KR20240021436A - Humidifier for Fuel Cell and Cartridge of Humidifier for Fuel Cell - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes an inner case having openings at both ends; an inner inlet formed in the inner case and configured to introduce a first gas into the inner case; an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet along a first axis direction and configured to discharge the first gas from the interior of the inner case; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes contained within the inner case, wherein each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a first crimping portion provided with a crimp, and extending from the first crimping portion and forming the first crimping portion. It relates to a cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell that includes a connecting portion having a smaller amplitude than the crimping portion.

Description

Humidifier for fuel cell and cartridge of humidifier for fuel cell {Humidifier for Fuel Cell and Cartridge of Humidifier for Fuel Cell}

The present invention relates to a humidifier for fuel cells for supplying humidified gas to a fuel cell.

Unlike general chemical cells such as batteries or storage batteries, fuel cells have the advantage of being able to continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and are twice as efficient as internal combustion engines because there is no heat loss.

In addition, because the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, pollutant emissions are low. Therefore, fuel cells are not only environmentally friendly, but have the advantage of reducing concerns about resource depletion due to increased energy consumption.

Depending on the type of electrolyte used, these fuel cells are largely divided into Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell. : MCFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and alkaline fuel cell (AFC).

Each of these fuel cells operates on fundamentally the same principle, but the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, etc. are different. Among these, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) are known to be the most promising not only for small-scale stationary power generation equipment but also for transportation systems because they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells and can be miniaturized due to their large power density.

One of the most important factors in improving the performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) is the addition of a certain amount of polymer electrolyte membrane (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane: PEM) of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA). The goal is to maintain moisture content by supplying moisture. This is because when the polymer electrolyte membrane dries, power generation efficiency rapidly decreases.

Methods for humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane include 1) a bubbler humidification method that supplies moisture by filling a pressure vessel with water and passing the target gas through a diffuser; 2) adjusting the amount of moisture supplied for the fuel cell reaction. There is a direct injection method that calculates and supplies moisture directly to the gas flow pipe through a solenoid valve, and 3) a humidifying membrane method that supplies moisture to the fluidized gas layer using a polymer separation membrane.

Among these, the membrane humidification method, which humidifies the polymer electrolyte membrane by providing water vapor to the air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane using a membrane that selectively transmits only the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas, is advantageous in that it can lighten and miniaturize the humidifier.

When forming a module, the selective permeable membrane used in the membrane humidification method is preferably a hollow fiber membrane with a large permeable area per unit volume. In other words, when manufacturing a humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane, high integration of the hollow fiber membrane with a large contact surface area is possible, so that sufficient humidification of the fuel cell can be achieved even with a small capacity, and low-cost materials can be used, and the discharge from the fuel cell at a high temperature is possible. It has the advantage of being able to recover moisture and heat contained in off-gas and reuse it through a humidifier.

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical humidifier for fuel cells.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the humidifier 100 of a conventional membrane humidification type includes a humidification module 110 in which moisture exchange occurs between air supplied from the outside and exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown), and the humidifier It includes caps 120 coupled to both ends of the module 110.

One of the caps 120 delivers air supplied from the outside to the humidification module 110, and the other caps deliver air humidified by the humidification module 110 to the fuel cell stack.

The humidification module 110 includes a mid-case 111 having an off-gas inlet 111a and an off-gas outlet 111b, and the Includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 in the mid-case 111. Both ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are potted in the fixed layer 113. The fixed layer 113 is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting method. A fixed layer 113 in which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are potted, and a resin layer 114 between the fixed layer 113 and the mid-case 111 fill the internal spaces of the caps 120 with the mid-case. It is blocked from the internal space of the case 111. Similar to the fixed layer 113, the resin layer 114 is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting method.

Air supplied from the outside flows along the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 112. The exhaust gas flowing into the mid-case 111 through the exhaust gas wet gas inlet 111a contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes 112 and then enters the mid-case through the exhaust gas wet gas outlet 111b ( 111). When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes 112, moisture contained in the exhaust gas penetrates the hollow fiber membranes 112, thereby humidifying the air flowing along the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 112. The humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap 120 among the caps 120.

In this case, in the related art, due to the low porosity between the hollow fiber membranes 112, the exhaust gas flowing into the mid-case 111 is unable to diffuse entirely between the hollow fiber membranes 112, and the mid-case ( 111) was leaked outside. Accordingly, conventionally, humidification is intensively performed through the hollow fiber membranes 112 located relatively on the outside, while humidification is not smoothly performed through the hollow fiber membranes 112 located relatively on the inside, so the overall humidification performance decreases. There is a low problem.

The present invention was developed to solve the problems described above, and is intended to provide a humidifier for fuel cells and a cartridge for the humidifier for fuel cells that can increase humidification performance using hollow fiber membranes.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention may include the following configuration.

The humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention includes a humidification module that humidifies dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using wet gas; A first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; And a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidifying module may include a mid-case with both ends open, and at least one cartridge stored inside the mid-case. The cartridge includes an inner case having openings at both ends; an inner inlet formed in the inner case and configured to introduce a first gas into the inner case; an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet along a first axis direction and configured to discharge the first gas from the interior of the inner case; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes contained within the inner case. Each of the hollow fiber membranes may include a first crimping portion provided with a crimp, and a connection portion extending from the first crimping portion and having a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion.

The cartridge of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention is provided in a humidifier for fuel cells that humidifies dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using wet gas, and includes an inner case having openings at both ends; an inner inlet formed in the inner case and configured to introduce a first gas into the inner case; an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet along a first axis direction and configured to discharge the first gas from the interior of the inner case; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes contained within the inner case. Each of the hollow fiber membranes may include a first crimping portion provided with a crimp, and a connection portion extending from the first crimping portion and having a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion.

The present invention is implemented so that a crimp is provided to the first crimping portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes. Accordingly, the present invention improves the dispersibility or diffusion of the first gas flowing into the inner case by using the first crimping portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes or the first gas remaining inside the inner case. By increasing the residence time, the overall humidification performance can be improved.

Since the present invention is implemented so that a crimp is applied to the first crimping portion of each of the hollow fiber membranes, the effective area of the hollow fiber membranes can be further increased by using the first crimping portion. Therefore, the present invention can further improve humidification performance by increasing the effective area of the hollow fiber membranes.

In the present invention, the connection portion of each hollow fiber membrane is implemented to have a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion, so the differential pressure can be reduced using the connection portion. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the risk of damage or breakage to the hollow fiber membranes and increase humidification performance by reducing differential pressure.

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier.
Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view showing the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention based on line II of Figure 2
Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention based on line II of Figure 2
5 and 6 are schematic plan views of the cartridge of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention.
7 and 8 are schematic side views showing a portion of the hollow fiber membrane in the cartridge of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the cartridge of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention can be included in the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention, it will be described together with embodiments of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention. Meanwhile, hatching in FIGS. 7 and 8 is indicated to distinguish components. The two parallel curves shown in Figure 8 are omitted lines.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses wet gas to humidify dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack (not shown). Wet gas may be discharged from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas can be fuel gas or air. Dry gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by wet gas. The humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a humidifying module (2) for humidifying dry gas, a first cap (3) coupled to one end of the humidifying module (2), and the other end of the humidifying module (2). It includes a second cap (4) coupled to.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the humidification module 2 humidifies dry gas. The first cap 3 may be coupled to one end of the humidification module 2. The second cap 4 may be coupled to the other end of the humidification module 2. The humidification module 2 may supply humidified dry gas to the fuel cell stack using a first gas and a second gas. If the first gas is a dry gas, the second gas may be a wet gas. In this case, the first gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the second gas. If the first gas is a wet gas, the second gas may be a dry gas. In this case, the second gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the first gas.

The humidifying module 2 includes a mid-case 21 and at least one cartridge 22.

The mid-case 21 is the cartridge 22 combined. The cartridge 22 may be stored inside the mid-case 21. The mid-case 21 is open at both ends. In this case, a receiving hole 211 may be formed in the mid-case 21. The receiving hole 211 may be formed to penetrate the mid-case 21 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). At least one cartridge 22 may be disposed in the receiving hole 211.

The mid-case 21 may include a mid body 210. The mid body 210 accommodates the cartridge 22. The cartridge 22 can be accommodated in the mid body 210 by being placed inside the mid body 210. At least one cartridge 22 can be accommodated in the mid body 210. The receiving hole 211 may be formed to penetrate the mid body 210 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

A mead inlet 212 and a mead outlet 213 may be formed in the mid-case 21. The mead inlet 212 may introduce the first gas into the mid-case 21. The mead outlet 213 may discharge the first gas from the interior of the mid-case 21. The mead outlet 213 and the mead inlet 212 may each protrude from the mid-case 21.

The cartridge 22 is placed inside the mid-case 21. The cartridge 22 includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 221. The hollow fiber membranes 221 can be modularized by being coupled to the cartridge 22. Accordingly, through a process of coupling the cartridge 22 to the mid-case 21, the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be installed inside the mid-case 21. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the ease of installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes 221. Each of the hollow fiber membranes 221 may include a hollow space through which the second gas passes.

The cartridge 22 may include an inner case 222.

The inner case 222 has openings at both ends and contains the hollow fiber membranes 221. The hollow fiber membranes 221 may be placed inside the inner case 222 to be modularized. The hollow fiber membrane 221 is made of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, It may include a polymer membrane formed of polyesterimide resin, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

The cartridge 22 may include a first fixed layer 223. The first fixed layer 223 fixes one end of the hollow fiber membranes 221. The first fixed layer 223 may close the opening formed at one end of the inner case 222. In this case, the first fixed layer 223 may be formed so as not to block the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221. The first fixed layer 223 may be formed by curing a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A portion of the first fixed layer 223 may be located inside the inner case 222 , and a remaining portion may protrude outside the inner case 222 . The first fixed layer 223 may fix one end of the hollow fiber membranes 221 and the inner case 222.

The cartridge 22 may include a second fixed layer 224. The second fixed layer 224 fixes the other ends of the hollow fiber membranes 221. The second fixed layer 224 may close the opening formed at the other end of the inner case 222. In this case, the second fixed layer 224 may be formed so as not to block the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221. The second fixed layer 224 may be formed by curing a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A portion of the second fixed layer 224 may be located inside the inner case 222, and a remaining portion may protrude outside the inner case 222. The second fixed layer 224 may fix the other ends of the hollow fiber membranes 221 and the inner case 222. Since the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223 are formed so as not to block the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221, the second gas is used in the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223. It can be supplied into the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes 221 without being obstructed, and can be supplied from the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes 221 without interfering with the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223. It may leak.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6 , the cartridge 22 may include an inner inlet 225 and an inner outlet 226.

The inner inlet 225 is formed in the inner case 222. The inner inlet 225 may be formed on one side of the inner case 222. One side of the inner case 222 may be arranged to face one of the side walls of the mid-case 21. The inner inlet 225 may introduce the first gas into the inner case 222. The inner inlet 225 may be formed through the inner case 222. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner inlet 225 may be implemented as a single through hole penetrating the inner case 222. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner inlet 225 may be implemented as a plurality of through holes penetrating the inner case 222. In this case, the inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of inlet windows 225a formed to penetrate different parts of the inner case 222. The inlet windows 225a may be arranged to form a matrix by being spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The second axis direction (Y-axis direction) and the first axis direction (X-axis direction) are axial directions arranged perpendicular to each other.

The inner outlet 226 is formed in the inner case 222. The inner outlet 226 may be formed on one side of the inner case 222. The inner outlet 226 may discharge the first gas from the inside of the inner case 222. The inner outlet 226 may be formed through the inner case 222. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner outlet 226 may be implemented as a single through hole penetrating the inner case 222. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner outlet 226 may be implemented as a plurality of through holes penetrating the inner case 222. In this case, the inner outlet 226 may include a plurality of outlet windows 226a formed to penetrate different parts of the inner case 222. The outflow windows 226a may be arranged to form a matrix by being spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The inner outlet 226 and the inner inlet 225 may be disposed at positions spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

When the first gas is a wet gas, the first gas is supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case 21 and the outer surface of the cartridge 22 through the mid inlet 212, and the inner inlet 225 It may be supplied into the interior of the cartridge 22 and contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes 221. In this process, moisture contained in the first gas penetrates the hollow fiber membranes 221, thereby humidifying the second gas flowing along the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221. The humidified second gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap 3 or the second cap 4 after flowing out from the hollow fiber membranes 221. The first gas after humidifying the second gas flows out between the outer surface of the cartridge 22 and the inner surface of the mid-case 21 through the inner outlet 226, and through the mid outlet 213. It may leak out of the mid-case 21 through. In this case, the first gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

When the first gas is a dry gas, the first gas is supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case 21 and the outer surface of the cartridge 22 through the mid inlet 212, and the inner inlet 225 It may be supplied into the interior of the cartridge 22 and contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes 221. In this process, moisture of the second gas flowing along the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221 penetrates the hollow fiber membranes 221, thereby humidifying the first gas flowing into the cartridge 22. The humidified first gas flows out between the outer surface of the cartridge 22 and the inner surface of the mid-case 21 through the inner outlet 226, and into the mid-case 21 through the mid outlet 213. ) can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after flowing out to the outside. The second gas after humidifying the first gas may flow out of the hollow fiber membranes 221 and then be discharged to the outside through the first cap 3 or the second cap 4. In this case, the second gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

The humidifying module 2 may include a first packing part 23.

The first packing part 23 is airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case 21 through mechanical assembly. Accordingly, the first packing part 23 can allow the first cap 3 to be in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes 221. Accordingly, the first packing unit 23 can prevent the first gas and the second gas from being directly mixed. The first packing part 23 is disposed between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22, thereby sealing the space between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22. In this case, the cartridge 22 can be inserted into the first insertion hole 231 formed in the first packing part 23. The first packing part 23 may be in contact with each of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and the first fixed layer 223. Through this contact, the first packing part 23 can be airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case 21. In this case, the first packing part 23 may be in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and a portion of the first fixed layer 223.

The humidification module 2 may include a second packing unit 24.

The second packing portion 24 is airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case 21 through mechanical assembly. Accordingly, the second packing part 24 may allow the second cap 4 to be in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes 221 . Accordingly, the second packing unit 24 can prevent the first gas and the second gas from being directly mixed. The second packing part 24 is disposed between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22, thereby sealing the space between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22. In this case, the cartridge 22 may be inserted into the second insertion hole 241 formed in the second packing part 24. The second packing part 24 may be in contact with each of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and the second fixed layer 224. Through this contact, the second packing part 24 can be airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case 21. In this case, the second packing part 24 may be in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and a portion of the second fixed layer 224.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the first cap 3 is coupled to one end of the humidification module 2. The space between the first cap 3 and the cartridge 22 can be sealed with respect to the space between the cartridge 22 and the mid-case 21 by the first packing part 23. . The first cap 3 may include a first port 31. The first port 31 is for the second gas to flow. The first port 31 may communicate with the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221. Accordingly, while the second gas flows between the first cap 3 and the hollow fiber membranes 221, the second gas may flow in or out through the first port 31.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the second cap 4 is coupled to the other end of the humidification module 2. The second cap 4 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first cap 3 along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cap 4 and the cartridge 22 can be sealed with respect to the space between the cartridge 22 and the mid-case 21 by the second packing part 24. . The second cap 4 may include a second port 41. The second port 41 is for the second gas to flow. The second port 41 may communicate with the cavities of the hollow fiber membranes 221. Accordingly, while the second gas flows between the second cap 4 and the hollow fiber membranes 221, the second gas may flow in or out through the second port 41. When the second gas flows in through the second port 41, the second gas may flow out through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas may exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the second cap 4, the hollow of the hollow fiber membranes 221, and the first cap 3. When the second gas flows out through the second port 41, the second gas may flow in through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas may exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the first cap 3, the hollow of the hollow fiber membranes 221, and the second cap 4. Although not shown, resin layers may be formed on both ends of the mid-case 21 instead of the packing parts 23 and 24. The resin layers can be formed by curing a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting method.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention may be implemented so that each of the hollow fiber membranes 221 is partially provided with a crimp or partially provided with a different crimp. . Regarding this, the following will be described in detail based on one hollow fiber membrane 221.

The hollow fiber membrane 221 may include a first crimping part 2211 and a connecting part 2212.

The first crimping portion 2211 is provided with a crimp. The first crimping portion 2211 may correspond to a portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The first crimping portion 2211 may be formed to form a curve as the crimp is applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first crimping part 2211 may be formed in a wavy pattern. In this case, the first crimping portion 2211 may be formed in a serpentine shape that passes the reference line 221a multiple times to include a plurality of ridges and a plurality of valleys. That is, the first crimping part 2211 may be formed to have a wavelength 2211a and an amplitude 2211b. The reference line 221a may be an imaginary line parallel to the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The wavelength 2211a may refer to the distance between the ridges along the longitudinal direction of the first crimping portion 2211. The longitudinal direction of the first crimping portion 2211 may be parallel to the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The wavelengths 2211a of the first crimping part 2211 may be formed to have non-uniform lengths. The wavelengths 2211a of the first crimping part 2211 may be formed to have a uniform length. The amplitude 2211b may mean the distance between the crest of the first crimping part 2211 and the reference line 221a. The amplitude 2211b may mean the distance between the valley of the first crimping part 2211 and the reference line 221a. The amplitudes 2211b of the first crimping portion 2211 may be formed to have non-uniform lengths. The amplitudes 2211b of the first crimping portion 2211 may be formed to have uniform lengths.

The connection portion 2212 is formed by extending from the first crimping portion 2211. The connection portion 2212 may correspond to a portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The connecting portion 2212 may be formed to have a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion 2211. Accordingly, the hollow fiber membrane 221 may be implemented so that a crimp is partially applied through the first crimping portion 2211 and the connecting portion 2212, or a crimp that is different from each other is partially applied. When the hollow fiber membrane 221 is implemented so that a crimp is partially applied, the connection portion 2212 may not be provided with a crimp. In this case, the connection portion 2212 may be formed to form a straight line. The hollow of the connection portion 2212 and the reference line 221a may be arranged on the same line. When the hollow fiber membrane 221 is implemented such that crimps are partially different from each other, the connection portion 2212 may be given a crimp to have an amplitude smaller than the amplitude 2211b of the first crimping portion 2211. .

Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can achieve the following effects.

First, since the first crimping portion 2211 is crimped to have a larger amplitude 2211b than the connecting portion 2212, it can have a higher porosity than the connecting portion 2212. Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the flow rate of the first gas passing between the hollow fiber membranes 221 using the first crimping part 2211, so that the inner case Among the hollow fiber membranes 221 located relatively inside (222), the ratio of the hollow fiber membranes 221 involved in humidification can be increased. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the overall humidification performance by improving the dispersibility or diffusion of the first gas introduced into the inner case 222.

Second, since the first crimping portion 2211 is crimped to have a larger amplitude 2211b than the connecting portion 2212, the effective area involved in humidification is greater than that of the hollow fiber membrane 221 that is not crimped. This may increase further. Accordingly, compared to the case where all of the hollow fiber membranes 221 are not provided with a crimp, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention has a first crimping portion 2211 of each of the hollow fiber membranes 221. Using this, the effective area of the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be further increased. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can further improve humidification performance by increasing the effective area of the hollow fiber membranes 221.

Third, when all of the hollow fiber membranes 221 are implemented as the first crimping portion 2211, the differential pressure between both ends of the cartridge 22 increases, causing damage or breakage to the hollow fiber membranes 221. There is a high risk of this happening, and humidification performance may deteriorate. In contrast, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane 221 is implemented by combining the first crimping portion 2211 and the connecting portion 2212, and thus the connecting portion 2212 is used to The differential pressure between both ends of the cartridge 22 can be reduced. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the risk of damage or damage to the hollow fiber membranes 221 and increase humidification performance by reducing differential pressure.

The first crimping part 2211 may be disposed at a position corresponding to either the inner inlet 225 or the inner outlet 226.

When the first crimping part 2211 is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner inlet 225, the first gas flows into the inner case 222 through the inner inlet 225. 1 It can flow toward the crimping part (2211). Accordingly, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention, the first gas flowing into the inner case 222 through the inner inlet 225 is crimped in the first crimping portion 2211 of the hollow fiber membrane 221. ) can be increased, so the flow rate of the first gas delivered to the hollow fiber membranes 221 disposed relatively inside can be increased. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the ratio of the hollow fiber membranes 221 involved in humidification among the hollow fiber membranes 221 located relatively inside the inner case 222. That is, the membrane contact area of the first gas can be increased. Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the overall humidification performance.

The first crimping part 2211 may be disposed at a position facing the inner inlet 225. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the first crimping part 2211 may be arranged to overlap the inner inlet 225. In this case, the connection portion 2212 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet 225 based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses the connection portion 2212 to reduce the differential pressure between both ends of the cartridge 22 in the process of flowing the first gas toward the inner outlet 226. can be reduced. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the first crimping part 2211 may be disposed in the inlet area 222a (shown in FIG. 6) of the inner case 222. The inlet area 222a is an inner area of the inner case 222 where the first gas flows into the inner case 222 through the inner inlet 225. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the inlet area 222a may include a predetermined distance on both sides of the inner inlet 225. Meanwhile, one end of the first crimping part 2211 may be fixed by the first fixing layer 223. In this case, the other end of the first crimping part 2211 may be connected to the connecting part 2212. The first crimping portion 2211 and the connecting portion 2212 may be formed integrally.

When the first crimping part 2211 is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner outlet 226, the first gas is released from the inside of the inner case 222 through the inner outlet 226. It may flow toward the first crimping part 2211. Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can be implemented using the first crimping part 2211 to make it difficult for the first gas to flow toward the inner outlet 226, so that the inner case 222 ) can increase the residence time of the first gas inside. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the overall humidification performance by increasing the residence time.

The first crimping part 2211 may be disposed at a position facing the inner outlet 226. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the first crimping part 2211 may be arranged to overlap the inner outlet 226. In this case, the connection portion 2212 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner outlet 226 based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses the connection portion 2212 to reduce the differential pressure between both ends of the cartridge 22 in the process of flowing the first gas toward the inner outlet 226. can be reduced. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the first crimping part 2211 may be disposed in the outflow area 222b (shown in FIG. 6) of the inner case 222. The outflow area 222b is an inner area of the inner case 222 through which the first gas flows out from the inside of the inner case 222 through the inner outlet 226. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the outflow area 222b may include a predetermined distance on both sides of the inner outlet 226. Meanwhile, one end of the first crimping part 2211 may be fixed by the second fixing layer 224. In this case, the other end of the first crimping part 2211 may be connected to the connecting part 2212. The first crimping portion 2211 and the connecting portion 2212 may be formed integrally.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8 , each of the hollow fiber membranes 221 may include a second crimping portion 2213.

The second crimping portion 2213 is provided with a crimp. The second crimping portion 2213 may correspond to a portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The second crimping portion 2213 may be formed to form a curve as the crimp is applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second crimping part 2213 may be formed in a wavy pattern. In this case, the second crimping portion 2213 may be formed in a serpentine shape that passes the reference line 221a multiple times to include a plurality of ridges and a plurality of valleys. That is, the second crimping portion 2213 may be formed to have a wavelength 2213a and an amplitude 2213b. The wavelength 2213a may refer to the distance between the ridges along the longitudinal direction of the second crimping portion 2213. The wavelengths 2213a of the second crimping portion 2213 may be formed to have non-uniform lengths. The wavelengths 2213a of the second crimping part 2213 may be formed to have a uniform length. The amplitude 2213b may mean the distance between the ridge of the second crimping part 2213 and the reference line 221a. The amplitude 2213b may mean the distance between the valley of the second crimping part 2213 and the reference line 221a. The amplitudes 2213b of the second crimping portion 2213 may be formed to have non-uniform lengths. The amplitudes 2213b of the second crimping portion 2213 may be formed to have uniform lengths.

When the second crimping part 2213 is provided, the connection part 2212 connects the second crimping part 2213 and the first crimping part 2211 based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). It can be placed between . The second crimping portion 2213 may be fixed by the second fixed layer 224. The first crimping part 2211 may be fixed by the first fixing layer 223.

When the second crimping part 2213 is provided, the second crimping part 2213 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the inner outlet 226. The first crimping part 2211 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the inner inlet 225. The connection portion 2212 may be disposed between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the dispersibility or expansion of the first gas introduced into the inner case 222 by using the first crimping parts 2211, The residence time of the first gas inside the inner case 222 can be increased using the second crimping parts 2213, and the connecting parts 2212 can be used to increase the residence time of the first gas at both ends of the cartridge 22. The distance between them can reduce the differential pressure. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can not only improve humidification performance but also extend the service life by reducing the risk of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membranes 221. In this case, the first crimping part 2211 may be placed in the inlet area 222a, and the second crimping part 2213 may be placed in the outflow area 222b. The connection portion 2212 may be disposed in the connection area 222c of the inner case 222. The connection area 222c is an inner area of the inner case 222 disposed between the inflow area 222a and the outflow area 222b based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

Referring to Figures 2 to 8, the second crimping part 2213 may be formed to have a shorter wavelength than the first crimping part 2211. That is, the wavelength 2211a of the first crimping part 2211 may be longer than the wavelength 2213a of the second crimping part 2213. Accordingly, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can further improve the diffusivity or dispersibility of the first gas using the first crimping part 2211, and can also improve the diffusivity or dispersibility of the first gas using the second crimping part 2213. 1 It is implemented to further increase the residence time of the gas.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first crimping portion 2211 may be crimped to have a wavelength 2211a of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. If the wavelength 2211a is implemented as less than 10 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 may excessively increase due to the first crimping portion 2211. When the wavelength 2211a is implemented to exceed 20 mm, the first crimping part 2211 has a significant difference in dispersibility or diffusion to the first gas, effective area, etc. compared to the case in which no crimp is applied. cannot be derived. In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a first crimping portion 2211 crimped to have a wavelength 2211a of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, so that both ends of the cartridge 22 The risk of damage or destruction of the hollow fiber membranes 221 due to the differential pressure applied to the gas can be reduced, and humidification performance can be increased by improving the dispersibility or diffusion of the first gas and the effective area.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first crimping portion 2211 may be crimped to have an amplitude 2211b of 0.1 mm or more. When the amplitude 2211b is implemented to be less than 0.1 mm, the first crimping part 2211 has a significant difference in dispersibility or diffusivity with respect to the first gas, effective area, etc. compared to the case where no crimp is provided. cannot be derived. In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a first crimping portion 2211 crimped to have an amplitude 2211b of 0.1 mm or more, thereby providing effective dispersibility or diffusivity for the first gas. Humidification performance can be improved by improving the area.

The first crimping portion 2211 may be crimped to have an amplitude 2211b of 5 mm or less. If the amplitude 2211b is implemented to exceed 5 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 may excessively increase due to the first crimping portion 2211. In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a first crimping portion 2211 crimped to have an amplitude 2211b of 5 mm or less, so that the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 As a result, the risk of damage or destruction of the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be reduced, and humidification performance can be improved by reducing differential pressure.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second crimping portion 2213 may be crimped to have a wavelength 2213a of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. If the wavelength 2213a is implemented as less than 5 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 may excessively increase due to the second crimping portion 2213. When the wavelength 2213a is implemented to exceed 15 mm, the second crimping part 2213 cannot derive a meaningful difference in terms of increasing the residence time of the first gas compared to the case where no crimp is applied. . In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a second crimping portion 2213 crimped to have a wavelength 2213a of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less, so that both ends of the cartridge 22 The risk of damage or destruction of the hollow fiber membranes 221 due to the differential pressure applied to the gas can be reduced, and humidification performance can be improved by increasing the residence time of the first gas.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second crimping portion 2213 may be given a crimp to have an amplitude 2213b of 0.1 mm or more. When the amplitude 2213b is implemented as less than 0.1 mm, the second crimping part 2213 cannot derive a meaningful difference in terms of increasing the residence time of the first gas compared to the case where no crimp is applied. . In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a second crimping portion 2213 that is crimped to have an amplitude 2213b of 0.1 mm or more, thereby improving humidification performance by increasing the residence time of the first gas. can increase.

The second crimping portion 2213 may be crimped to have an amplitude 2213b of 3 mm or less. If the amplitude 2213b is implemented to exceed 3 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 may excessively increase due to the second crimping portion 2213. In consideration of this, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided with a second crimping portion 2213 crimped to have an amplitude 2213b of 3 mm or less, so that the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge 22 As a result, the risk of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be reduced, and humidification performance can be improved by reducing differential pressure.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it is commonly known in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It will be clear to those who have the knowledge of.

1: Humidifier for fuel cell 2: Humidification module
21: Mid-Case 210: Mid Body
211: Receiving hole 212: Mead inlet
213: Mead outlet 22: Cartridge
221: hollow fiber membrane 221a: baseline
2211: first crimping portion 2211a: wavelength
2211b: Amplitude 2212: Connection
2213: second crimping part 2213a: wavelength
2213b: Amplitude 222: Inner case
222a: inflow area 222b: outflow area
222c: connection area 223: first fixed layer
224: second fixed layer 225: inner inlet
225a: Inflow window 226: Inner outlet
226a: Outflow window 23: First packing section
231: first insertion hole 24: second packing part
241: second insertion hole 3: first cap
31: first port 4: second cap
41: second port

Claims (16)

A humidification module that humidifies dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using wet gas;
A first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; and
Includes a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module,
The humidifying module includes a mid-case with both ends open, and at least one cartridge stored inside the mid-case,
The cartridge is,
An inner case having openings at both ends;
an inner inlet formed in the inner case and configured to introduce a first gas into the inner case;
an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet along a first axis direction and configured to discharge the first gas from the interior of the inner case; and
It includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes contained within the inner case,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a first crimping portion provided with a crimp, and a connection portion extending from the first crimping portion and having a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion. humidifier. According to paragraph 1,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein the first crimping parts are disposed at a position corresponding to one of the inner inlet and the inner outlet. According to paragraph 1,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that no crimp is given to the connecting portions. According to paragraph 1,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion provided with a crimp,
The first crimping portions are disposed at positions corresponding to the inner inlet,
The second crimping portions are disposed at positions corresponding to the inner outlet,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein the connection parts are disposed between the first crimping part and the second crimping part based on the first axis direction. According to paragraph 4,
A humidifier for fuel electricity, wherein each of the first crimping parts is formed to have a longer wavelength than each of the second crimping parts. According to paragraph 1,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that each of the first crimping parts is crimped to have a wavelength of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. According to paragraph 1,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that each of the first crimping parts is crimped to have an amplitude of 0.1 mm or more. According to claim 1 or 6,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion provided with a crimp,
The connection parts are disposed between the first crimping part and the second crimping part with respect to the first axis direction,
A humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that each of the second crimping parts is crimped to have a wavelength of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. It is provided in a humidifier for fuel cells that uses wet gas to humidify the dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack.
An inner case having openings at both ends;
an inner inlet formed in the inner case and configured to introduce a first gas into the inner case;
an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart from the inner inlet along a first axis direction and configured to discharge the first gas from the interior of the inner case; and
It includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes contained within the inner case,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a first crimping portion provided with a crimp, and a connection portion extending from the first crimping portion and having a smaller amplitude than the first crimping portion. Cartridge from humidifier. According to clause 9,
A cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier, wherein the first crimping parts are disposed at a position corresponding to one of the inner inlet and the inner outlet. According to clause 9,
A cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that no crimp is given to the connecting portions. According to clause 9,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion provided with a crimp,
The first crimping parts are disposed at a position corresponding to the inner inlet,
The second crimping portions are disposed at positions corresponding to the inner outlet,
The cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that the connecting portions are disposed between the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion based on the first axial direction. According to clause 9,
A cartridge for a fuel electric humidifier, wherein each of the first crimping parts is formed to have a longer wavelength than each of the second crimping parts. According to clause 9,
A cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that each of the first crimping parts is crimped to have a wavelength of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. According to clause 9,
A cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that each of the first crimping parts is crimped to have an amplitude of 0.1 mm or more. According to claim 9 or 14,
Each of the hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion provided with a crimp,
The connection parts are disposed between the first crimping part and the second crimping part based on the first axis direction,
A cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier, characterized in that each of the second crimping parts is crimped to have a wavelength of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

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