Humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier including a humidification module that humidifies dry gas supplied from the outside by using wet gas discharged from a fuel cell stack, a first cover coupled to one end of the humidification module, and a second cover coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module includes an intermediate case that is open at both ends, and at least one cartridge located inside the intermediate case and including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. A distance between a second gas inlet and a second gas outlet formed in an inner case of the cartridge is greater than a distance between a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet formed in the intermediate case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell configured to supply humidifying gas to a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike conventional chemical batteries such as dry cell batteries or storage batteries, fuel cells have the advantage of being able to generate electricity continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and there is no heat loss. Therefore, the efficiency of fuel cells is about twice that of internal combustion engines.

[0003] Furthermore, fuel cells directly convert the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, resulting in low pollutant emissions. Therefore, fuel cells have the advantage of being environmentally friendly and reducing concerns about resource depletion caused by increased energy consumption.

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

[0005] These fuel cells operate on essentially the same principle, but differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte. Among these fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are known to be most advantageous for transportation systems and small stationary power generation equipment because they operate at lower temperatures and have higher output densities than other fuel cells, allowing for miniaturization.

[0006] One of the most important factors in improving the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is supplying a predetermined amount or more of moisture to the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane (PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to maintain its moisture content. This is because if the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane dries out, the power generation efficiency drops abruptly.

[0007] The following methods are used as humidification methods for polymer electrolyte membranes or proton exchange membranes: 1) bubbler humidification, which involves filling a pressure vessel with water and passing the target gas through a diffuser to supply water; 2) direct injection, which involves calculating the amount of water required for the fuel cell reaction and supplying water directly to the gas flow line via a solenoid valve; and 3) membrane humidification, which involves supplying water to the gas fluid bed using a polymer separation membrane.

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

[0009] When forming components, hollow fiber membranes with a large permeable area per unit volume are suitable for use as selective permeation membranes in membrane humidification. That is, when using hollow fiber membranes to manufacture humidifiers, the large contact surface area of ​​the hollow fiber membranes allows for high integration, thereby enabling sufficient humidification of fuel cells even at small capacities. This allows the use of inexpensive materials and the collection of moisture and heat contained in the exhaust gas emitted by the fuel cell at high temperatures, which can then be reused by the humidifier.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional fuel cell humidifier.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional membrane humidification humidifier 100 includes: a humidification module 110 in which moisture is exchanged between air supplied from the outside and exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown); and a cover 120, respectively coupled to opposite ends of the humidification module 110.

[0012] One of the covers 120 delivers externally supplied air to the humidification module 110, and the other cover delivers air humidified by the humidification module 110 to the fuel cell stack.

[0013] The humidification module 110 includes: an intermediate shell 111 having an exhaust gas inlet 111a and an exhaust gas outlet 111b; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 within the intermediate shell 111. The opposite ends of the bundles of hollow fiber membranes 112 are encapsulated in fixed layers 113. Typically, each fixed layer 113 is formed using a casting-cured liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin. The fixed layers 113 encapsulating the opposite ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112, and a resin layer 114 disposed between the fixed layers 113 and the intermediate shell 111, isolate the internal space of the cover 120 from the internal space of the intermediate shell 111. Similar to the fixed layers 113, each resin layer 114 is typically formed using a casting-cured liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin.

[0014] Externally supplied air flows along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 112. Exhaust gas introduced into the intermediate shell 111 through exhaust gas inlet 111a contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112 and is discharged from the intermediate shell 111 through exhaust gas outlet 111b. When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112, the moisture contained in the exhaust gas is transported through the hollow fiber membrane 112 to humidify the air flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 112.

[0015] In this situation, the waste gas introduced into the intermediate shell 111 typically flows towards the hollow fiber membrane 112. Therefore, the pressure of the waste gas introduced into the intermediate shell 111 is typically applied directly to the hollow fiber membrane 112, thereby damaging or destroying the hollow fiber membrane 112. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems. One object of this disclosure is to provide a humidifier for fuel cells that can reduce damage or destruction of hollow fiber membranes.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure may include the following construction.

[0020] A humidifier for a fuel cell according to this disclosure may include: a humidification module configured to humidify dry gas supplied from the outside using wet gas discharged from a fuel cell stack; a first cover attached to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover attached to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include an intermediate shell open at its opposite ends and at least one cartridge disposed within the intermediate shell, wherein the cartridge may include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The cartridge may include an inner shell open at its opposite ends, wherein the hollow fiber membranes may be housed within the inner shell. The intermediate shell may include a first air inlet and a first air outlet, wherein the first air inlet and the first air outlet may be spaced apart from each other in a first axial direction. The inner shell may include a second air inlet and a second air outlet, wherein the second air inlet and the second air outlet may be spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction. In the first axial direction, the distance between the second air inlet and the second air outlet may be greater than the distance between the first air inlet and the first air outlet.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] This disclosure reduces the risk of hollow fiber membranes being damaged or destroyed by gas pressure. Therefore, this disclosure extends service life and reduces maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional fuel cell humidifier.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a humidifier for fuel cells according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 This illustrates a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic exploded cross-section of line II.

[0026] Figure 4 This illustrates a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II.

[0027] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view of the cylinder of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 This shows the rim of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 A schematic side section view taken from line II-II.

[0029] Figures 8 to 10 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the cylinder located in the intermediate shell. Detailed Implementation Plan

[0030] The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to this disclosure. Meanwhile, in Figures 7 to 10 In the diagram, the two parallel curves are ellipses.

[0031] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure uses humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown) to humidify dry gas supplied from the outside. The dry gas can be fuel gas or air. After being humidified by the humid gas, the dry gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure includes: a humidification module 2 configured to humidify dry gas, a first cover 3 coupled to one end of the humidification module 2, and a second cover 4 coupled to the other end of the humidification module 2.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 4The humidification module 2 humidifies the dry gas supplied from the outside. The first cover 3 can be connected to one end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be connected to the other end of the humidification module 2. The first cover 3 can deliver dry gas to the humidification module 2. In this case, the second cover 4 can deliver the dry gas humidified by the wet gas in the humidification module 2 to the fuel cell stack. The first cover 3 can deliver wet gas to the humidification module 2. In this case, after humidifying the dry gas in the humidification module 2, the second cover 4 can discharge the wet gas to the outside.

[0033] The humidification module 2 includes an intermediate shell 21 and at least one cylinder 22.

[0034] The cylinder 22 is combined with the intermediate shell 21. The cylinder 22 can be disposed within the intermediate shell 21. The opposite ends of the intermediate shell 21 are open. In this case, the intermediate shell 21 may include a receiving hole 211. The receiving hole 211 can be formed through the intermediate shell 21 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0035] The intermediate shell 21 may include a first air inlet 212 and a first air outlet 213. The first air inlet 212 may introduce humid or dry gas into the intermediate shell 21. The first air outlet 213 may discharge humid or dry gas from the interior of the intermediate shell 21. The first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 may be positioned at a distance from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

[0036] When humid gas flows through the first inlet 212 and the first outlet 213, the humid gas can be supplied to the cylinder 22 through the interior of the intermediate shell 21 via the first inlet 212, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 221 in the cylinder 22. During this process, the moisture contained in the humid gas can be transported through the hollow fiber membrane 221, thereby humidifying the dry gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The humidified dry gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 221 and supplied to the fuel cell stack through the second cover 4. After humidifying the dry gas, the humid gas can be discharged from the cylinder 22 and can be discharged from the intermediate shell 21 through the first outlet 213 via the interior of the intermediate shell 21. The first inlet 212 can be connected to the fuel cell stack to receive humid gas. In this case, the humid gas can be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0037] When dry gas flows through the first inlet 212 and the first outlet 213, it can be supplied to the cylinder 22 via the interior of the intermediate shell 21 through the first inlet 212 and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane. During this process, moisture in the wet gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221 can be transported through the hollow fiber membrane 221, thereby humidifying the dry gas introduced into the cylinder 22. The humidified dry gas can be discharged from the cylinder 22, through the interior of the intermediate shell 21, through the first outlet 213, and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After humidifying the dry gas, the wet gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 221 and can be discharged to the outside through the second cover 4. The first cover 3 can be connected to the fuel cell stack to receive the wet gas. In this case, the wet gas can be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0038] The first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 can extend from the intermediate body 210. The intermediate body 210 defines the overall appearance of the intermediate shell 21. The first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 can extend from the intermediate body 210 in the same direction. The first air inlet 212, the first air outlet 213 and the intermediate body 210 can be integrally formed.

[0039] The cylinder 22 is disposed within the intermediate shell 21 and includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 221. The hollow fiber membranes 221 can be combined with the cylinder 22 for modularity. Therefore, the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be installed in the intermediate shell 21 by combining the cylinder 22 with the intermediate shell 21. Thus, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, the ease of installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be improved.

[0040] The cylinder 22 may include an inner shell 222.

[0041] The inner shell 222 has openings formed at its ends and receives a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 221 within the inner shell. The hollow fiber membranes 221 may be disposed within the inner shell 222 for modularity. Each hollow fiber membrane 221 may comprise a polymer membrane made of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyesterimide resin, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0042] The cylinder 22 may include a first fixing layer 223. The first fixing layer 223 fixes one end of each hollow fiber membrane 221. The first fixing layer 223 can close the opening of the inner shell 222. In this case, the first fixing layer 223 can be formed to not block the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The first fixing layer 223 can be formed by using a casting process to harden a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin. A portion of the first fixing layer 223 can be located within the inner shell 222, and the remaining portion of the first fixing layer can protrude outward from the inner shell 222. The first fixing layer 223 can fix one end of each hollow fiber membrane 221 to the inner shell 222.

[0043] The cylinder 22 may include a second fixing layer 224. The second fixing layer 224 fixes the other end of each hollow fiber membrane 221. The second fixing layer 224 can close the opening of the inner shell 222. In this case, the second fixing layer 224 can be formed to not block the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The second fixing layer 224 can be formed by using a casting process to harden a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin. A portion of the second fixing layer 224 can be located within the inner shell 222, and the remaining portion of the second fixing layer can protrude outward from the inner shell 222. The second fixing layer 224 can fix the other end of each hollow fiber membrane 221 to the inner shell 222. Since the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223 are formed to not block the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221, dry or wet gas supplied from the outside can be supplied to the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221 without interference from the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223, and can be discharged from the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221 without interference from the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223.

[0044] The humidification module 2 may include multiple filling components 23 and 23'.

[0045] Filler components 23 and 23' form a seal between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate shell 21 to prevent direct mixing between dry and wet gases. Filler components 23 and 23' can be inserted between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate shell 21. In this case, the cylinder 22 can be inserted into the first through holes 23a and 23a' formed in the filler components 23 and 23'. Filler components 23 and 23' can be disposed on opposite sides of the cylinder 22. Although not shown, a resin layer can be formed on opposite sides of the cylinder 22 instead of filler components 23 and 23'. The resin layer can be formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method.

[0046] Reference Figures 2 to 4The first cover 3 is connected to one end of the humidification module 2. By using the filling component 23 or the resin layer, the space between the first cover 3 and the cylinder 22 and the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate shell 21 can be separated in a sealed state.

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The second cover 4 is attached to the other end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be attached to the other end of the humidification module 2 at a position spaced apart from the first cover 3 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). By using the filling component 23' or the resin layer, the space between the second cover 4 and the cylinder 22 and the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate shell 21 can be separated in a sealed state.

[0048] Reference Figures 2 to 7 The cylinder 22 may include a second air inlet 225 and a second air outlet 226.

[0049] A second air inlet 225 is formed in the inner shell 222. The second air inlet 225 may also be formed in one side 2220 of the inner shell 222. Based on... Figure 7 One side 2220 of the inner shell 222 can correspond to the upper surface. A second air inlet 225 can introduce humid or dry gas into the inner shell 222. The second air inlet 225 can be formed through the inner shell 222. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second air inlet 225 can be implemented by a single through-hole formed through the inner housing 222. Figure 6 As shown, the second air inlet 225 can be implemented by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner shell 222. In this case, the second air inlet 225 may include a plurality of inlet windows 225a formed through different portions of the inner shell 222. The inlet windows 225a may be spaced apart from each other to form a matrix in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The second axial direction (Y-axis direction) is an axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The second air inlet 225 and the first fixing layer 223 may be spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the second air inlet 225 and the first fixing layer 223 do not overlap each other. Therefore, the first fixing layer 223 can be prevented from being damaged or destroyed by the pressure of the humid or dry gas introduced through the second air inlet 225. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the dashed line indicates the position of the surface of the first fixed layer 223 facing the second air inlet 225.

[0050] A second vent 226 is formed within the inner shell 222. The second vent 226 may also be formed within one side 2220 of the inner shell 222. The second vent 226 can discharge either humid or dry gas from the inner shell 222. The second vent 226 can be formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the second vent 226 can be implemented by a single through-hole formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 6 As shown, the second vent 226 can be implemented by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner shell 222. In this case, the second vent 226 can include a plurality of discharge windows 226a formed through different portions of the inner shell 222. The discharge windows 226a can be spaced apart from each other to form a matrix in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The second vent 226 and the second fixing layer 224 can be spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the second vent 226 and the second fixing layer 224 do not overlap each other. Therefore, the second fixing layer 224 can be prevented from being damaged or destroyed by the pressure of the humid or dry gas discharged through the second vent 226. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the dashed line indicates the position of the surface of the second fixing layer 224 facing the second air outlet 226. The second air outlet 226 and the second air inlet 225 can be located between the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223 along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The second air outlet 226 and the second air inlet 225 can be positioned at intervals from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction).

[0051] When humid gas flows through the second outlet 226 and the second inlet 225, the humid gas can be supplied between the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 and the outer surface of the inner shell 222 through the first inlet 212, and can be supplied to the inner shell 222 through the second inlet 225, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 221. During this process, the moisture contained in the humid gas can be transported through the hollow fiber membrane 221, thereby humidifying the dry gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The humidified dry gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 221 and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the second cover 4. After humidifying the dry gas, the humid gas can be discharged between the outer surface of the inner shell 222 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 through the second outlet 226, and can be discharged from the intermediate shell 21 through the first outlet 213.

[0052] When dry gas flows through the second outlet 226 and the second inlet 225, it can be supplied between the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 and the outer surface of the inner shell 222 through the first inlet 212, and to the inner shell 222 through the second inlet 225, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 221. During this process, moisture in the wet gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 221 can be transported through the hollow fiber membrane 221, thereby humidifying the dry gas introduced into the inner shell 222. The humidified dry gas can be discharged between the outer surface of the inner shell 222 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 through the second outlet 226, and can be discharged from the intermediate shell 21 through the first outlet 213, and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After humidification, the wet gas can be discharged through the hollow fiber membrane 221 and can also be discharged to the outside through the second cover 4.

[0053] Reference Figures 2 to 9 In the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to this disclosure, the distance 22D (hereinafter referred to as "second distance 22D") between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 can be implemented to be greater than the distance 21D (hereinafter referred to as "first distance 21D") between the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213. Both the second distance 22D and the first distance 21D are based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The second distance 22D can be the distance between the midpoint of the second air inlet 225 and the midpoint of the second air outlet 226 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The first distance 21D can be the distance between the midpoint of the first air inlet 212 and the midpoint of the first air outlet 213 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0054] The second distance 22D can be implemented such that it is greater than the first distance 21D in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 can be implemented such that they do not partially or completely overlap each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to this disclosure can be implemented such that the pressure of the humid or dry gas introduced into the intermediate shell 21 through the first air inlet 212 is not directly applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221. This will be described in detail below.

[0055] First, such as Figure 8 As shown, at the second distance 22D ( Figure 9 (as shown) and the first distance 21D ( Figure 9In the comparative example shown, where the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 are approximately equal in the first axial direction, they overlap each other. Therefore, in this comparative example, the humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 flows to the second air inlet 225 and is directly introduced into the inner shell 222 through the second air inlet 225. Thus, in this comparative example, the pressure of the humid or dry gas is directly applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the hollow fiber membrane 221 ( Figure 3 (As shown) is at high risk of being damaged or destroyed.

[0056] Secondly, such as Figure 9 As shown, in an example where the second distance 22D is implemented to be greater than the first distance 21D in the first axial direction, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 do not overlap each other. In this case, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 can be arranged at staggered positions along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, in this example, the humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 flows to a position spaced apart from the second air inlet 225 and is introduced into the inner shell 222 through the second air inlet 225. Therefore, this example can be implemented such that the pressure of the humid or dry gas is not directly applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, in this example, compared to the comparative example, the pressure of the wet or dry gas applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221 can be reduced, thereby reducing the pressure of the hollow fiber membrane 221 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 3 (As shown) there is a risk of damage or destruction due to the pressure of wet or dry gas. Therefore, in this example, the service life can be extended and maintenance costs reduced compared to the comparative example. Although not shown, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 may only partially overlap each other.

[0057] The first air inlet 212 can be spaced apart from the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the first air inlet 212 can be configured not to overlap with the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226. In this case, the first air inlet 212 can be located between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0058] The first air outlet 213 can be spaced apart from the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 can be arranged along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 are configured not to overlap each other, thereby reducing damage or destruction to the hollow fiber membrane 221 and improving humidification performance by using humid gas. This will be described in detail below.

[0059] Firstly, in a comparative example where the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 are located between the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 can be configured not to overlap. However, in the comparative example, the distance between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 is shortened, thereby reducing the residence time of humid or dry gas in the inner shell 222, and thus reducing the humidification performance.

[0060] Secondly, in an example where the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 are located between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 can be configured not to overlap each other, and the distance between the second air inlet 225 and the second air outlet 226 can be increased. Therefore, in this example, damage or destruction to the hollow fiber membrane 221 due to the pressure of humid or dry gas can be reduced, and the residence time of humid or dry gas in the inner shell 222 can be increased, thereby improving humidification performance.

[0061] Reference Figures 2 to 9 The intermediate shell 21 may include a partition component 214.

[0062] A partition component 214 separates the interior of the intermediate shell 21. The partition component 214 can be disposed along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) between the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213. Therefore, the partition component 214 can separate the interior of the intermediate shell 21 into a space connected to the first air inlet 212 and a space connected to the first air outlet 213. Thus, the partition component 214 can prevent humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 from being discharged to the first air outlet 213 without being introduced into the second air inlet 225.

[0063] The partition component 214 can seal the gap between the outer surface of the inner shell 222 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21. Therefore, the partition component 214 can prevent humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 from flowing to the first air outlet 213. The partition component 214 can be configured to surround the outer surface of the inner shell 222. The inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 can be configured to surround the outer surface of the partition component 214. Figure 9 As shown by the dashed line, the partition component 214 can be configured to traverse the interior of the intermediate shell 21 between the outer surface of the inner shell 222 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21.

[0064] The partition component 214 can be spaced apart from the first air inlet 212 and the first air outlet 213 along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the first air inlet 212 can be located along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) between the second air inlet 225 and the partition component 214. The first air outlet 213 can be located along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) between the second air outlet 226 and the partition component 214.

[0065] Reference Figure 10 In the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, the first air inlet 212 can be formed at an angle. The angled shape of the first air inlet 212 increases the distance to the second air inlet as it extends towards the intermediate shell 21. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can be implemented such that humid or dry gas is introduced through the first air inlet 212 in a direction away from the second air inlet 225, thereby further reducing the pressure of the humid or dry gas applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221. The humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 can flow towards the partition member 214. Subsequently, the flow direction of the humid or dry gas can be changed by the partition member 214 to flow towards the second air inlet 225, thereby allowing the humid or dry gas to be introduced into the inner shell 222 through the second air inlet 225.

[0066] The first air inlet 212 can be angled, forming an angle 212a of 10 to 90 degrees between the first air inlet 212 and the intermediate shell 21. If the angle 212a between the first air inlet 212 and the intermediate shell 21 is greater than 90 degrees, the humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 will flow to the second air inlet 225, thereby increasing the risk of the hollow fiber membrane 221 being damaged or destroyed by the pressure of the humid or dry gas. If the angle 212a between the first air inlet 212 and the intermediate shell 21 is less than 10 degrees, the connection between the inlet interface (not shown) and the first air inlet 212 will be difficult. Considering this, the angle 212a between the first air inlet 212 and the intermediate shell 21 can be implemented as 10 to 90 degrees. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, the risk of the hollow fiber membrane 221 being damaged or destroyed by the pressure of the humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 can be reduced, and the ease of connecting the inlet interface to the first air inlet 212 can be improved.

[0067] The first air outlet 213 can be formed at an angle. The first air outlet 213 can be formed at an angle such that the distance to the second air outlet 226 increases as the first air outlet extends towards the intermediate shell 21. In this case, the first air outlet 213 and the first air inlet 212 can be formed at an angle such that the distance between them decreases as the first air outlet and the first air inlet extend towards the intermediate shell 21. When the first air outlet 213 and the first air inlet 212 are each formed at an angle, the first distance 21D can refer to the distance between the point where the interior of the first air inlet 212 and the intermediate shell 21 connects to each other, and the point where the interior of the first air outlet 213 and the intermediate shell 21 connects to each other.

[0068] The first outlet 213 can be angled, forming an angle 213a of 10 to 90 degrees between the first outlet 213 and the intermediate shell 21. If the angle 213a between the first outlet 213 and the intermediate shell 21 is greater than 90 degrees, the humid or dry gas discharged through the second outlet 226 will flow towards the first outlet 213. As a result, the pressure of the humid or dry gas discharged through the second outlet 226 will increase, thereby increasing the risk of damage or destruction of the hollow fiber membrane 221 by the pressure of the humid or dry gas. If the angle 213a between the first outlet 213 and the intermediate shell 21 is less than 10 degrees, the connection between the discharge port (not shown) and the first outlet 213 will be difficult. Considering this, the angle 213a between the first outlet 213 and the intermediate shell 21 can be implemented as 10 to 90 degrees. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present disclosure, the risk of the hollow fiber membrane 221 being damaged or destroyed by the pressure of the wet or dry gas discharged through the second outlet 226 can be reduced, and the ease of connecting the discharge port to the first outlet 213 can be improved.

[0069] Reference Figures 2 to 10 In the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure, the first air inlet 212 and the second air inlet 225 can be configured to face different directions. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure, humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet 212 can move towards the second air inlet 225 and then be introduced through the second air inlet 225, thereby further reducing the pressure of the humid or dry gas applied to the hollow fiber membrane 221. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to this disclosure, the risk of damage or destruction of the hollow fiber membrane 221 by the pressure of the humid or dry gas can be further reduced. For example, when the second air inlet 225 is formed on the upper surface of the inner shell 222, the first air inlet 212 can be configured to face the side of the inner shell 222.

[0070] The first outlet 213 and the second outlet 226 can be configured to face different directions. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to this disclosure, the wet or dry gas discharged through the second outlet 226 can move in a direction toward the first outlet 213 and then be discharged through the first outlet 213. For example, when the second outlet 226 is formed on the upper surface of the inner shell 222, the first outlet 213 can be configured to face the side of the inner shell 222.

[0071] The disclosure described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and figures, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the technical concept of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier comprising: The humidification module is configured to humidify dry gas supplied from the outside using wet gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; The first cover is attached to one end of the humidification module; and The second cover is attached to the other end of the humidification module, wherein... The humidification module includes: Its opposite ends open intermediate shell; and At least one cylinder disposed within the intermediate shell, the cylinder comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes The cylinder includes an inner shell that opens at its opposite ends, within which the hollow fiber membrane is housed. The intermediate shell includes a first air inlet and a first air outlet, which are spaced apart from each other in a first axial direction. The inner shell includes a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second air inlet and the second air outlet being spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction, and In the first axial direction, the distance between the second air inlet and the second air outlet is greater than the distance between the first air inlet and the first air outlet. The first air inlet is inclined, such that as the first air inlet extends toward the intermediate shell, the distance between it and the second air inlet increases. The first air outlet is inclined, so that as the first air outlet extends toward the intermediate shell, the distance between it and the second air outlet increases. The first air outlet is inclined, so that an angle of 10 to 90 degrees is formed between the first air outlet and the intermediate shell.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, In the first axial direction, the first air inlet is spaced apart from the second air inlet and the second air outlet.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The first air inlet and the first air outlet are located between the second air inlet and the second air outlet along the first axis.

4. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising: The partition component is configured to divide the interior of the intermediate shell, wherein, The partition component is disposed between the first air inlet and the first air outlet along the first axis.

5. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein, The partition component is spaced apart from the first air inlet and the first air outlet along the first axial direction.

6. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein, The partition component seals the gap between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the intermediate shell, thereby preventing humid or dry gas introduced through the first air inlet from flowing to the first air outlet.

7. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The first air inlet is inclined, so that an angle of 10 degrees to 90 degrees is formed between the first air inlet and the intermediate shell.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The first air inlet and the second air inlet are positioned at positions that are staggered with each other along the first axis.

9. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The first air inlet and the second air inlet are configured to face different directions.

10. The humidifier according to claim 1 or 9, wherein, The first air outlet and the second air outlet are configured to face different directions.

11. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The cylinder includes a first fixing layer configured to fix one end of each of the hollow fiber membranes, and The first fixing layer and the second air inlet are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

12. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein, The cylinder includes a second fixing layer configured to fix the other end of each of the hollow fiber membranes. The second air inlet and the second air outlet are located between the first fixed layer and the second fixed layer along the first axial direction, and The second fixing layer and the second air outlet are spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction.

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