Membrane humidifier for fuel cell and fuel cell system including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system including the membrane humidifier, wherein the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell can simplify the fuel cell system and miniaturize the fuel cell system by humidifying by water exchange and cooling by heat exchange in one membrane humidifier. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell of the present invention includes a humidification module and a heat exchange module in a housing unit, and distributes a first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module at a variable distribution ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including the fuel cell membrane humidifier, and more specifically, to a fuel cell membrane humidifier that can humidify by water exchange alone and cool by heat exchange, thereby achieving simplification and miniaturization of the fuel cell system and a fuel cell system including the fuel cell membrane humidifier. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. The advantages of this fuel cell are that, unlike ordinary chemical cells such as dry cells or storage batteries, electricity can be generated continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and the advantages of this fuel cell are also that there is no heat loss, so the efficiency of the fuel cell is about twice that of an internal combustion engine.

[0003] In addition, the fuel cell directly converts chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, thereby the emission of pollutants is small. Therefore, the fuel cell has the advantages that the fuel cell is environmentally friendly and the fuel cell also has the advantages that the concern about resource depletion caused by the increase in energy consumption can be reduced.

[0004] Based on the type of electrolyte used, such fuel cells can generally be classified as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or alkaline fuel cell (AFC).

[0005] These fuel cells operate on basically the same principle, but differ from each other in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte. Among these fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are known to be the most advantageous for transportation systems and small stationary power generation equipment because polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells operate at a lower temperature than other fuel cells and have a high output density, thereby miniaturizing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

[0006] One of the most important factors for improving the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is to supply a specified amount or more of water to the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane (PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to maintain the moisture content. The reason is that when the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane is dry, the power generation efficiency is drastically reduced.

[0007] As methods for humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane, 1) a bubbler humidification method of filling a pressure vessel with water and passing the target gas through a diffuser to supply moisture, 2) a direct injection method of calculating the amount of moisture to be supplied required for the fuel cell reaction and supplying moisture directly to the gas flow pipe through an electromagnetic valve, and 3) a membrane humidification method of supplying moisture to a gas fluidized bed using a polymer separation membrane are used.

[0008] Among these methods, the membrane humidification method uses a membrane configured to selectively transmit only water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to provide water vapor to the gas supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane to humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane. The advantage of this membrane humidification method is that the weight and size of the humidifier can be reduced.

[0009] In the case of forming an assembly, a hollow fiber membrane having a large permeation area per unit volume is suitable for a selective permeation membrane used in a membrane humidification method. That is, in the case of manufacturing a membrane humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane, a high degree of integration of the hollow fiber membrane having a large contact surface area can be achieved, whereby a fuel cell can be sufficiently humidified even in a small capacity, inexpensive materials can be used, and moisture and heat contained in exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell at a high temperature can be collected, and the collected moisture and heat can be reused by the humidifier.

[0010] Meanwhile, in the fuel cell system, high temperature dry air generated from a compressor or a blower is introduced into the fuel cell stack through a membrane humidifier. At this time, the high temperature dry air passes through a heat exchanger such as an air cooler in which heat exchange is performed, so that the air is suitable for the working conditions of the fuel cell stack, and is humidified by the membrane humidifier and supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0011] Heretofore, a heat exchanger and a membrane humidifier have been arranged in series to perform heat exchange and humidification (moisture control), which requires installation of an additional air cooler between the membrane humidifier and the blower.

[0012] However, the air cooler is large in size, so the air cooler is disadvantageous in packaging application, and the pressure loss of the air compressed by the blower increases. In addition, a coolant channel is additionally required, thereby complicating the device, which is not conducive to miniaturization.

[0013] [Related patent documents]

[0014] 1. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0013304

[0015] 2. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0057773

[0016] 3. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2009-0128005

[0017] 4. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2000-0108092

[0018] 5. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2000-0131631

[0019] 6. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0001022

[0020] 7. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0006122

[0021] 8. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0006128

[0022] 9. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0021217

[0023] 10. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0026696

[0024] 11. Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2001-0063366 Summary of the invention

[0025] Technical issues

[0026] The object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including the fuel cell membrane humidifier, wherein the fuel cell membrane humidifier can humidify by water exchange alone and cool by heat exchange, thereby achieving simplification and miniaturization of the fuel cell system.

[0027] Technical Solution

[0028] A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell unit, the shell unit having a first space and a second space, a partition wall being arranged between the first space and the second space; a humidification module, the humidification module being arranged in the first space, the humidification module including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, through which moisture is exchanged between a first fluid and a second fluid, the second fluid having a higher humidity than the first fluid; a heat exchange module, the heat exchange module being arranged in the second space, the heat exchange module being configured to cool the first fluid introduced therein; and a channel valve, the channel valve being configured to distribute the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module at a variable distribution ratio.

[0029] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a housing body, in which a first space and a second space are defined; and a housing cover, which is respectively coupled to opposite ends of the housing body, and the housing cover is respectively provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, the first fluid is introduced through the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged through the first fluid outlet, and the housing cover provided with the first fluid inlet may include a channel valve and a cover partition wall, which is configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to a distribution ratio set by the channel valve.

[0030] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a housing body, in which a first space and a second space are defined, the housing body is provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, the first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet; and a housing cover, the housing cover is respectively coupled to the opposite ends of the housing body, the housing cover is respectively provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, the second fluid is introduced via the second fluid inlet, and the second fluid is discharged via the second fluid outlet, and the housing body may include an extended partition wall, the extended partition wall is configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve.

[0031] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shell unit may include: a shell body, in which a first space and a second space are defined, the shell body is provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet in one surface thereof, the first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet; and a shell cover, the shell cover is respectively coupled to the opposite ends of the shell body, the shell cover is respectively provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, the second fluid is introduced via the second fluid inlet, and the second fluid is discharged via the second fluid outlet, and the shell body may include: an extended partition wall, the extended partition wall is configured to guide the first fluid introduced via the first fluid inlet to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve; and a cross partition wall, the cross partition wall is configured to prevent the first fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet to the humidification module and the heat exchange module from mixing with the first fluid flowing from the humidification module and the heat exchange module to the first fluid outlet.

[0032] In the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange module may be a shell and tube heat exchange module, a honeycomb heat exchange module or a plate heat exchange module.

[0033] In the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, the channel valve may be configured to be controlled according to the output state of the fuel cell stack.

[0034] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a coolant inlet, through which the coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module; and a coolant outlet, through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed, and the coolant inlet may be connected to a bypass channel, which is configured to bypass at least a portion of the external air to be introduced into the air compression unit.

[0035] A fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air compression unit, which is configured to receive and compress external air to produce a first fluid; a fuel cell stack, which is configured to produce a second fluid through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and the second fluid has a higher humidity than the first fluid; and a fuel cell membrane humidifier, which includes: a humidification module, which is configured to humidify the first fluid using moisture exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid; a heat exchange module, which is configured to cool the first fluid; and a channel valve, which is configured to distribute the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module at a variable distribution ratio.

[0036] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell membrane humidifier may include a housing unit having a first space and a second space, a partition wall is arranged between the first space and the second space, a humidification module may be arranged in the first space, the humidification module includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, moisture exchange is performed between a first fluid and a second fluid through the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a heat exchange module may be arranged in the second space, the heat exchange module being configured to cool the first fluid introduced therein.

[0037] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a housing body, in which a first space and a second space are defined; and a housing cover, which is respectively coupled to opposite ends of the housing body, and the housing cover is respectively provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, the first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet, the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet, and the housing cover provided with the first fluid inlet may include a channel valve and a cover partition wall, and the cover partition wall is configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to a distribution ratio set by the channel valve.

[0038] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a housing body, in which a first space and a second space are defined, and the housing body is provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, and a first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet and the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet; and a housing cover, the housing cover is respectively coupled to opposite ends of the housing body, and the housing cover is respectively provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, and a second fluid is introduced via the second fluid inlet and the second fluid is discharged via the second fluid outlet, and the housing body may include an extended partition wall, and the extended partition wall is configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to a distribution ratio set by a channel valve.

[0039] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shell unit may include: a shell body, in which a first space and a second space are defined, and the shell body is provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet in one surface, the first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet; and a shell cover, the shell cover is respectively coupled to the opposite ends of the shell body, and the shell cover is respectively provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, the second fluid is introduced via the second fluid inlet, and the second fluid is discharged via the second fluid outlet, and the shell body may include: an extended partition wall, the extended partition wall is configured to guide the first fluid introduced through the first fluid inlet to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve; and a cross partition wall, the cross partition wall is configured to prevent the first fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet to the humidification module and the heat exchange module from mixing with the first fluid flowing from the humidification module and the heat exchange module to the first fluid outlet.

[0040] The fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a sensing unit configured to sense an output state of the fuel cell stack; and a controller configured to output a control signal for controlling the channel valve based on the output state of the fuel cell stack sensed by the sensing unit.

[0041] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit may include: a coolant inlet, through which the coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module; and a coolant outlet, through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed, and the coolant inlet may be connected to a bypass channel, which is configured to bypass at least a portion of the external air to be introduced into the air compression unit.

[0042] Details of other embodiments according to various aspects of the invention are included in the following detailed description of the invention.

[0043] Beneficial Effects

[0044] According to the embodiments of the present invention, a single membrane humidifier can perform humidification through moisture exchange and cooling through heat exchange, thereby making it possible to achieve simplification and miniaturization of the fuel cell system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exemplary variation of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Front view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A plan view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0050] Figure 6 When from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fuel cell membrane humidifier when viewed along line AA.

[0051] Figure 7 When from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fuel cell membrane humidifier when viewed along line BB.

[0052] Figure 8 A shell and tube heat exchange module is shown.

[0053] Fig. 9 A honeycomb heat exchange module is shown.

[0054] Fig.10 A plate heat exchange module is shown.

[0055] Fig.11 Shows the application Figure 8 A fuel cell membrane humidifier with a shell and tube heat exchange module.

[0056] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Front view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0058] Fig.14 Shows Fig.12An exemplary variation of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0059] Fig.15 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A plan view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0061] Figures 17 to 19 is a schematic diagram for describing the operation of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of another example of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Hereinafter, a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the present invention and a fuel cell system including the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an air compression unit 10 , a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 , and a fuel cell stack 30 .

[0065] The air compression unit 10 receives external air from the external air supply channel L1, compresses the received external air to generate a first fluid, and supplies the generated first fluid to the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20. The air compression unit 10 is a device for compressing a fluid such as air, and may be a blower or a compressor.

[0066] The fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 receives a first fluid, which is high temperature dry air, from the air compression unit 10. In addition, the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 receives a second fluid, which is high temperature, high humidity exhaust gas, exhausted from the fuel cell stack 30.

[0067] In the humidification module 200 of the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 , at least a portion of the first fluid (all or none of the first fluid depending on the operating conditions) exchanges moisture with the second fluid. The first fluid humidified by the moisture exchange is supplied to the fuel cell stack 30 .

[0068] Depending on the operating conditions, at least a portion of the first fluid (depending on the operating conditions, it may be all of the first fluid or none of the first fluid) may not be humidified in the humidification module 200 and may pass through the heat exchange module 300. At this time, the first fluid may be converted from high-temperature dry air to low-temperature dry air through heat exchange, and may be mixed with the moisture-containing air (i.e., the humidified first fluid) that has passed through the humidification module 200. The mixture may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 30. Reference numeral 100 denotes a housing unit.

[0069] The fuel cell stack 30 is a power generation assembly consisting of a plurality of unit cells arranged in series. Each unit cell is configured as a unit fuel cell, which is configured to generate electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Each unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and separators arranged in close contact on opposite sides thereof. Each separator is configured in the shape of a conductive plate, and the separator forms a channel configured to enable fuel and air to flow to the close contact surface of the membrane electrode assembly. A fuel electrode is formed on one surface of the membrane electrode assembly, an air electrode is formed on the other surface of the membrane electrode assembly, and an electrolyte membrane is formed between the fuel electrode and the air electrode.

[0070] The fuel electrode separates hydrogen supplied through the channel of a corresponding one of the separators into electrons and protons by an oxidation reaction, and the electrolyte membrane moves the protons to the cathode. The air electrode generates water and heat by a reduction reaction from the electrons and protons received from the fuel electrode and the oxygen in the air received through the channel of a corresponding one of the separators. The relatively high humidity exhaust gas (i.e., the second fluid) generated by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is supplied from the fuel cell stack 30 to the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20.

[0071] In the fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the humidification module 200 for moisture exchange and the heat exchange module 300 for heat exchange are arranged side by side in a single housing unit 100 in an integrated state, whereby the fuel cell system is simplified and the fuel cell system is miniaturized by reducing its size.

[0072] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 11 A fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0073] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An exemplary variation of a fuel cell membrane humidifier, Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The front view of the fuel cell membrane humidifier, Figure 5 yes Figure 2Plan view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier, Figure 6 is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fuel cell membrane humidifier when viewed along line AA, Figure 7 is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fuel cell membrane humidifier when viewed along line BB.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing unit 100, the housing unit 100 having a first space and a second space, a partition wall arranged between the first space and the second space; a humidification module 200, the humidification module 200 is arranged in the first space; a heat exchange module 300, the heat exchange module 300 is arranged in the second space; and a channel valve 400.

[0075] The housing unit 100 defines the appearance of the membrane humidifier 20. The housing unit 100 may include a housing body 110 having a first space and a second space defined therein and a housing cover 120, the housing body 110 having a first space and a second space defined therein, and the housing cover 120 being coupled to opposite ends of the housing body 110, respectively. The housing body and the housing cover may be integrally coupled to each other. Each of the housing body 110 and the housing cover 120 may be made of hard plastic such as polycarbonate or metal.

[0076] As described above, the inner space of the housing body 110 is divided into two spaces (i.e., a first space and a second space) by the partition wall 150, and the humidification module 200 configured to perform moisture exchange and the heat exchange module 300 configured to perform cooling by heat exchange are respectively disposed in the first space and the second space (see Figure 6 ).

[0077] In addition, each of the housing body 110 and the housing cover 120 may have a cross-sectional shape in its transverse direction that is polygonal or circular. The polygon may be a rectangle, a square, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a pentagon, or a hexagon, and the corners of the polygon may be rounded. In addition, the circle may be an ellipse.

[0078] refer to Figure 7 The portion of the housing body 110 corresponding to the humidification module 200 is provided with a second fluid inlet 131 and a second fluid outlet 132 , the second fluid is introduced through the second fluid inlet 131 , and the second fluid is discharged through the second fluid outlet 132 .

[0079] The housing covers 120 are respectively coupled to opposite ends of the housing body 110. A first fluid inlet 121 through which a first fluid is introduced is formed in one of the housing covers 120, and a first fluid outlet 122 through which the first fluid is discharged is formed in the other housing cover 120.

[0080] The first fluid may be a relatively low humidity fluid, and the second fluid may be a relatively high humidity fluid. More specifically, the first fluid may be dry air compressed by the air compression unit 10 , and the second fluid may be high humidity exhaust gas exhausted from the fuel cell stack 30 .

[0081] A portion of the housing body 110 corresponding to the heat exchange module 300 is provided with a coolant inlet 141, and a coolant outlet 142, through which the coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module 300, and through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed. The cooling of the heat exchange module 300 may be performed in an air cooling mode or a water cooling mode, and the coolant may be air or water supplied from the outside.

[0082] The channel valve 400 is configured to distribute the first fluid to the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300 at a variable distribution ratio, and the channel valve 400 is formed in the housing cover 120 formed with the first fluid inlet 121. In addition, the housing cover 120 formed with the first fluid inlet 121 may further include a cover partition wall 123 configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300 according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve 400. The partition wall 150 that divides the internal space of the housing body 110 into the first space and the second space, and the cover partition wall 123 may be formed separately or integrally.

[0083] At least a portion of the first fluid introduced through the first fluid inlet 121 is introduced into the humidification module 200, and the rest of the first fluid is introduced into the heat exchange module 300. All of the first fluid is introduced into the humidification module 200 or the heat exchange module 300 according to operating conditions.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the humidification module 200 may include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes H configured to allow moisture to selectively pass therethrough. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of boxes C may be provided in the humidification module 200, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes may be accommodated in each box C. For example, each hollow fiber membrane H may be made of perfluorosulfonic acid, polyetherimide, polyphenylsulfone, polyimide, polysulfone or polyethersulfone. Water is exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid through the hollow fiber membrane H, and the humidity of the second fluid is higher than that of the first fluid.

[0085] The first fluid introduced into the humidification module 200 flows through the inner cavity in the hollow fiber membrane H, is discharged from the humidification module 200, is mixed with the first fluid having passed through the heat exchange module 300, is discharged through the first fluid outlet 122, and is introduced into the fuel cell stack 30.

[0086] The humidification module 200 is provided with a potting unit (not shown) at opposite ends thereof, and the potting unit is configured to connect the hollow fiber membranes H and fill the gap therebetween. Therefore, the opposite ends of the humidification module 200 are blocked by the potting unit, thereby defining a channel configured to allow the second fluid to flow therethrough in the humidification module. Each potting unit can be made of a known material, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.

[0087] Will refer to Figures 8 to 10 A heat exchange module 300 is described, which is configured to cool a first fluid introduced therein. Figure 8 shows a shell and tube heat exchange module, Fig. 9 shows a honeycomb heat exchange module, Fig.10 A plate heat exchange module is shown.

[0088] Figure 8 The shell and tube heat exchange module shown is configured to have a structure in which a bundle of tubes is accommodated in a shell and one fluid flows through the tubes and another fluid flows through the shell, whereby heat exchange is performed between the two fluids as a result of heat transfer. The tube bundle may include various tubes, such as flat tubes and vertical pin tubes.

[0089] When at least a portion of the first fluid (dry air compressed by the air compression unit 10) flows through the tube (as shown by the straight arrow), the coolant introduced through the coolant inlet 141 flows in the shell (as shown by the curved arrow), cools the first fluid while contacting the tube, and is discharged to the outside through the coolant outlet 142.

[0090] Fig. 9 The honeycomb heat exchange module shown is a honeycomb heat exchanger made of ceramic material, and is configured to have such a structure: when a first fluid (represented by "air") flows in the honeycomb pipe, a coolant (represented by "water") is supplied in a direction intersecting the pipe to cool the first fluid.

[0091] Fig.10 The plate heat exchange module shown includes heat transfer plates formed using embossed stainless steel plates, wherein the heat transfer plates are arranged in a vertical direction so that a herringbone pattern of the heat transfer plates is staggered so that the fluid is evenly distributed to the heat transfer plates to form turbulence, whereby the coolant and the first fluid exchange heat with each other while flowing in opposite directions.

[0092] The first fluid introduced into the heat exchange module 300 flows through the inside of the heat exchanger constituting the heat exchange module 300, is discharged from the heat exchange module 300, is mixed with the first fluid humidified by the humidification module 200, is discharged from the membrane humidifier 20 via the first fluid outlet 122, and is introduced into the fuel cell stack 30. Figures 8 to 10 The heat exchange module is only used for illustration and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0093] The channel valve 400 is rotatably installed in the housing cover 120 formed with the first fluid inlet 121, and adjusts the flow direction and flow rate of the first fluid so that the first fluid is distributed to the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300 at a variable distribution ratio. The channel valve 400 can be configured to be controlled according to the output state of the fuel cell stack. That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution ratio of the first fluid can be controlled according to the output state of the fuel cell stack. The channel valve 400 may include a valve unit 420 configured to be rotated by a rotor (not shown) and a rotation space 410 (see Figures 17 to 19 ).

[0094] As a result of controlling the channel valve 400 of the present invention, (i) the first fluid can flow to the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300 in equal amounts, (ii) the first fluid can flow to either the humidification module 200 or the heat exchange module 300 in a larger amount, or (iii) the first fluid can not flow to either the humidification module 200 or the heat exchange module 300.

[0095] The fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a sensing unit (not shown) configured to sense the output state of the fuel cell stack; and a controller (not shown) configured to output a control signal for controlling the channel valve 400 based on the output state of the fuel cell stack sensed by the sensing unit.

[0096] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to another embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20a according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A side view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20a, Fig.14 Shows Fig.12 An exemplary variation of the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20a.

[0097] Basically similar to the previous embodiment, Fig.12 and Fig.14The fuel cell membrane humidifier shown includes a housing unit 100a, a humidification module 200a, a heat exchange module 300a and a channel valve 400a. However, in this embodiment, the second fluid with relatively high humidity is introduced and discharged via the housing cover 120a, and the first fluid with relatively dry (low humidity) is introduced and discharged via the housing body 110a.

[0098] A portion of the inner space of the housing body 110a is divided into two spaces (ie, a first space and a second space) by a partition wall 150a, and a humidification module 200a configured to perform moisture exchange and a heat exchange module 300a configured to perform cooling through heat exchange are disposed in the respective spaces.

[0099] A first fluid inlet 121a and a first fluid outlet 122a are formed in the housing body 110a, and the first fluid is introduced via the first fluid inlet 121a, and the first fluid is discharged via the first fluid outlet 122a. A channel valve 400a is formed in the first fluid inlet 121a, and the channel valve 400a is configured to distribute the first fluid introduced into the first fluid inlet to the humidification module 200a and the heat exchange module 300a at a variable distribution ratio. In addition, the housing body 110a formed with the first fluid inlet 121a may include an extended partition wall 151a, which is configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module 200a and the heat exchange module 300a according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve 400a. The partition wall 150a that divides the internal space of the housing body 110a into the first space and the second space, and the extended partition wall 151a can be formed separately or integrally.

[0100] At least a portion of the first fluid introduced through the first fluid inlet 121a is introduced into the humidification module 200a, and the rest of the first fluid is introduced into the heat exchange module 300a. Depending on the operating conditions, all the first fluid is introduced into only one of the humidification module 200a and the heat exchange module 300a.

[0101] The portion of the housing body 110a corresponding to the heat exchange module 300a is provided with a coolant inlet 141a through which the coolant is introduced and a coolant outlet 142a through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed. The coolant inlet 141a and the coolant outlet 142a may be formed in the side surface of the housing body 110a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.14As shown, the coolant inlet 141a and the coolant outlet 142a may be formed in the upper surface or the lower surface of the housing body 110a. In this case, the coolant inlet 141a and the coolant outlet 142a may be formed to pass through the upper surface or the lower surface of the housing body 110a to be connected to the heat exchange module 300a so that the coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module 300a or discharged from the heat exchange module 300a.

[0102] The housing covers 120a are coupled to opposite ends of the housing body 110a, respectively. A second fluid inlet 131a through which a relatively high humidity second fluid is introduced is formed in one of the housing covers 120a, and a second fluid outlet 132a through which the second fluid is discharged is formed in the other housing cover 120a.

[0103] The humidification module 200a and the heat exchange module 300a are the same as those of the humidification module and the heat exchange module of the previous embodiment, so repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, except that the channel valve is installed in the first fluid inlet 121a, the channel valve 400a is substantially the same as the channel valve of the previous embodiment in function and structure, so repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] Will refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to still another embodiment of the present invention is described. Fig.15 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20b according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A plan view of a fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0105] Basically similar to the above embodiment, Fig.15 and Fig.16 The fuel cell membrane humidifier shown includes a housing unit 100b, a humidification module 200b, a heat exchange module 300b and a channel valve 400b. In this embodiment, a high-humidity second fluid is introduced and discharged via a housing cover 120b, a dry (low-humidity) first fluid is introduced and discharged via a housing body 110b, and a first fluid inlet 121b and a first fluid outlet 122b are formed together in the upper surface or the lower surface of the housing body 110b.

[0106] A portion of the inner space of the housing body 110b is divided into two spaces (ie, a first space and a second space) by a partition wall 150b, and a humidification module 200b configured to perform moisture exchange and a heat exchange module 300b configured to perform cooling by heat exchange are disposed in the respective spaces.

[0107] The housing body 110b is provided with a first fluid inlet 121b and a first fluid outlet 122b in one surface (upper surface or lower surface) thereof, and the first fluid is introduced through the first fluid inlet 121b, and the first fluid is discharged through the first fluid outlet 122b. A channel valve 400b is formed in the first fluid inlet 121b, and the channel valve 400b is configured to distribute the first fluid to the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b at a variable distribution ratio. In addition, the housing body 110b formed with the first fluid inlet 121b and the first fluid outlet 122b may include an extended partition wall 151b configured to guide the first fluid introduced via the first fluid inlet 121b to the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b according to the distribution ratio set by the channel valve 400b, and a cross partition wall 152b configured to prevent the first fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet 121b to the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b from mixing with the first fluid flowing from the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b to the first fluid outlet 122b. The extended partition wall 151b and the cross partition wall 152b may intersect each other. The cross partition wall 152b may be formed between the first fluid inlet 121b and the first fluid outlet 122b, and the cross partition wall 152b and the extension partition wall 151b together divide the fluid flow space in the housing body 110b (ie, the space between the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b and the housing body 110b) into four spaces.

[0108] The humidification module 200b is provided with a first introduction window 201b and a first discharge window 202b on one surface (upper surface or lower surface) thereof. The first fluid introduced through the first fluid inlet 121b is introduced into the humidification module 200b through the first introduction window 201b. The first fluid is humidified through moisture exchange while flowing in the humidification module 200b and then discharged through the first discharge window 202b.

[0109] In addition, the heat exchange module 300b is provided with a second introduction window 301b and a second discharge window 302b in one surface (upper surface or lower surface) thereof, and the first fluid introduced through the first fluid inlet 121b is introduced into the heat exchange module 300b through the second introduction window 301b, and the first fluid is cooled while flowing in the heat exchange module 300b and then discharged through the second discharge window 302b.

[0110] Each of the first and second introduction windows 201b and 301b and the first and second exhaust windows 202b and 302b is formed to pass through a portion of one surface of a corresponding one of the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b.

[0111] A portion of the housing body 110b corresponding to the heat exchange module 300b is provided with a coolant inlet 141b through which the coolant is introduced and a coolant outlet 142b through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed. The coolant inlet 141b and the coolant outlet 142b may be formed in a side surface of the housing body 110b.

[0112] The housing covers 120b are coupled to opposite ends of the housing body 110b, respectively. A second fluid inlet 131b is formed in one of the housing covers 120b, and a second fluid outlet 132b is formed in the other housing cover 120b.

[0113] The humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b are the same as those of the humidification module and the heat exchange module of the previous embodiment, so repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, except that the channel valve is installed in the first fluid inlet 121b, the channel valve 400b is substantially the same as the channel valve of the previous embodiment in function and structure, so repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] The first fluid is guided to the humidifying module 200b and / or the heat exchange module 300b through the extended partition wall 151b according to a distribution ratio set by the channel valve 400b.

[0115] At least a portion of the first fluid introduced via the first fluid inlet 121b is introduced into the humidification module 200b via the first introduction window 201b, and the remaining portion of the first fluid is introduced into the heat exchange module 300b via the second introduction window 301b. According to the working conditions, all the first fluids are introduced only into any one of the humidification module 200b and the heat exchange module 300b. At this time, the cross partition wall 152b prevents the first fluid from being directly discharged via the first fluid outlet 122b when it is not introduced into the humidification module 200b and / or the heat exchange module 300b via the introduction windows 201b and 301b.

[0116] The first fluid introduced into the humidification module 200b and / or the heat exchange module 300b undergoes moisture exchange and / or heat exchange, and is discharged from the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20b through the first fluid outlet 122b.

[0117] Next, we will refer to Figures 17 to 19 The operation of the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention is described. Meanwhile, the operation of the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to each other embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the present embodiment, and thus repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] Fig.17An example is shown in which only the first fluid is introduced into the humidification module 200 so as to realize only the function of the humidifier. The controller performs control so that the valve unit 420 blocks all flows toward the heat exchange module 300. All the dry air (first fluid) compressed by the air compression unit 10 flows into the hollow fiber membrane in the humidification module 200 and is discharged from the membrane humidifier via the first fluid outlet 122 of the other housing cover 120. In this process, the first fluid exchanges moisture with the second fluid introduced via the second fluid inlet 131.

[0119] Fig.18 An example is shown in which the first fluid is only introduced into the heat exchange module 300 so as to realize only the function of the heat exchanger. The controller performs control so that the valve unit 420 blocks all flows toward the humidification module 200. All the dry air (first fluid) compressed by the air compression unit 10 flows into the heat exchange module 300 and is discharged from the membrane humidifier via the first fluid outlet 122 of another housing cover 120. In this process, the moisture exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid is not performed, but only the heat exchange between the first fluid and the coolant is performed. At this time, the temperature and flow rate of the coolant introduced into the heat exchange module 300 can be adjusted to adjust the temperature of the first fluid discharged via the first fluid outlet 122 and introduced into the fuel cell stack 30 to the desired temperature.

[0120] Fig.19 An example is shown in which the first fluid is introduced into the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300 to realize the humidification and heat exchange functions. The controller performs control so that the valve unit 420 blocks a portion of the flow toward the humidification module 200 and the heat exchange module 300. At least a portion of the dry air (first fluid) compressed by the air compression unit 10 flows into the humidification module 200, and the remaining portion of the first fluid flows into the heat exchange module 300. Subsequently, the first fluid is discharged from the membrane humidifier via the first fluid outlet 122 of another housing cover 120. The first fluid that has passed through the humidification module 200 and the first fluid that has passed through the heat exchange module 300 are discharged via the first fluid outlet 122 in a mixed state and are introduced into the fuel cell stack 30. At this time, the amount of humidification can be adjusted by the channel valve 400 and the temperature and flow rate of the coolant introduced into the heat exchange module 300 are adjusted to adjust the temperature of the first fluid in the mixed state. Therefore, the humidification state and temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fuel cell stack 30 can be adjusted to the desired humidification state and desired temperature.

[0121] Next, we will refer to Fig. 20 Another example of a fuel cell system including a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0122] like Fig. 20As shown, a fuel cell system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an air compression unit 10, a fuel cell membrane humidifier 20, a fuel cell stack 30, a bypass channel L2 and a bypass valve V.

[0123] Except for further including a bypass channel L2 and a bypass valve V, the fuel cell system according to this embodiment is structurally the same as the fuel cell system according to the previous embodiment, so a detailed description of the air compression unit 10, the fuel cell membrane humidifier 20 and the fuel cell stack 30 will be omitted.

[0124] The fuel cell system according to the present embodiment includes a bypass channel L2 branched from the external air supply channel L1 installed upstream of the front side of the air compression unit 10 to be connected to the coolant inlet 141 of the heat exchange module 300. A bypass valve V configured to adjust a bypass flow rate is formed in the external air supply channel L1.

[0125] In the fuel cell system according to the aforementioned embodiment, the heat exchange module 300 uses the coolant supplied from the outside to cool the first fluid. In this case, a separate coolant storage unit must be provided to supply such coolant. Therefore, it is difficult to simplify and miniaturize the fuel cell system.

[0126] In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the external air introduced into the air compression unit 10 is supplied to the heat exchange module 300 via the bypass channel L2 to cool the first fluid. Therefore, for the air-cooled heat exchanger, there is no need to provide a separate coolant storage unit configured to supply coolant, thereby constituting a more simplified / miniaturized fuel cell system.

Claims

1. A fuel cell membrane humidifier, comprising: a housing unit having a first space and a second space, wherein a first partition wall is disposed between the first space and the second space; a humidification module, the humidification module being disposed in the first space, the humidification module comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, through which water is exchanged between a first fluid and a second fluid, the second fluid having a higher humidity than the first fluid; a heat exchange module disposed in the second space, the heat exchange module being configured to cool the first fluid introduced into the heat exchange module; a channel valve configured to distribute the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module at a variable distribution ratio; as well as A second partition wall configured to guide the first fluid to the humidification module and the heat exchange module according to a distribution ratio set by the channel valve.

2. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The housing unit comprises: a housing body, wherein the first space and the second space are defined in the housing body; a first housing cover coupled to a first end of the housing body, the first housing cover being provided with a first fluid inlet through which the first fluid is introduced into the housing unit; and a second housing cover coupled to the second end of the housing body, the second housing cover being provided with a first fluid outlet through which the first fluid is discharged from the housing unit, and Wherein, the channel valve and the second partition wall are arranged in the first housing cover.

3. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The housing unit comprises: a housing body, wherein the first space and the second space are defined in the housing body, and the housing body is provided with a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, the first fluid is introduced through the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged through the first fluid outlet; a first housing cover coupled to the first end of the housing body, the first housing cover being provided with a second fluid inlet through which the second fluid is introduced into the housing unit; and a second housing cover coupled to the second end of the housing body, the second housing cover being provided with a second fluid outlet through which the second fluid is discharged from the housing unit, and Wherein, the channel valve and the second partition wall are arranged in the housing body.

4. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The housing unit comprises: a housing body, wherein the first space and the second space are defined in the housing body, and a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet are provided in one surface of the housing body, the first fluid is introduced through the first fluid inlet, and the first fluid is discharged through the first fluid outlet; a first housing cover coupled to the first end of the housing body, the first housing cover being provided with a second fluid inlet through which the second fluid is introduced into the housing unit; and a second housing cover coupled to the second end of the housing body, the second housing cover being provided with a second fluid outlet through which the second fluid is discharged from the housing unit, and wherein the channel valve and the second partition wall are arranged in the housing body, and The housing body includes a cross partition wall configured to prevent the first fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet to the humidification module and the heat exchange module from mixing with the first fluid flowing from the humidification module and the heat exchange module to the first fluid outlet.

5. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchange module is a shell and tube heat exchange module, a honeycomb heat exchange module or a plate heat exchange module.

6. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The channel valve is configured to be controlled according to an output state of the fuel cell stack.

7. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The housing unit includes: a coolant inlet through which a coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module; and a coolant outlet through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed, and The coolant inlet is connected to a bypass passage configured to bypass at least a portion of external air to be introduced into the air compression unit.

8. A fuel cell system comprising: A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6; an air compression unit configured to receive and compress external air to produce the first fluid; as well as A fuel cell stack is configured to generate the second fluid through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

9. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, further comprising: a sensing unit configured to sense an output state of the fuel cell stack; as well as A controller is configured to output a control signal for controlling the channel valve based on the output state of the fuel cell stack sensed by the sensing unit.

10. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, wherein: The housing unit includes: a coolant inlet through which a coolant is supplied to the heat exchange module; and a coolant outlet through which the coolant is discharged after cooling is performed, and The coolant inlet is connected to a bypass passage configured to bypass at least a portion of external air to be introduced into the air compression unit.

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