 for discharging the first gas G1 that has passed through the flow passage 7 of each hollow fiber membrane 4 to the outside of the housing 12.

  The second gas introduction manifold 18 is attached so as to close an opening (not shown) formed on one side surface of the housing 12. The second gas introduction manifold 18 is formed with an introduction port 17 for introducing the second gas G2 into the housing 12. The seal between the second gas introduction manifold 18 and the housing 12 is similarly sealed with a shaft seal structure. By the second gas introduction manifold 18, the second gas introduction port 17 side and the second gas main introduction surface 6 a of the storage case 6 face each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the second gas introduction manifold 18 has a gas introduction passage 25 from the introduction port 17 for introducing the second gas G2 to the second gas main introduction surface 6a of the storage case 6. A step portion 26 is provided in the middle. The step portion 26 is formed by recessing a part of the second gas introduction manifold 18 inward (on the casing 12 side), and is provided at the intermediate position of the second gas main introduction surface 6a. By providing this stepped portion 26, the volume of the flow path on the back side of the gas introduction flow path 25 is reduced.

  The second gas G2 flowing from the introduction port 17 flows through the gas introduction flow path 25, collides with the inclined inner wall surface 26a by the step portion 26 provided in the middle thereof, and is dispersed. Therefore, the dispersed second gas G2 is introduced to the entire second gas main introduction surface 6a. In other words, the second gas G2 tends to be biased to the back side of the gas introduction channel 25 due to the characteristics of the gas flow. However, by causing the second gas G2 to collide with the step portion 26 in the middle of the flow path, it is easy to flow in the front side of the flow path, which is difficult to flow, and the gas is uniformly dispersed.

  The second gas discharge manifold 20 is integrated with the other side surface of the housing 12. The second gas discharge manifold 20 is provided with a discharge port 19 for discharging the second gas G2 introduced into the housing 12. The second gas discharge manifold 20 is provided with an internal space 27 so that a sufficiently large flow path to the discharge port 19 can be secured. By the second gas discharge manifold 20, the second gas discharge port 19 side and the second gas discharge surface 6 b of the storage case 6 face each other.

  The first gas introduction manifold 14, the first gas discharge manifold 16, and the second gas introduction manifold 18 are sealed with a shaft seal structure with respect to the housing 12, so that these coupling sites are different from each other. Compared to the case of sealing by means, the number of bolts can be reduced, and the space for the flanges and bosses for fastening can be eliminated. This is advantageous for downsizing the humidifier configuration.

  Further, in the humidifying device 1 of the present embodiment, a part of the second gas G2 introduced into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 through the gas holes 8 of the second gas main introduction surface 6a is transferred to the storage case 6. An internal bypass passage 28 for diverting to the upper and lower surfaces 6 c and 6 d is provided between the inner wall surface of the housing 3 and the outer wall surface of the storage case 6. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the internal bypass flow path 28 is constituted by a first space portion formed between the inner wall surface 12 a of the housing 12 and the upper surface 6 c of the storage case 6. ing. More specifically, a shallow groove 29 is formed in the inner wall surface 12a of the housing 12 excluding both ends where the openings 21 and 23 are formed, and a passage is formed between the groove 29 and the upper surface 6c of the storage case 6. The first space portion is formed. This first space portion serves as an internal bypass flow path 28. Similarly to the first space portion, the internal bypass flow path 28 is also constituted by a second space portion formed between the inner wall surface 12 a of the housing 12 and the lower surface 6 d of the storage case 6. .

  The internal bypass channel 28 is provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d, which are two positions on the upper and lower sides, across the second gas main introduction surface 6a and the second gas discharge surface 6b. In other words, in the upper and lower parts of the housing height direction E perpendicular to the second gas flow direction D in which the second gas G2 flows from the second gas main introduction surface 6a to the second gas discharge surface 6b of the storage case 6. The internal bypass channel 28 is provided. The bypass second gas G2, that is, the second gas G2 branched to the internal bypass flow path 28 flows up and down outside the hollow fiber membrane module 2.

  As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, the internal bypass channel 28 includes a seal member 30 formed over the entire circumference of the outer wall surface at both ends of the storage case 6, and the inner wall surface 12 a of the housing 12. Gas tightness is suppressed by the close contact. The seal member 30 is disposed between the two annular protrusions 31 and 32 formed on the outer wall surfaces on both ends of the opening of the storage case 6. For example, an O-ring is used as the seal member 30. The internal bypass flow path 28 is sealed with a shaft seal structure. The annular protrusions 31 and 32 are band-shaped protrusions having a low height that are in close contact with the inner wall surface 12 a of the housing 12. As described above, by setting the sealing position of the internal bypass flow path 28 to both end positions of the hollow fiber membrane module 2, the flow path space of the internal bypass flow path 28 can be effectively used.

  Further, the internal bypass flow path 28 is provided with a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the bypass second gas G2 flowing through the internal bypass flow path 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the flow rate adjusting means is a convex rib formed on the outer wall surface of the storage case 6 so as to connect the seal members 30 formed on the entire outer wall surface on both ends of the storage case 6. Part 33. Specifically, the rib portion 33 is a gas of the first gas G1 so that the annular protrusions 31 and 32 at both ends are connected to the upper surface 6c and the lower surface 6d of the storage case 6 adjacent to the second gas discharge surface 6b. It extends along the flow direction F. In other words, the convex rib part 33 is provided on the downstream side of the second gas G2 (the outlet side of the internal bypass passage 28) on the upper surface 6c and the lower surface 6d of the storage case 6. The rib portion 33 is set at the same height as the annular protrusion 31, and becomes a resistance of the bypass second gas G <b> 2 diverted to the internal bypass flow path 28.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of gas in the humidifier 1. The gas flow of the first gas G1 and the second gas G2 in the humidifier 1 will be described. The first gas G1, which is a dry gas, is supplied from the introduction port 13 of the first gas introduction manifold 14 and then flows through the flow passages 7 of the hollow fiber membranes 4 constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 to form the first gas. The gas is discharged from the discharge port 15 of the discharge manifold 16.

  The second gas G2, which is a wet gas, is supplied from the introduction port 17 of the second gas introduction manifold 18, and then collides with the stepped portion 26 formed in the second gas introduction manifold 18, and is dispersed. The two gas main introduction surface 6a is supplied as a uniform amount. And this 2nd gas G2 flows through the clearance gap between each hollow fiber membrane 4 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 from each gas hole 8 formed in the 2nd gas main introduction surface 6a, Then, the 2nd gas on the opposite side The gas is discharged from each gas hole 9 formed in the discharge surface 6b.

  In addition, a part of the second gas G <b> 2 that has collided with the stepped portion 26 and dispersed flows into the upper and lower internal bypass channels 28. The second gas G2 that has flowed into the internal bypass flow path 28, that is, the bypass second gas G2, flows through the gas holes 10 and 11 formed in the second gas sub-introduction surfaces 6c and 6d, respectively. After flowing through the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes 4, they are discharged from the respective gas holes 9 formed in the second gas discharge surface 6b.

  Further, on the downstream side of the internal bypass flow path 28, the bypass second gas G2 that has not flowed into the storage case 6 from the gas holes 10 and 11 is caused to flow by the convex rib portion 33 that is a flow rate adjusting means. Blocked and its flow adjusted.

  In the humidification field, the first gas G1 which is a dry dry gas flowing through the flow passage 7 of the hollow fiber membrane 4 and the second gas G2 which is a wet gas containing moisture flowing through the gap between the hollow fiber membranes 4 are in contact with each other. . Moisture permeates from the outside to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 4 due to the water vapor partial pressure difference inside and outside the hollow fiber membrane 4. Thereby, the water vapor in the wet gas permeates to the dry gas side and humidifies the first gas G1.

  Then, the second gas G2 discharged from the gas hole 11 of the second gas discharge surface 6b and the bypass second gas G2 that has flowed out of the upper and lower internal bypass passages 28 join together in the second gas discharge manifold 20. . The merged second gas G2 is uniformly mixed because the sufficiently large internal space 27 formed in the second gas discharge manifold 20 is provided. The uniformly mixed second gas G2 is discharged from the discharge port 19 formed in the second gas discharge manifold 20.

  Thus, in the humidifying device 1 of the present embodiment, the internal bypass flow path 28 is provided between the housing 12 and the upper and lower surfaces 6c, 6d of the storage case 6 in the hollow fiber membrane module 2. Gas holes 8 and 9 for allowing the second gas G2 to flow into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 can be formed in the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d of the storage case 6 constituting the internal bypass passage 28. The second gas G2 flows into the storage case 6 not only from one side surface (second gas main introduction surface) 6a of the storage case 6 but also from the upper and lower surfaces (second gas sub-introduction surfaces) 6c and 6d. In addition to the main flow direction from the second gas main introduction surface 6a to the second gas discharge surface 6b, the second gas G2 flows in from the vertical direction, so that the second gas G2 can be introduced in a distributed manner. . Thereby, since the flow velocity of the gas in the vicinity of the gas holes 8, 10, 11 is reduced, the influence of the gas wind pressure on the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 can be reduced. Therefore, the film | membrane twist of the hollow fiber membrane 4 by the 2nd gas G2 inside the storage case 6 can be reduced. Therefore, the flow of gas passing through the inside can be made uniform, and the humidification efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, convex rib portions 33 as flow rate adjusting means are formed on the upper and lower surfaces 6c, 6d of the storage case 6. The rib portion 33 prevents the flow of the internal bypass flow path 28, so that the second gas G2 can easily enter the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 from the individual gas holes 10 and 11 located on the upstream side thereof, The second gas G2 can be uniformly distributed. Further, the flow rate of the bypass second gas G <b> 2 flowing through the internal bypass flow path 28 can be adjusted according to the height of the rib portion 33.

  Moreover, in the hollow fiber membrane module 2 of this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 includes the corners of the side surface (second gas discharge surface) 6d and the upper surface 6c of the storage case 6, and the side surface (( 2nd gas discharge surface)) It accommodates in the storage case 6 so that a clearance gap may be formed in the corner part of 6d and the lower surface 6d, respectively. That is, the hollow fiber membrane module 2 has an internal path structure in which the entire space of the storage case 6 is not filled with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 but becomes a space at the corner. As a result, the internal path structure exists at a position where the wind pressure is easily received by the second gas G2 on the main flow side introduced from the second gas main introduction surface 6a, and the second gas sub-introduction surfaces (upper and lower surfaces) 6c and 6d. By introducing the bypass second gas G2 from the above, the influence of the wind pressure of the gas acting on the hollow fiber membrane 4 existing on the second gas discharge surface 6b side can be suppressed. Further, the second gas G2 on the mainstream side can be further dispersed.

  Further, in the crossflow humidifier, the second gas G2 is normally supplied only in the flow direction on the main flow side that flows from the second gas main introduction surface to the second gas discharge surface. In such a form, as a premise for introducing the second gas G2 into the hollow fiber membrane module, the second gas can also be dispersed by the casing shape on the upstream side of the hollow fiber membrane module 2, but only by this, As shown to 11 (a), there exists a tendency for gas to shift to the center. Therefore, there is a risk of reducing the humidification efficiency.

  However, in the present embodiment, the bypass second gas G2 is caused to flow from the gas holes 10 and 11 of the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d of the storage case 6 constituting the internal bypass flow path 28. Since the second gas G2 on the mainstream side is introduced, the hollow fiber membrane 4 tries to sway the membrane in the vertical direction, but as shown in FIG. A force that resists film swaying is applied by the gas. Thereby, since the membrane twist of the hollow fiber membrane 4 is suppressed, the factor which reduces humidification efficiency can be reduced.

  Further, the moisture partial pressure difference in the hollow fiber membrane 4 is an important factor for the humidifying performance of the humidifying device 1 using the hollow fiber membrane module 2. Therefore, for example, in a shape having a large length corresponding to the flow direction of the second gas G2 on the main flow side, the water vapor partial pressure difference is reduced in the vicinity of the outlet by performing water vapor exchange by humidification. Therefore, there is a possibility that the humidification efficiency is lowered in the vicinity of the outlet.

However, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The hollow fiber membrane module 2 (storage case 6) has an aspect ratio angle with the second gas main introduction surface 6a and the second gas discharge surface 6b as long sides and the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d as short sides in the opening cross section. It has a cylindrical shape. Such a shape device can suppress the situation where the partial pressure difference of the water vapor is reduced in the vicinity of the outlet in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5. Thereby, the fall of humidification efficiency can be suppressed.

  On the downstream side in the mainstream direction, the water vapor partial pressure difference usually tends to decrease due to water vapor exchange. However, since the bypass second gas is introduced from the vertical direction and a high water vapor partial pressure difference can be maintained on the downstream side, the humidification efficiency can be improved. Further, in the flow of the second gas G2 on the mainstream side, the hollow fiber membrane 4 is swayed around the central portion, and the second gas G2 is concentrated in the central portion. It tends to be difficult to flow. However, by flowing the bypass second gas G2 in the vertical direction, humidification can be performed while maintaining a high water vapor partial pressure difference even in a region where water exchange has not been performed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the storage case 6 of the humidifying device 1 according to the second embodiment. The humidifying device 1 according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the shape of the gas holes 10 and 11 formed in the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d of the storage case 6. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the upper surface (second gas sub-introduction surface) 6c of the storage case 6, the gas hole 10 has an opening area (opening diameter) that gradually decreases toward the downstream side of the second gas G2. Is set to Similarly to the upper surface 6c, on the lower surface (second gas sub-introduction surface) 6d of the storage case 6, the gas hole 11 is set so that the opening diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side of the second gas G2. Has been.

  According to this configuration, the pressure loss difference of the gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 can be adjusted by the opening diameters (opening areas) of the gas holes 10 and 11 on the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d. Thereby, since the pressure difference inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 becomes uniform, the second gas G2 from the vertical direction can be flowed in more dispersively.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the storage case 6 of the humidifying device 1 according to the third embodiment. The humidifying apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the shape of the gas holes 8 to 11 formed in the storage case 6. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

  In the first embodiment, the gas holes 8 to 11 of the storage case 6 are set to be circular, but the gas holes 8 to 11 of the present embodiment are set to be rectangular as shown in FIG. ing.

  Thus, even if the gas holes 8 to 11 are rectangular, the humidifier 1 can exhibit the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the variation of the allowable shape regarding the storage case 6 can be increased. Moreover, this 3rd Embodiment can also be set so that an opening area may become small in steps toward the downstream of 2nd gas G2, similarly to 2nd Embodiment mentioned above.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the storage case 6 of the humidifying device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The humidifying device 1 according to the fourth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the shape of the gas holes 8 to 11 formed in the storage case 6. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the upper surface (second gas sub-introduction surface) 6c of the storage case 6, the gas hole 10 has an opening area (opening diameter) that gradually decreases toward the downstream side of the second gas G2. Is set to Similarly to the upper surface 6c, on the lower surface (second gas sub-introduction surface) 6d of the storage case 6, the gas hole 11 is set so that the opening diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side of the second gas G2. Has been.

  In addition, the gas holes 8 and 9 formed in the pair of side surfaces (second gas main introduction surface and second gas discharge surface) 6a and 6b corresponding to the flow on the main flow side of the second gas G2 are formed at the center of the surface. It is set so that the opening area is smaller as it is located.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the pressure loss difference of the gas flowing through the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 can be adjusted by the opening areas of the gas holes 10 and 11 on the upper and lower surfaces 6c and 6d. Thereby, since the pressure difference inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 becomes uniform, the second gas G2 from the vertical direction can be flowed in more dispersively.

  In addition, in the second gas main introduction surface 6a and the second gas discharge surface 6b, the second gas G2 is concentrated in the central portion by setting the opening area to be smaller for the gas holes 8 and 9 located in the central portion. Therefore, it is possible to further disperse the second gas G2 on the mainstream side.

  As mentioned above, although the humidification apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the scope of the invention. The hollow fiber membrane module 2 is not limited to a rectangular tube shape, and various tube shapes such as a cylindrical shape can be adopted. In this case, in the storage case, the surface (region) facing the inlet port 13 side of the second gas G2 corresponds to the second gas main introduction surface 6a, and the surface (region) facing the outlet port 15 side of the second gas G2 is. Corresponding to the second gas discharge surface 6b, the surfaces (regions) connecting the second gas main introduction surface 6a and the second gas discharge surface 6b and facing the inner wall surface of the housing 3 are the upper and lower surfaces 6c, 6d. Equivalent to.

  The humidifier of the present invention can be applied not only to a fuel cell system, but also to various systems that humidify a dry gas by exchanging moisture between the dry gas and the wet gas.

The perspective view which shows typically the humidification apparatus 1 concerning 1st Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows typically the humidification apparatus 1 concerning 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the hollow fiber membrane bundle 5 typically The perspective view which shows the storage case 6 typically AA sectional view of FIG. The figure which looked at FIG. 5 from the arrow B direction The figure which looked at FIG. 5 from the arrow C direction Explanatory drawing showing internal bypass flow path Perspective view of the second gas introduction manifold Explanatory drawing which shows the flow of 1st gas and 2nd gas Explanatory drawing showing the state of the hollow fiber membrane The perspective view which shows typically the storage case in the hollow fiber membrane module of the humidification apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the storage case in the hollow fiber membrane module of the humidification apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the storage case in the hollow fiber membrane module of the humidification apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Humidifier 2 ... Hollow fiber membrane module 3 ... Housing 4 ... Hollow fiber membrane 5 ... Hollow fiber membrane bundle 6 ... Storage case 6a ... Side surface (2nd gas main introduction surface)
6b ... Side surface (second gas discharge surface)
6c ... Upper surface (second gas sub-introduction surface)
6d ... lower surface (second gas sub-introduction surface)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 ... Flow path 8-11 ... Gas hole 12 ... Housing 14 ... First gas introduction manifold 16 ... First gas discharge manifold 18 ... Second gas introduction manifold 20 ... Second gas discharge manifold 25 ... Gas introduction Channel 26 ... Stepped portion 28 ... Internal bypass channel

Claims (8)

Between the first gas that flows through the flow path formed inside the hollow fiber membrane in the longitudinal direction and the second gas that flows outside the hollow fiber membrane in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the first gas. In a humidifier that exchanges moisture at
A hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a plurality of hollow fiber membranes are bundled is accommodated in a cylindrical storage case having both ends opened,
A housing having a first gas introduction port and a discharge port and a second gas introduction port and a discharge port, and housing the entire hollow fiber membrane module therein;
The hollow fiber membrane module storage case includes a main introduction surface facing the second gas introduction port side, a discharge surface facing the second gas discharge port side, and between the main introduction surface and the discharge surface. And the upper and lower surfaces facing the inner wall surface of the housing, a plurality of gas holes are formed on each surface,
The housing includes an internal bypass channel that divides a part of the second gas introduced into the hollow fiber membrane bundle through a plurality of gas holes formed in a main introduction surface of the storage case, the storage case A humidifier characterized by comprising between the upper and lower surfaces.   The said storage case has the convex rib part extended along the flow direction of the said 1st gas in each of the said upper and lower surfaces at the downstream of the said 2nd gas flow. The humidifier described in 1.   The hollow fiber membrane bundle is stored in the storage case so that a gap is formed at a corner between each of the discharge surface of the storage case and the upper and lower surfaces. 2. The humidifier described in 2.   4. The opening area of the plurality of gas holes in the upper and lower surfaces of the storage case is set to be smaller as it is positioned downstream of the flow of the second gas. Humidifier described in 1.   The storage case of the hollow fiber membrane module has a rectangular tube shape with an aspect ratio in which the main introduction surface and the discharge surface are long sides and the upper and lower surfaces are short sides. The humidification apparatus as described in any one.   The storage case includes a seal member that tightly contacts the inner wall surface of the housing and regulates leakage of the second gas flowing through the internal bypass channel over the entire circumference of the outer wall surfaces at both ends that are opened. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The housing is provided with a step portion in the middle of a gas introduction flow path from the second gas introduction port to the main introduction surface of the storage case, and the second gas collides with the step portion to the main introduction surface. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the humidifying device performs uniform dispersion.   The gas introduction flow path is formed in a second gas introduction manifold attached to the housing, and a part of the second gas introduction manifold is recessed inward to form the stepped portion. 8. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein a flow path volume on the back side is reduced and the step portion is provided in front of an intermediate position of the main introduction surface. 9.

Images