Humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell. The humidifier includes: a housing; a first space disposed in the housing; a humid air supply port connected to the housing to communicate with the first space and configured to supply humid air discharged from a fuel cell stack; a humidification unit disposed in the first space; a second space separately arranged from the first space and disposed in the housing to communicate with the humidification unit; and an inflow gas discharge port connected to the housing to communicate with the second space and configured to discharge the inflow gas that has flowed through the humidification unit, which can simplify the structure of the humidifier and improve the space utilization rate and design freedom.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0157112, filed on November 20, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell, and more particularly, to a humidifier for a fuel cell that can have a simplified structure and improve space utilization and design freedom. Background art

[0004] A fuel cell system is a system that continuously generates electrical energy by using a chemical reaction of continuously supplied fuel. The fuel cell system has been regularly studied and developed as an alternative to solve global environmental problems.

[0005] According to the type of electrolyte used in the fuel cell system, the fuel cell system can be classified into a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), etc. According to the operating temperature, output range, etc. and the type of fuel used, the fuel cell system can be applied to various application fields related to mobile power, transportation, distributed generation, etc.

[0006] Among different types of fuel cells, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is applied to the field of hydrogen - powered vehicles (hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) that are being developed to replace internal combustion engines.

[0007] The hydrogen - powered vehicle includes a fuel cell stack that generates electricity through an oxidation - reduction reaction between hydrogen and oxygen O2. The hydrogen - powered vehicle is configured to operate a motor by the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack and travel.

[0008] In order for the fuel cell stack to operate properly, it is necessary to maintain the electrolyte membrane of the membrane - electrode assembly at a predetermined humidity or higher humidity. Therefore, the inflowing gas can be humidified by a humidifier before being introduced into the fuel cell stack.

[0009] In recent years, a method has been proposed in which the inflowing gas (dry air) passing through a humidifier is humidified by using the humid air discharged from a fuel cell stack.

[0010] In addition, a hydrogen-powered vehicle is provided with an air control valve configured to control the air to be introduced into the fuel cell stack (the air to be introduced into the fuel cell stack via the humidifier) and the air to be discharged from the fuel cell stack (the air to be discharged from the fuel cell stack to the humidifier).

[0011] Meanwhile, in order to improve the space utilization rate and design freedom of a hydrogen-powered vehicle, it is necessary to minimize the space (distance) between a fuel cell stack (for example, the system frame on which the fuel cell stack is located) and a humidifier.

[0012] However, in the prior art, the connection ports of the air control valve (including the port through which the inflowing gas is introduced and the port through which the humid air is discharged) are arranged in parallel (parallel in the same direction). However, different from the connection ports, the ports of the dryer respectively corresponding to the connection ports of the air control valve (including the inflowing gas discharge port through which the inflowing gas is discharged and the humid air supply port through which the humid air is introduced) are arranged to intersect each other (for example, arranged in a cross shape and not in parallel). Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide straight pipes to connect the air control valve and the humidifier, and the pipes for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier inevitably form a bent shape (for example, an S shape).

[0013] As described above, since it is necessary to provide bent pipes to connect the air control valve and the humidifier in the prior art, it is necessary to ensure a space (a height having a curvature capable of accommodating the bent pipes) between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier in which the bent pipes can be arranged. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the distance between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier to a certain extent or more, and the design freedom and space utilization rate deteriorate.

[0014] In addition, since the pipes for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier form a bent shape in the prior art, there are problems of complex structure and manufacturing process, disadvantages in terms of cost, an increase in the pressure difference of the humidifier due to the curvature of the pipes, and deterioration of energy efficiency (an increase in power consumption).

[0015] In addition, in the prior art, in order to ensure the distance between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier, it is necessary to mount the humidifier on the system frame by using a separate bracket, which leads to problems of increased manufacturing cost and increased weight.

[0016] Therefore, in recent years, various types of research have been conducted to minimize the space between a fuel cell stack and a humidifier and improve space utilization and design freedom. However, the results of this research are still insufficient. Therefore, there is a need to develop a humidifier for a fuel cell that can minimize the space between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier, thereby improving space utilization and design freedom. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention provides a humidifier for a fuel cell that can have a simplified structure and improve design freedom and space utilization.

[0018] The present invention also uses a straight pipe as a pipe for connecting a fuel cell stack and a humidifier, and minimizes the space between the humidifier and the fuel cell stack.

[0019] The present invention can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

[0020] The present invention can minimize the reduction in energy efficiency caused by an increase in the pressure difference of the humidifier, thereby improving the humidification performance.

[0021] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier including: a housing; a first space disposed in the housing; a humid air supply port connected to the housing to communicate with the first space and configured to supply humid air discharged from a fuel cell stack; a humidification unit disposed in the first space; a second space separately arranged from the first space and disposed in the housing to communicate with the humidification unit; and an inflow gas discharge port connected to the housing to communicate with the second space and configured to discharge the inflow gas that has flowed through the humidification unit.

[0022] This is to simplify the structure and improve design freedom and space utilization.

[0023] That is, in the prior art, the connection ports of the air control valve (including the port through which the inflow gas is introduced and the port through which the humid air is discharged) are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel. However, different from the connection ports, the ports of the dryer respectively corresponding to the connection ports of the air control valve (including the inflow gas discharge port through which the inflow gas is discharged and the humid air supply port through which the humid air is introduced) are arranged to intersect each other (not arranged in parallel). Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to set a straight pipe to connect the air control valve and the humidifier, and the pipe for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier inevitably forms a bent shape (for example, an S shape).

[0024] As described above, since it is necessary to provide a bent pipe to connect the air control valve and the humidifier in the prior art, it is necessary to ensure that the bent pipe can be arranged in the space between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier (a height with a curvature capable of accommodating the bent pipe). As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the distance between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier to a certain extent or more, and the design freedom and space utilization are deteriorated.

[0025] In addition, since the pipe for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier is formed in a bent shape in the prior art, there are problems in that the structure and manufacturing process are complicated, there is a disadvantage in terms of cost, the pressure difference of the humidifier increases due to the curvature of the pipe, and the energy efficiency is deteriorated (power consumption increases).

[0026] Furthermore, in the prior art, in order to ensure the distance between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier, the humidifier needs to be installed on the system frame by means of a separate bracket, which results in problems of increased manufacturing cost and increased weight.

[0027] On the contrary, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first space is provided to be stacked (to define another layer that is independently sealed) on the upper part of the second space, and in a state where the inflow gas discharge port is sealed from the first space, the inflow gas discharge port penetrates the first space, so that the humid air supply port and the inflow gas discharge port can be arranged parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing. Therefore, the following beneficial effects can be obtained: simplifying the connection structure between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier for a fuel cell and improving the design freedom and space utilization.

[0028] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, similar to the connection port of the air control valve, the humid air supply port and the inflow gas discharge port for the humidifier for a fuel cell can be formed parallel to each other. Therefore, a first straight pipe and a second straight pipe each having a straight shape can be used as the pipe for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier.

[0029] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the space between the first straight pipe and the second straight pipe arranged between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier can be minimized. Therefore, the following beneficial effects can be obtained: minimizing the distance between the fuel cell stack and the humidifier and improving the design freedom and space utilization.

[0030] The shape and structure of the housing can be variably changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0031] For example, the housing may include: a housing main body; a first housing cover connected to a first end of the housing main body; and a second housing cover connected to a second end of the housing main body and having a humid air supply port and an inflow gas discharge port.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a humidifier for a fuel cell may include an inflow gas supply port provided in a first housing cover to communicate with a humidification unit.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a humidifier for a fuel cell may further include a humid air discharge port connected to the housing to communicate with a first space and configured to discharge humid air.

[0034] The partitioning (sealing) structure between the first space and the second space may be variably changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

[0035] For example, a humidifier for a fuel cell may include a partitioning portion configured to divide an internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space.

[0036] Specifically, a first end of the inflow gas discharge port may be exposed to the outside of the housing, and a second end of the inflow gas discharge port may be connected to the partitioning portion to pass through the first space and may communicate with the second space.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the partitioning portion may include: a first partition wall configured to divide an internal space of the housing in a first direction; and a second partition wall connected to the first partition wall and configured to divide an internal space of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second space may be separated from the first space by the first partition wall and the second partition wall.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first space may include: a first-stage space portion separated from the second space by the first partition wall, the first partition wall being interposed between the first-stage space portion and the second space; and a second-stage space portion configured to communicate with the first-stage space portion and separated from the second space by the second partition wall, the second partition wall being interposed between the second-stage space portion and the second space.

[0039] Specifically, the humidification unit may be disposed in the first-stage space portion, and humid air may be supplied to the first-stage space portion via the second-stage space portion.

[0040] The humidification unit may have various structures capable of humidifying the inflow gas by using humid air.

[0041] For example, the humidifying unit may include: a sleeve housing disposed in the housing, the sleeve housing having a first window on its first side through which humid air is introduced, and the sleeve housing having a second window on its second side through which humid air is discharged; and a humidification membrane disposed in the sleeve housing and configured to allow the inflowing gas to flow along the humidification membrane.

[0042] Specifically, the first partition wall may be made of a potting material for fixing the humidification membrane in the housing. As described above, since the first partition wall is not only used to separate the first space from the second space, but also to fix the humidification membrane, beneficial effects such as a simplified structure, improved space utilization, and increased design freedom can be obtained.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inflowing gas discharge port may be connected to the second partition wall to pass through the second-stage space portion, and the humid air supply port may be connected to the housing to face the second partition wall.

[0044] Specifically, the humid air supply port and the inflowing gas discharge port may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a humidifier for a fuel cell may include: a first straight pipe configured to connect a fuel cell stack to the humid air supply port; and a second straight pipe configured to connect the fuel cell stack to the inflowing gas discharge port.

[0046] Specifically, the first straight pipe and the second straight pipe may be connected to an air control valve mounted on the fuel cell stack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a humidifier for a fuel cell for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 2 is a top view of a humidifier for a fuel cell for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the first space and the second space in a humidifier for a fuel cell for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6It is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the inflowing gas and the humid air in a humidifier for a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0052] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, vessels including various boats and ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a vehicle with both gasoline power and electric power.

[0053] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprises" and variations such as "comprising" or "comprised of" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element. In addition, the terms "unit", "device", "component", and "module" described in the specification represent units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0054] In addition, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-volatile computer-readable medium on a computer-readable medium, which contains executable program instructions executed by a processor, a controller, etc. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium can also be distributed in network-connected computer systems so that the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, by a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0055] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] However, the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to some exemplary embodiments described herein, but can be implemented in various different forms. One or more constituent elements in the exemplary embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0057] In addition, unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined and described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as the meanings that can be generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The meanings of common terms (such as terms defined in a dictionary) can be interpreted by considering the context meanings of the related technologies.

[0058] In addition, the terms used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are used to illustrate the exemplary embodiments, rather than to limit the present invention.

[0059] Unless otherwise specifically stated in the context of this specification, the singular form can also include the plural form. The description “at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C” described herein can include one or more of all combinations that can be formed by combining A, B, and C.

[0060] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) can be used to describe the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] These terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another, and the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements are not limited by these terms.

[0062] In addition, when a constituent element is described as “connected,” “coupled,” or “attached” to another constituent element, a constituent element can be directly connected, coupled, or attached to another constituent element, or can be connected, coupled, or attached to another constituent element through yet another constituent element interposed therebetween.

[0063] In addition, the description “a constituent element is formed or disposed above (on top of) or below (beneath) another constituent element” not only includes the case where the two constituent elements are in direct contact with each other, but also includes the case where one or more additional constituent elements are formed or disposed between the two constituent elements. In addition, the expressions “above (on top of) or below (beneath)” can include the meanings of the downward direction and the upward direction based on one constituent element.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 6, the humidifier 100 for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a housing 110; a first space 120 provided in the housing 110; a humid air supply port 112 connected to the housing 110 to communicate with the first space 120 and configured to supply humid air WG discharged from the fuel cell stack 20; a humidification unit 150 provided in the first space 120; a second space 130 separately arranged from the first space 120 and provided in the housing 110 to communicate with the humidification unit 150; and an inflow gas discharge port 118 connected to the housing 110 to communicate with the second space 130 and configured to discharge the inflow gas DG that has flowed through the humidification unit 150.

[0065] The humidifier 100 according to the present invention is configured to humidify the inflow gas DG (e.g., air) to be introduced into the fuel cell stack 20 (e.g., a fuel cell stack installed in a fuel cell vehicle).

[0066] As a reference, the fuel cell stack 20 may have various structures capable of generating electricity by utilizing the redox reaction between a fuel (e.g., hydrogen) and an oxidant (e.g., air).

[0067] As an example, the fuel cell stack 20 includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (not shown) having catalyst electrode layers for electrochemical reaction on both sides of an electrolyte membrane, and hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte membrane; gas diffusion layers (GDLs) (not shown) configured to uniformly distribute the reaction gases and transfer the generated electric energy; gaskets (not shown) and fasteners (not shown) configured to maintain leak-tight sealing for the reaction gases and coolant and maintain an appropriate fastening pressure; and separators (bipolar plates) (not shown) configured to move the reaction gases and coolant.

[0068] Specifically, in the fuel cell stack 20, hydrogen as a fuel and air (oxygen) as an oxidant are respectively supplied to the anode and cathode of the membrane electrode assembly through flow paths in the separator, so that hydrogen is supplied to the anode and air is supplied to the cathode.

[0069] The hydrogen supplied to the anode is separated into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by a catalyst in the electrode layers provided on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. Only the hydrogen ions selectively pass through the electrolyte membrane as a cation exchange membrane to the cathode. At the same time, the electrons are transmitted to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and the separator as conductors.

[0070] At the cathode, hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and electrons transported through the separator meet oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode by the air supply device, thereby establishing a reaction that generates water. Due to the movement of hydrogen ions, electrons flow through the external wire, and an electric current is generated due to the flow of electrons.

[0071] The housing 110 is provided to have a predetermined accommodation space therein.

[0072] The housing 110 can be variously changed in shape and structure according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not restricted or limited by the shape and structure of the housing 110.

[0073] For example, the housing 110 may include a housing main body 110a, a first housing cover 110b connected to the first end of the housing main body 110a, and a second housing cover 110c connected to the second end of the housing main body 110a.

[0074] For example, the housing main body 110a may be formed in a rectangular box shape having an accommodation space therein, and the first housing cover 110b may be connected to the right end of the housing main body 110a (based on Figure 2 ), and the second housing cover 110c may be connected to the left end of the housing main body 110a (based on Figure 2 ).

[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first housing cover and the second housing cover may be provided at the upper end or the lower end of the housing main body.

[0076] The first housing cover 110b may be provided with an inflow gas supply port 116 through which the inflow gas DG is introduced (supplied). The second housing cover 110c may be provided with a humid air supply port 112 and an inflow gas discharge port 118. The humid air WG discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 is supplied through the humid air supply port 112, and the inflow gas DG flowing through the humidifying unit 150 is discharged through the inflow gas discharge port 118. The housing main body 110a may be provided with a humid air discharge port 114 formed to communicate with the first space 120.

[0077] As a reference, refer to Figure 6 , the inflow gas DG supplied through the inflow gas supply port 116 of the first housing cover 110b may be humidified by the humid air WG while flowing through the humidifying unit 150 disposed in the first space 120 provided in the housing main body 110a. The inflow gas DG (e.g., humidified air) discharged through the inflow gas discharge port 118 of the second housing cover 110c may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 20.

[0078] In addition, the humid air WG (or the generated water) discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 can be supplied into the humid air supply port 112 of the second housing cover 110c to humidify the inflowing gas DG in the first space 120, and then discharged to the outside of the humidifier 100 through the humid air discharge port 114.

[0079] The housing 110 has a first space 120 and a second space 130 that are independently sealed.

[0080] As a reference, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first space 120 can be defined as the space through which the humid air WG discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 flows, that is, the space or area where the humidifying unit 150 is arranged.

[0081] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second space 130 can be defined as a space that is sealed independently of the first space 120 and is provided in the housing 110 to communicate with the humidifying unit 150 and allow the humidified inflowing gas DG to flow therethrough.

[0082] The separation (sealing) structure between the first space 120 and the second space 130 can be changed differently according to the required conditions and design specifications.

[0083] For example, referring to Figures 3 to 5 , the humidifier 100 for a fuel cell can include a partition portion 140 that divides the internal space of the housing 110 into a first space 120 and a second space 130.

[0084] The partition portion 140 can have various structures capable of dividing the internal space of the housing 110 into a first space 120 and a second space 130, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the partition portion 140.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the partition portion 140 can include a first partition wall 142 and a second partition wall 144. The first partition wall 142 is configured to divide the internal space of the housing 110 in a first direction (e.g., the vertical direction), and the second partition wall 144 is connected to the first partition wall 142 and is configured to divide the internal space of the housing 110 in a second direction (e.g., the horizontal direction) intersecting the first direction, thereby forming a substantially shape. The second space 130 can be separated from the first space 120 by the first partition wall 142 and the second partition wall 144 inserted between the first space 120 and the second space 130 (separated from the first space by the first partition wall and the second partition wall).

[0086] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second partition wall may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, or the first partition wall may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0087] The first space 120 may have various structures according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the first space 120.

[0088] For example, the first space 120 may include a first-stage space portion 122 and a second-stage space portion 124. The first-stage space portion 122 is separated from the second space 130 by a first partition wall 142 interposed therebetween, and the second-stage space portion 124 is configured to communicate with the first-stage space portion 122 and is separated from the second space 130 by a second partition wall 144 interposed therebetween.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humid air WG may be supplied to the first-stage space portion 122 via the second-stage space portion 124.

[0090] In this case, the configuration in which the humid air WG is supplied to the first-stage space portion 122 via the second-stage space portion 124 can be understood as a configuration in which the humid air WG supplied through the humid air supply port is first introduced into the second-stage space portion 124 and then moves from the second-stage space portion 124 to the first-stage space portion 122.

[0091] The humidifying unit 150 is provided in the first space 120 to humidify the inflowing gas DG by using the humid air WG supplied into the housing 110.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying unit 150 may be provided in the first-stage space portion 122 of the first space 120. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying unit (or a part of the humidifying unit) may be provided in the second-stage space portion of the first space.

[0093] The humidifying unit 150 may have various structures capable of humidifying the inflowing gas DG by using the humid air WG, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the humidifying unit 150.

[0094] For example, the humidifying unit 150 may include: a sleeve housing 152 and a humidifying membrane 154; the sleeve housing 152 is disposed in the housing 110, the sleeve housing 152 has a first window 152a on its first side, through which the humid air WG is introduced, and the sleeve housing 152 has a second window 152b on its second side, through which the humid air WG is discharged; the humidifying membrane 154 is disposed in the sleeve housing 152 and configured to enable the inflowing gas DG to flow along the humidifying membrane 154.

[0095] The sleeve housing 152 may have various structures with accommodation spaces therein, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the structure of the sleeve housing 152.

[0096] As a reference, the number of the sleeve housings 152 and the arrangement of the sleeve housings 152 may be variably changed according to the required conditions and design specifications. For example, only one sleeve housing 152 may be provided in the housing 110. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sleeve housings may be provided in the housing.

[0097] Specifically, the first window 152a through which the humid air WG is introduced is formed on the first side of the sleeve housing 152 (based on Figure 3 , on the left part of the sleeve housing), and the second window 152b through which the humid air WG is discharged is formed on the second side of the sleeve housing 152 (based on Figure 3 , on the right part of the sleeve housing).

[0098] The number of the first window 152a and the second window 152b and the structures of the first window 152a and the second window 152b may be variably changed according to the required conditions and design specifications, and the present invention is not restricted or limited by the number of the first window 152a and the second window 152b and the structures of the first window 152a and the second window 152b. For example, a plurality of first windows 152a and a plurality of second windows 152b may be formed in the sleeve housing 152, and each window may be formed in the form of an approximately quadrilateral hole.

[0099] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the first window and the second window may be formed in the form of a circular hole or may be formed in other shapes. Alternatively, a single first window and a single second window may be formed in the sleeve housing.

[0100] The humidifying membrane 154 is disposed in the sleeve housing 152 and configured to enable the inflowing gas DG to flow along the inside of the humidifying membrane 154.

[0101] For example, the humidification membrane 154 is formed as a tubular hollow fiber membrane through which the inflowing gas DG can flow. One end (the inlet end) and the other end (the outlet end) of the humidification membrane 154 can be fixed in the sleeve housing 152 by a potting material (corresponding to the first partition wall).

[0102] Specifically, the first partition wall 142 can be made of a potting material for fixing the humidification membrane 154 in the housing 110. As described above, since the first partition wall 142 is not only used to separate the first space 120 and the second space 130, but also to fix the humidification membrane 154, beneficial effects such as a simplified structure, improved space utilization, and increased design freedom can be obtained.

[0103] As a reference, since the humidification membrane 154 is formed as a hollow fiber membrane, moisture supplied to the sleeve housing 152 (e.g., moisture in the humid air WG) can penetrate from the outside of the humidification membrane 154 into the humidification membrane 154 and then be transferred to the inflowing gas DG. However, the inflowing gas DG cannot penetrate the humidification membrane 154 from the inside to reach the outside of the humidification membrane 154.

[0104] With the above configuration, the humid air WG supplied to the first space 120 through the humid air supply port 112 can be supplied to the sleeve housing 152 through the first window 152a, and the humid air WG supplied to the sleeve housing 152 can flow around the humidification membrane 154 and humidify the inflowing gas DG flowing along the humidification membrane 154. Subsequently, the humid air WG discharged to the outside of the sleeve housing 152 through the second window 152b can be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the humid air discharge port 114.

[0105] As a reference, in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated above, an example has been described in which the sleeve housing 152 is provided in the first space 120 and the humidification membrane 154 is arranged in the sleeve housing 152. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humidification membrane can be directly arranged in the first space without separately providing a sleeve housing.

[0106] The humid air supply port 112 is provided to supply the humid air WG discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 into the housing 110.

[0107] Specifically, the humid air supply port 112 is connected to the housing 110 to communicate with the first space 120 (e.g., based on Figure 3 , the upper part of the first space), and the humid air WG discharged from the fuel cell stack 20 can be supplied along the humid air supply port 112 to the second-stage space portion 124 of the first space 120.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humid air supply port 112 may be connected to the housing 110 (e.g., based on Figure 3 , the upper surface of the housing) to face the second partition wall 144.

[0109] The inflow gas discharge port 118 is provided to discharge the inflow gas DG (humidified air humidified while flowing through the humidifying unit) in the second space 130 to the fuel cell stack 20.

[0110] Specifically, the inflow gas discharge port 118 is connected to the housing 110 to communicate with the second space 130 and is arranged in parallel with the humid air supply port 112, and the inflow gas DG flowing through the humidifying unit 150 can be discharged to the fuel cell stack 20 through the inflow gas discharge port 118.

[0111] Specifically, one end (e.g., the upper end) of the inflow gas discharge port 118 is exposed to the outside of the housing 110, and the other end (e.g., the lower end) of the inflow gas discharge port 118 is connected to the partition portion 140 (e.g., the first partition wall) to pass through the first space 120 (e.g., the second-stage space portion of the first space) and communicate with the second space 130.

[0112] More specifically, the humid air supply port 112 and the inflow gas discharge port 118 may be arranged parallel to each other in a direction DH perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL of the housing 110.

[0113] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier 100 for a fuel cell may include a first straight pipe 32 and a second straight pipe 34. The first straight pipe 32 is configured to connect the fuel cell stack 20 and the humid air supply port 112, and the second straight pipe 34 is configured to connect the fuel cell stack 20 and the inflow gas discharge port 118.

[0114] In this case, the first straight pipe 32 and the second straight pipe 34 may be defined as pipes formed straight without a bent portion, and the present invention is not limited or restricted by the cross-sectional shape and size of the pipes.

[0115] Specifically, the first straight pipe 32 and the second straight pipe 34 may be connected to the connection ports of the air control valve 22 mounted on the fuel cell stack 20 (including the port through which the inflow gas DG is introduced and the port through which the humid air WG is discharged).

[0116] As a reference, the air control valve 22 may be configured to control the air (inflow gas DG) to be introduced into the fuel cell stack 20 and the air (humid air WG) to be discharged from the fuel cell stack 20. Ports (not shown) through which the inflow gas DG is introduced and ports (not shown) through which the humid air WG is discharged may be formed in the air control valve 22 to be adjacent to each other and parallel (in Figure 2 which, are formed to be parallel to each other in the direction DH).

[0117] For example, when the vehicle is running, a valve member (not shown) of the air control valve 22 may be operated to open an air flow path (not shown) of the air control valve 22. In addition, when the vehicle is not running, the valve member of the air control valve 22 may be operated to block the air flow path.

[0118] As described above, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first space 120 (the space into which the humid air is supplied) is provided to be stacked (to define another independently sealed layer) on the upper part of the second space 130 (from which the inflow gas is discharged), and in a state where the inflow gas discharge port 118 is sealed from the first space 120, the inflow gas discharge port 118 penetrates through the first space 120, so that the humid air supply port 112 and the inflow gas discharge port 118 can be arranged parallel to each other in the direction DH perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL of the housing 110. Therefore, the following beneficial effects can be obtained: simplifying the connection structure between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 for the fuel cell and improving the design freedom and space utilization rate.

[0119] That is, in the prior art, the connection ports of the air control valve (including the port through which the inflow gas DG is introduced and the port through which the humid air WG is discharged) are arranged adjacent to each other and parallel, but, different from the connection ports, the ports of the dryer respectively corresponding to the connection ports of the air control valve (including the inflow gas discharge port through which the inflow gas DG is discharged and the humid air supply port through which the humid air WG is introduced) are arranged to intersect each other (not arranged in parallel). Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide straight pipes to connect the air control valve and the humidifier, and the pipes for connecting the air control valve and the humidifier inevitably have to be formed in a bent shape (for example, an S shape).

[0120] As described above, since it is necessary to provide bent pipes to connect the air control valve 22 and the humidifier 100 in the prior art, it is necessary to ensure a space (having a height capable of accommodating the curvature of the bent pipes) between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 for arranging the bent pipes. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the distance between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 to a certain extent or more, and the design freedom and space utilization rate become poor.

[0121] In contrast, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, similar to the connection ports of the air control valve 22, the humid air supply port 112 and the inflow gas discharge port 118 of the humidifier 100 for a fuel cell can be formed to be parallel to each other. Thus, the first straight pipe 32 and the second straight pipe 34, each having a straight shape, can be used as pipes for connecting the air control valve 22 and the humidifier 100.

[0122] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the space between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 where the first straight pipe 32 and the second straight pipe 34 are arranged can be minimized. Thus, the following beneficial effects can be obtained: minimizing the distance (see H in Figure 1 ) between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 and improving the design freedom and space utilization.

[0123] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first straight pipe 32 and the second straight pipe 34 can be used as pipes for connecting the fuel cell stack 20 (air control valve) and the humidifier 100. Thus, the following beneficial effects can be obtained: simplifying the structure of the pipes, simplifying the manufacturing process of the pipes, reducing costs, and minimizing the pressure difference of the humidifier 100 caused by the structural characteristics of the pipes (e.g., the curvature of the pipes).

[0124] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the distance H between the fuel cell stack 20 and the humidifier 100 can be minimized such that the humidifier 100 can be directly mounted on the system frame (the system frame on which the fuel cell stack 20 is located) without additionally using a separate bracket. Thus, the beneficial effects of reducing the manufacturing cost and weight can be obtained.

[0125] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, the beneficial effects of simplifying the structure and improving the design freedom and space utilization can be obtained.

[0126] Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the straight pipe can be used as a pipe for connecting the fuel cell stack and the humidifier. Thus, the beneficial effect of minimizing the space between the humidifier and the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0127] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the beneficial effects of simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs can be obtained.

[0128] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the humidifier can be directly mounted on the system frame on which the fuel cell stack is located without a separate bracket.

[0129] In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the beneficial effects of improving the humidification performance and improving the performance and operating efficiency of the fuel cell stack can be obtained.

[0130] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described above, the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications and substitutions not described above can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the essential features of the exemplary embodiments. For example, each of the constituent elements specifically described in the exemplary embodiments can be modified and then implemented. In addition, it should be understood that the differences related to the modifications and substitutions are included within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier comprising: A housing; A first space, which is arranged in the housing; A humid air supply port, which is connected to the housing to communicate with the first space and is configured to supply humid air discharged from a fuel cell stack; A humidification unit, which is arranged in the first space; A second space, which is separately arranged from the first space and is arranged in the housing to communicate with the humidification unit; A partition portion, which is configured to divide the internal space of the housing into a first space and a second space; And An inflow gas discharge port, which is connected to the housing to communicate with the second space and is configured to discharge the inflow gas that has flowed through the humidification unit, Wherein, the partition portion includes: A first partition wall, which is configured to divide the internal space of the housing in a first direction; and A second partition wall, which is connected to the first partition wall and is configured to divide the internal space of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Wherein, the second space is separated from the first space by the first partition wall and the second partition wall, The first space includes: A first-stage space portion, which is separated from the second space by the first partition wall, and the first partition wall is inserted between the first-stage space portion and the second space; and A second-stage space portion, which is configured to communicate with the first-stage space portion and is separated from the second space by the second partition wall, and the second partition wall is inserted between the second-stage space portion and the second space, The inflow gas discharge port is connected to the second partition wall to pass through the second-stage space portion, and the humid air supply port is connected to the housing to face the second partition wall. In a state where the inflow gas discharge port is sealed from the first space, the inflow gas discharge port penetrates the second-stage space portion along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

2. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, A first end of the inflow gas discharge port is exposed to the outside of the housing, and a second end of the inflow gas discharge port is connected to the partition portion to pass through the first space and communicate with the second space.

3. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein The humidification unit is arranged in the first-stage space portion, and humid air is supplied to the first-stage space portion via the second-stage space portion.

4. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes: A housing main body, which is configured to accommodate the humidification unit therein; A first housing cover, which is connected to a first end of the housing main body; and A second housing cover, which is connected to a second end of the housing main body and has a humid air supply port and an inflow gas discharge port.

5. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 4, which includes: An inflow gas supply port, which is arranged in the first housing cover to communicate with the humidification unit.

6. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The humidification unit includes: A sleeve housing, which is arranged in the first space. The sleeve housing has a first window on its first side through which humid air is introduced, and the sleeve housing has a second window on its second side through which humid air is discharged; and A humidification membrane, which is arranged in the sleeve housing and is configured to enable the inflow gas to flow along the humidification membrane.

7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein, The first partition wall is made of a potting material for fixing the humidification film in the housing.

8. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, comprising: A humid air discharge port, which is connected to the housing to communicate with the first space and is configured to discharge humid air.

9. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, comprising: A first straight pipe, which is configured to connect the fuel cell stack to the humid air supply port; And A second straight pipe, which is configured to connect the fuel cell stack to the inflow gas discharge port.

10. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein, The first straight pipe and the second straight pipe are connected to an air control valve, and the air control valve is connected to the fuel cell stack.

11. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein, The humid air supply port and the inflow gas discharge port are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

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