Humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier. A humidifier is constructed so as to maintain high sealing performance between a separator and a water exchange film without exerting excessive external force on the separator even in the case of temperature changes. A humidification module that supplies moisture of a water-containing gas to a dry gas by supplying the water-containing gas has a plate-shaped separator that has a dry gas side water exchange portion formed on one side and a water-containing gas side water exchange portion formed on the other side. The humidification module is constructed by stacking a plurality of separators with the water exchange film disposed between the opposing dry gas side water exchange portion and the water-containing gas side water exchange portion, and has a ring-shaped partition member that forms a pressurized space between adjacent humidification modules in a state in which the humidification modules are stacked, and guides a fluid into the pressurized space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a humidifier. BACKGROUND

[0002] When a humidifier for humidifying a cathode gas of a fuel cell is exemplified, a structure in which separators for guiding a gas and membranes for permeating water are alternately arranged is often adopted, and as a humidifier having such a structure, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described below can be exemplified.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a structure in which a plurality of separators and a plurality of humidifying membranes are alternately arranged, a nut, a washer, and a spring are provided on one end side of a plurality of screw rods of a pressurizing plate at both ends in a stacking direction thereof, and a pressure is applied to the separators in the stacking direction by a force of the spring is described.

[0004] In the humidifier described in Patent Document 1, a sealing portion for preventing leakage of water from the separators, or a separator sealing portion for determining a position of the humidifying membranes with respect to the separators is provided.

[0005] In Patent Document 2, a structure in which a first frame (separator) and a second frame are alternately arranged in a stacked state, a humidification fluid flow path is formed on one side sandwiching a position at which a humidifying membrane is arranged therebetween, a humidification fluid flow path is formed on the other side, a manifold communicating with the humidification fluid flow path is formed so as to penetrate the first frame and the second frame in a stacking direction, and a manifold communicating with the humidification fluid flow path is formed is described.

[0006] In the humidifier described in Patent Document 2, a holding plate is arranged so as to sandwich a plurality of first frames and a plurality of second frames, a nut is screwed with a plurality of link rods penetrating them in the stacking direction, and the first frames and the second frames are integrated by a fastening force of the nut. In addition, a first sealing portion is formed in a region surrounding an outer periphery of the humidifying membrane, and a sealing portion is arranged on an outer periphery of an opening in which the manifold is formed.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-163035

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-282740

[0009] Not limited to the structure of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, in a humidifier in which a plate-shaped separator having a water-containing gas side water exchange portion formed on one face and a dry gas side water exchange portion formed on the other face is arranged in a manner that the water-containing gas side water exchange portion and the dry gas side water exchange portion are alternately arranged, a water exchange membrane (humidifying membrane of Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2) is arranged at the boundary, and for example, the separator is deformed by the pressure of the dry gas, a force in a direction in which the distance between the water exchange portion and the water exchange membrane is separated is generated, and the dry gas can leak from a gap between the separator and the water exchange membrane or the like.

[0010] Such a disadvantage can also occur on the side of the flow path through which the water-containing gas is supplied, and in order to suppress the leakage of the gas, in Patent Literature 1, the setting of the force of the spring is corresponded to by the operation of the nut screwed with the screw. In addition, Patent Literature 2 does not use a spring, but the nut is screwed with the link rod as in Patent Literature 1, and the force of the tightening is corresponded to. However, in a structure in which the force of the spring or the force of the tightening is always applied as in Patent Literature 1 and 2, the separator is negatively affected by the force, and an adverse situation in which a large gap is formed between the separator and the water exchange membrane can occur.

[0011] Furthermore, in such a humidifier, the separator thermally expands due to the temperature of the cathode gas (essentially air) or the cathode exhaust gas (fluid discharged from the fuel cell stack) supplied, and a force in a direction in which a gap is formed between the separator and the water exchange membrane (the direction of the thickness of the separator) is sometimes applied, and it is also desirable to suppress the decrease in the sealing performance caused by the influence of thermal expansion. SUMMARY

[0012] For such a reason, there is a need for a humidifier in which an excessive external force is not applied to the separator even in the case of a change in temperature, and the sealing performance between the separator and the water exchange membrane can be sufficiently ensured.

[0013] The humidifier of the present application is characterized by the following aspects, and has a humidifying module having a dry gas supply path through which a dry gas flows, a water-containing gas supply path through which a water-containing gas flows, a plate-shaped separator having a dry gas side water exchange portion communicating with the dry gas supply path formed on one side and a water-containing gas side water exchange portion communicating with the water-containing gas supply path formed on the other side, and a water exchange membrane arranged between the dry gas side water exchange portion and the water-containing gas side water exchange portion of the adjacent separators in a state in which the separators are stacked, the humidifying module being formed by stacking a plurality of the separators, and the humidifier has a ring-shaped partition member that forms a pressurization space between the adjacent humidifying modules in a state in which the humidifying modules are stacked and guides a fluid into the pressurization space.

[0014] A humidifier is a component in which the pressure of the gas supplied to the water-containing gas supply path and the dry gas supply path of multiple separators deforms the separators and acts in the direction of separation between the separators and the water exchange membrane. In contrast, in this characteristic structure, the fluid is guided into a pressurized space formed by the separating components. Therefore, the fluid pressure acts in the direction that brings the multiple separators constituting the humidification module into close contact with the water exchange membrane, suppressing separator deformation and preventing the undesirable situation of the gap between the separators and the water exchange membrane increasing. Furthermore, the pressure acting in this way does not decrease even if the relative positional relationship between the separators and the water exchange membrane changes due to thermal expansion and contraction, thus maintaining an appropriate distance between the separators and the water exchange membrane. In particular, this characteristic structure allows the fluid to act on a wide surface of the pressurized space, thus preventing the undesirable situation, such as deformation of a portion of the separator due to continuous pressure applied to a specific location of the separator, as seen in structures that use spring pressure.

[0015] Therefore, a humidifier that does not exert excessive external force on the separator and can adequately ensure the sealing performance between the separator and the water exchange membrane even under temperature changes is constructed.

[0016] Based on the above structure, the fluid may also be either the water-containing gas supplied to the water-containing gas supply path or the dry gas supplied to the dry gas supply path.

[0017] Therefore, without a supply source for gas or liquid used only for pressurization, pressure can be applied to multiple separators and water exchange membranes in overlapping directions simply by supplying either water-containing gas or dry gas into the pressurization space.

[0018] As a structure based on the above structure, the fluid may also be the dry gas supplied to the dry gas supply path.

[0019] In a humidifier, pressurized dry gas from a compressor or similar device is supplied to the dry gas supply path. Therefore, when dry gas is used as a pressurizing fluid, the pressure of the dry gas can be applied to multiple separators and multiple water exchange membranes in overlapping directions.

[0020] As a structure based on the above structure, either the water-containing gas supply path or the dry gas supply path can also be connected to a pressurization flow path that supplies pressurized gas as the above fluid to the pressurization space.

[0021] Thus, by connecting one of the water-containing gas supply path and the dry gas supply path to the pressurization flow path via a connecting path, for example, it is possible to supply gas from either the water-containing gas supply path or the dry gas supply path as a fluid for pressurization to the pressurization space.

[0022] Based on the above structure, the fluid can also be a pressurized gas that is different from both the water-containing gas and the dry gas.

[0023] Thus, by using air pressurized by a compressor as a dedicated pressurized gas, the required pressure can be applied to multiple separators and water exchange membranes in overlapping directions, thereby achieving high sealing performance.

[0024] As a structure based on the above structure, the pressurization flow path that supplies the pressurized gas to the pressurization space can also be formed in the above separator.

[0025] Therefore, even when supplying dry gas, water-containing gas, external gas, or external liquid to the pressurized space, the gas can be supplied to the pressurized space through the pressurization flow path formed in the separator, so there is no need to form a flow path outside the separator.

[0026] As a structure based on the above structure, a discharge section for discharging the fluid that is guided to the pressurized space may also be formed in the above separator.

[0027] Therefore, the fluid supplied to the pressurized space can be discharged to the outside via the discharge section. In addition, in the structure that supplies dry gas to the pressurized space, the dry gas discharged from the discharge section can also be supplied to any one of the dry gas discharge path, water-containing gas supply path, and water-containing gas discharge path provided in the separator, and the phenomenon of excessive pressure on the pressurized space can also be suppressed.

[0028] Based on the above structure, the above-mentioned partition can also be disposed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned humidification module, or it can be formed by the base and the protrusion to form a convex cross-section.

[0029] Therefore, for example, when pressure is applied in the vertical direction (stacked direction), the protrusions elastically deform in the compression direction, which can suppress the undesirable situation of large overall deformation of the partition component and maintain good sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 It's a 3D diagram of a humidifier.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure between the air inlets of a humidifier.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first dry gas supply path of the separator.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the region from the pressurized gas supply path to the pressurized space.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a top view of the lower panel.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the upper surface of the separator and the water exchange membrane.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the lower surface of the separator.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a top view of the separator at the top of the humidification module.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a top view of the separator in another embodiment (a).

[0039] Figure 10 This is a top view of the separator in another embodiment (a) variation.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a top view of the separator in another implementation (b). Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] [Basic Structure]

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a humidifier A is formed by having an upper plate 1 at the top, a lower plate 2 at the bottom, multiple (three in this embodiment) humidification modules Aw, multiple bolts 3 passing through the upper plate 1 and the lower plate 2, nuts 4 that screw back onto them, a dry gas supply path P, and a water-containing gas supply path Q.

[0044] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the humidifier A has multiple humidification modules Aw sandwiched between the upper plate 1 and the lower plate 2, and the multiple humidification modules Aw are integrated by fastening with bolts 3 and nuts 4. The humidification modules Aw are stacked with multiple separators 10, and have a dry gas supply path P and a water-containing gas supply path Q that run through these multiple separators 10 in the stacking direction.

[0045] The humidifier A humidifies the air (an example of dry gas: sometimes also called cathode gas) supplied to a fuel cell unit (not shown) installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. To achieve this humidification, the humidifier A functions by supplying moisture-containing air (an example of water-containing gas: sometimes also called cathode exhaust gas) discharged from the FC unit of the fuel cell after the reaction, thus providing the moisture from the supplied cathode exhaust gas to the cathode gas. Furthermore, the posture in which the humidifier A is used is not limited to... Figure 1 The posture shown, but in the following description, according to Figure 1 The postures shown are used to illustrate relationships such as superior and inferior.

[0046] [Summary of the humidifier's gas supply circuit]

[0047] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the dry gas supply path P consists of a first dry gas supply path Pa on the upstream side of the dry gas side water exchange section 10d of the separator 10, and a second dry gas supply path Pb on the downstream side. The water-containing gas supply path Q consists of a first water-containing gas supply path Qa on the upstream side of the water-containing gas side water exchange section 10w, and a second water-containing gas supply path Qb on the downstream side.

[0048] In addition, Figure 2 In the dry gas supply path P, although the first dry gas supply path Pa and the second dry gas supply path Pb are shown, in the humidifier A, the first water-containing gas supply path Qa and the second water-containing gas supply path Qb are formed in the same way as the dry gas supply path P, and are connected via the water-containing gas side water exchange section 10w.

[0049] In this embodiment, the dry gas flowing into the first dry gas supply path Pa is referred to as the first dry gas, the dry gas flowing into the second dry gas supply path Pb is referred to as the second dry gas, the water-containing gas flowing into the first water-containing gas supply path Qa is referred to as the first water-containing gas, and the water-containing gas flowing into the second water-containing gas supply path Qb is referred to as the second water-containing gas.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the lower plate 2 has a first drying gas port 21 connected to the first drying gas supply path Pa, a second drying gas port 22 connected to the second drying gas supply path Pb, a first water-containing gas port 23 connected to the first water-containing gas supply path Qa, and a second water-containing gas port 24 connected to the second water-containing gas supply path Qb.

[0051] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a first dry gas (air) pressurized by a compressor (not shown) is supplied to the first dry gas port 21, and a second dry gas (cathode gas) humidified by the humidification module Aw is supplied to the fuel cell unit from the second dry gas port 22. Additionally, a first water-containing gas (air: also known as cathode exhaust gas) discharged from the fuel cell unit is supplied to the first water-containing gas port 23, and a second water-containing gas, with moisture removed by the humidification module Aw, is discharged from the second water-containing gas port 24.

[0052] In particular, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the humidifier A has a pressurized gas supply path R formed by multiple humidification modules Aw running vertically through it. This pressurized gas supply path R (an example of a pressurized flow path) is connected to a first dry gas supply path Pa via a connecting path 2a formed in the lower plate 2, supplying first dry gas to the pressurized space S. This pressurized space S is formed between the multiple humidification modules Aw, and by allowing the first dry gas to flow through it, a pressure is obtained that presses the multiple separators 10 together in each of the multiple humidification modules Aw. The pressurized gas supply path R and its related structure will be described later.

[0053] [Humidification Module]

[0054] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the separator 10 is a square plate formed by molding resin. A dry gas-side water exchange section 10d is formed on one side, and a water-containing gas-side water exchange section 10w is formed on the other side. The separator 10 has a first dry gas supply port 11, a second dry gas supply port 12, a first water-containing gas supply port 13, and a second water-containing gas supply port 14 formed as through holes at the four corners. A pressurized gas supply hole 15 is provided through the outer periphery near the first dry gas supply port 11.

[0055] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the separator 10 has the same shape as the dry gas-side water exchange section 10d in the top view where the dry gas-side water exchange section 10d is arranged on the upper surface, and the same shape as the water-containing gas-side water exchange section 10w in the state where the separator 10 in the top view is flipped so that its left and right sides are reversed. In addition, when multiple separators 10 are stacked, a water exchange membrane 6 is sandwiched at the boundary between the dry gas-side water exchange section 10d and the water-containing gas-side water exchange section 10w.

[0056] exist Figure 6In one face of the separator 10 shown, dry gas flows sequentially through the first dry gas supply port 11, the dry gas-side water exchange section 10d, and the second dry gas supply port 12. Meanwhile, water-containing gas flows sequentially through the first water-containing gas supply port 13, the water-containing gas-side water exchange section 10w, and the second water-containing gas supply port 14.

[0057] Specifically, the first dry gas supply port 11 and the second dry gas supply port 12 are arranged diagonally in the top view of the separator 10. Although not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings, the water exchange section 10d on the dry gas side has multiple protrusions forming a flow path for air to flow in an unbiased manner. Similarly, the first water-containing gas supply port 13 and the second water-containing gas supply port 14 are arranged diagonally. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the water exchange section 10w on the water-containing gas side has a flow path formed by multiple protrusions for air to flow in an unbiased manner.

[0058] Furthermore, the humidification module Aw, through the stacked separator 10, forms a manifold-like space with multiple first dry gas supply ports 11 arranged longitudinally, forming a first dry gas supply path Pa. Similarly, multiple second dry gas supply ports 12 form a second dry gas supply path Pb, multiple first water-containing gas supply ports 13 form a first water-containing gas supply path Qa, and multiple second water-containing gas supply ports 14 form a second water-containing gas supply path Qb. Moreover, multiple pressurized gas supply ports 15 form a pressurized gas supply path R.

[0059] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown by the double-dotted line, gaskets 16 are disposed on both sides of the separator 10. These gaskets 16 prevent gas leakage between the surface of the separator 10 and the water exchange membrane 6. Furthermore, the gaskets 16 prevent gas flowing to the first dry gas supply port 11, the second dry gas supply port 12, the first water-containing gas supply port 13, the second water-containing gas supply port 14, and the pressurized gas supply port 15 from leaking from the boundary surfaces of adjacent separators 10 along the stacking direction. Additionally, compared to the separating member 17 and the sealing member 18 described later, the gaskets 16 are made of a rubber or resin material with a smaller thickness in the stacking direction.

[0060] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a humidification module Aw is composed of multiple separators 10 and multiple water exchange membranes 6 sandwiched between them. This humidification module Aw integrates the multiple separators 10 by bonding the outer peripheral portions of adjacent separators 10 in the lamination direction with an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the multiple separators 10 do not necessarily need to be bonded; for example, a structure in which protrusions and recesses fit together in the lamination direction can be used, or a heat-sealing technique can be employed to integrate the multiple separators 10.

[0061] [Humidified Space]

[0062] In this humidifier A, the first dry gas (air) pressurized to the first dry gas supply path Pa is supplied to the dry gas side water exchange section 10d. Therefore, it is assumed that the separator 10 deforms due to the pressure acting on the dry gas side water exchange section 10d of the separator 10, thereby causing the water exchange membrane 6 to float up, resulting in air leakage. To prevent such leakage, in the humidifier A, a pressurized space S is formed at each position where multiple humidification modules Aw are sandwiched between the upper and lower parts, and pressure is applied to the separator 10 of each of the multiple humidification modules Aw along the stacking direction to prevent the water exchange membrane 6 from floating up.

[0063] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the humidifier A having multiple (three) humidification modules Aw, the upper surface of the separator 10 at the upper end of each humidification module Aw is formed flat. Similarly, the lower surface of the separator 10 at the lower end is also formed flat. That is, neither the dry gas side water exchange section 10d nor the water-containing gas side water exchange section 10w is formed on the outer surface of the separator 10 located at the end in the stacking direction of the humidification modules Aw.

[0064] Based on such a structure, such as Figures 2-4 , Figure 8 As shown, a partition member 17 made of sealing material is fixedly provided on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the upper end of the humidification module Aw. In addition, a sealing member 18 made of the same sealing material as the partition member 17 is fixedly provided so as to surround the first dry gas supply port 11, the second dry gas supply port 12, the first water-containing gas supply port 13, and the second water-containing gas supply port 14 respectively.

[0065] Similarly, such as Figures 2-4 , Figure 5 As shown, a partition member 17, made of a flexible material such as rubber, is fixedly provided on the upper surface of the lower plate 2. Additionally, a sealing member 18, made of the same sealing material as the partition member 17, is fixedly provided to surround the first dry gas supply port 11, the second dry gas supply port 12, the first water-containing gas supply port 13, and the second water-containing gas supply port 14, respectively.

[0066] Each partition 17 is configured as a closed loop in the top view, forming a pressurized space S. The pressurized gas supply path R communicates with this pressurized space S. That is, the partition 17 functions to guide pressurized gas from the pressurized gas supply path R into the interior of the pressurized space S while simultaneously sealing the pressurized gas inside the pressurized space S. Sealing components 18 prevent gas leakage from each supply port.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the sealing material used for the separator 17 has a convex cross-section. The base 17a and protrusion 17b are integrally formed from an adhesive material such as rubber, and the base 17a is fixed to the upper surface of the separator 10 by bonding or the like. Therefore, for example, when pressure is applied in the vertical direction (layering direction), the protrusion 17b elastically deforms in the compression direction, suppressing excessive deformation of the separator 17 as a whole and maintaining good sealing performance. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the separator 17 is not limited to... Figure 2 The shape shown can also be, for example, trapezoidal. Alternatively, it can have a structure in which a concave groove is formed on the surface of the separator 10, allowing a portion of the base 17a of the separating member 17 to sink into the groove. The sealing material for the sealing member 18 also has the same cross-sectional shape as the sealing material for the separating member 17.

[0068] exist Figure 5 , Figure 8 Although the partition member 17 and the sealing member 18 are configured to be separate, they can also be formed integrally. In addition, the partition member 17 and the sealing member 18 are not limited to being fixed by adhesive, but can also be fixed by sintering.

[0069] By providing a partition member 17 and a sealing member 18 with the same cross-sectional shape on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the upper end of the humidification module Aw, the position of the protruding end of the partition member 17 used to form the pressurized space S is consistent with the position of the protruding end of the sealing member 18 surrounding the area of ​​the first dry gas supply port 11, the second dry gas supply port 12, the first water-containing gas supply port 13 and the second water-containing gas supply port 14, so that they abut against the lower surface of the upper plate 1 equally, a good seal can be achieved.

[0070] Thus, a pressurized space S is formed within the partition member 17 on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the uppermost humidification module Aw, and between the upper surface of the separator 10 and the lower surface of the upper plate 1. Similarly, a pressurized space S is formed within the partition member 17 on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the uppermost humidification module Aw, and between the upper surface of the separator 10 and the lower surface of the separator 10 opposite it. Furthermore, a pressurized space S is formed within the partition member 17 on the upper surface of the lower plate 2, and between the upper surface of the lower plate 2 and the lower surface of the separator 10 at the lowermost humidification module Aw. Alternatively, in this humidifier A, it is not necessary to provide multiple pressurized spaces S, but only one pressurized space S.

[0071] [Gas flow]

[0072] In this humidifier A, such asFigure 2 As shown, the first dry gas flows from the first dry gas port 21 to the first dry gas supply path Pa, and flows from the first dry gas supply port 11 of the plurality of separators 10 to the dry gas side water exchange section 10d. Then, it flows as the second dry gas in the second dry gas supply path Pb from the second dry gas supply port 12, and is sent to the fuel cell unit from the second dry gas port 22.

[0073] When the dry gas flows in this manner, the water content of the water-containing gas flowing in the water-containing gas-side water exchange section 10w is supplied via the water exchange membrane 6 in the water exchange section 10d on the dry gas side, resulting in the second dry gas containing more water.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the first drying gas is supplied to the pressurized gas supply path R via the connecting path 2a. The pressurized gas supply path R applies pressure from the first drying gas to the multiple pressurized spaces S, thus applying pressure to the multiple humidification modules Aw from the vertical direction. This pressure acts in the direction that presses the multiple separators 10 constituting the humidification module Aw together. Therefore, even when the pressure of the drying gas supplied to the separators 10 acts in the direction that separates adjacent separators 10, the separators 10 will still press together, suppressing the floating of the water exchange membrane 6 and suppressing gas leakage.

[0075] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0076] This configuration involves stacking multiple humidifying modules Aw to form a humidifier A. A pressurized gas supply path R is formed, extending through the humidifying modules Aw along the stacking direction. Pressurized spaces S are formed on the upper and lower sides of each humidifying module Aw, and fluid from the pressurized gas supply path R is supplied to these pressurized spaces S. This allows pressure to be applied to the humidifying modules Aw from both top and bottom. For example, even if the positional relationship of the separators 10 in the stacked positions changes due to thermal expansion caused by temperature rise, it prevents the water exchange membrane 6 sandwiched between the multiple separators 10 constituting the humidifying module Aw from floating up, and prevents air leakage between the separators 10 and the water exchange membrane 6, thus maintaining good humidification.

[0077] In order to form a pressurized space S, for example, a partition member 17 made of a flexible and deformable sealing material such as rubber is provided on the upper surface of the separator 10, without specifically forming a space for supplying fluid. For example, a pressurized space S can be formed between the upper surface of the separator 10 and the upper plate 1, so that the wide surface of the separator 10 can be pressurized.

[0078] In addition, a pressurized gas supply path R is formed that is connected to the pressurized space S. In contrast, a portion of the dry gas supplied to the first dry gas supply path Pa is supplied. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a special mechanism for producing pressurized gas.

[0079] In this humidifier A, a structure shared by multiple humidification modules Aw is used, and they are arranged in a stacked configuration. Therefore, a separating member 17 is provided on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the upper end of each humidification module Aw, and a separating member 17 is also provided on the upper surface of the lower plate 2. By supplying dry gas to the pressurized space S, pressure can be applied independently to each of the multiple humidification modules Aw in a vertically compressed manner. This prevents problems such as insufficient pressure on the separator 10 in the middle of the stacking direction, and allows for uniform pressure application to the multiple separators 10, thus suppressing gas leakage.

[0080] Furthermore, taking the separator 17 on the upper surface of the separator 10 at the upper end of the humidification module Aw as an example, a sealing member 18 with the same cross-sectional shape as the separator 17 is provided in the area surrounding the first dry gas supply port 11, the second dry gas supply port 12, the first water-containing gas supply port 13, and the second water-containing gas supply port 14. This makes the sealing member 18 surrounding the four supply ports appear to be in the same position as the protruding end of the separator 17 used to form the pressurized space S, thereby achieving good sealing performance.

[0081] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0082] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may also be configured as follows (components having the same functions as those in the embodiments are labeled with the same numbers and reference numerals as those in the embodiments).

[0083] (a) Dry gas can also be used as a fluid supplied to the pressurized space S. Figure 9 One example is shown in the figure. In this other embodiment (a), a pressurized gas branch flow path Ra (an example of a pressurized flow path) is formed, which supplies a portion of the dry gas supplied to the first dry gas supply path Pa from the first dry gas supply port 11 to the pressurized space S inside the partition member 17.

[0084] In addition, Figure 10 The diagram shows a variation of this other embodiment (a), in which a pressurized gas discharge path Rb (an example of a discharge section) is formed to discharge the dry gas supplied to the pressurized space S inside the partition member 17 to the second dry gas supply port 12, so that the dry gas can be discharged at the same time as the dry gas is supplied to the pressurized space S.

[0085] (b) Water-containing gas can also be used as the fluid supplied to the pressurized space S.Figure 11 The example shown is in another embodiment (b), in which a pressurized gas branch flow path Ra (an example of a pressurized flow path) is formed to supply a portion of the water-containing gas supplied to the first water-containing gas supply path Qa from the first water-containing gas supply port 13 to the pressurized space S inside the partition member 17. Additionally, in Figure 11 Similar to the variations of the other embodiments (a) described above, this configuration forms a pressurized gas discharge path Rb (an example of a discharge section) that discharges the water-containing gas supplied to the pressurized space S to the second water-containing gas supply port 14, enabling the discharge of water-containing gas while simultaneously supplying it to the pressurized space S. However, in the structure of this other embodiment (b), it is not necessarily necessary to form a pressurized gas discharge path Rb.

[0086] (c) The fluid supplied to the pressurized space S may be, for example, air pressurized by a compressor, or a gas that is different from dry gas or water-containing gas, such as nitrogen for pressurization.

[0087] (d) The fluid supplied to the pressurized space S is not limited to gas; for example, it can be a liquid such as water or oil. When using such a liquid, it is possible to configure the space by, for example, using a structure that applies spring pressure to the liquid, or an energy storage device for applying pressure, without using an actuator such as a compressor.

[0088] (e) The humidifier A is not limited to having a structure with multiple humidification modules Aw, but may also have a structure with a single humidification module Aw. In addition, in the humidifier A having multiple humidification modules Aw, the number of separators 10 constituting each of the multiple humidification modules Aw may also be different.

[0089] (f) For example, the structure of the connecting passage 2a used to supply the first dry gas to the pressurized gas supply passage R can be replaced, and a pipe for connecting the first dry gas supply passage Pa and the pressurized gas supply passage R can be formed on the outside of the lower plate 2. Alternatively, a pipe for this connection can be formed for each of the plurality of humidification modules Aw.

[0090] (g) A discharge section for discharging gas from the pressurized space S is formed in the separator 10. By forming the discharge section in this way, the fluid (pressurized gas) supplied to the pressurized space S can be discharged to the outside via the discharge section. In addition, in the structure of supplying dry gas to the pressurized space S, the dry gas discharged from the outlet can also be supplied to the separator 10 as the first dry gas, and the phenomenon of excessive pressure on the pressurized space S can also be suppressed. In this structure, although it is assumed that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path for supplying dry gas, etc., to the pressurized space S is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the discharge section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the discharge section can also be set to be smaller.

[0091] (h) It has multiple pressurized gas supply paths R. In order to form multiple pressurized gas supply paths R, it is assumed that a through hole is formed in the separator 10, but a structure such as setting multiple pipelines outside the separator 10 can also be used.

[0092] Industrial applications

[0093] This invention can be applied to humidifiers with a structure that stacks multiple separators.

[0094] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0095] 6…water exchange membrane

[0096] 10…Separator

[0097] 10d…Dry gas side water exchange section

[0098] 10w…Water exchange section on the gas-containing side

[0099] 17…Separation components

[0100] Aw…humidification module

[0101] P…Dry gas supply path

[0102] Q…Water-containing gas supply path

[0103] R… Pressurized gas supply path (pressurization flow path)

[0104] Rb… Pressurized gas exhaust path (exhaust section)

[0105] S…pressurized space.

Claims

1. A humidifier comprising a humidification module, The humidification module has: Dry gas supply path, which supplies the flow of dry gas; A water-containing gas supply path, which supplies the flow of water-containing gas; A plate-shaped separator has a dry gas-side water exchange section on one side connected to the aforementioned dry gas supply path, and a water-containing gas-side water exchange section on the other side connected to the aforementioned water-containing gas supply path; and With the separators stacked as described above, a water exchange membrane is disposed between the opposing dry gas-side water exchange section and the water-containing gas-side water exchange section between adjacent separators. The humidification module is composed of multiple separators stacked together. The humidifier described above has an annular dividing member. When the humidification modules are stacked, this annular dividing member forms a pressurized space between adjacent humidification modules, guiding fluid into the pressurized space. Either the water-containing gas supply path or the dry gas supply path is connected to the pressurization flow path that supplies pressurized gas as the fluid to the pressurization space.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid is either the water-containing gas supplied to the water-containing gas supply path or the dry gas supplied to the dry gas supply path.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The pressurization flow path that supplies the pressurized gas to the pressurization space is formed in the separator.

4. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The discharge section of the fluid that is directed to the pressurized space is formed in the separator.

5. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned partition is disposed on the outer surface of the aforementioned humidification module, and its cross-section is convex, formed by the base and the protrusion.

6. The humidifier according to claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned partition is disposed on the outer surface of the aforementioned humidification module, and its cross-section is convex, formed by the base and the protrusion.

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