Cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier and fuel cell humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier which humidifies dry gas supplied from the outside by using humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack, and a fuel cell humidifier, the cartridge including: an inner case having openings formed at each end portion thereof and including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a gas inlet and a gas outlet formed in the inner case; and an adjustment cover movably coupled to the inner case and adjusting at least one of an inflow area through which the humid gas or the dry gas flows through the gas inlet and an outflow area through which the humid gas or the dry gas flows through the gas outlet.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The advantage of fuel cells is that, unlike ordinary chemical batteries such as dry cells or storage batteries, they can generate electricity continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied. Furthermore, there is no heat loss, which makes fuel cells about twice as efficient as 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 relatively low levels of pollutants. Therefore, the advantages of fuel cells lie in their environmental friendliness and in reducing concerns about resource depletion due to increased energy consumption.

[0004] Based on the type of electrolyte used, such fuel cells can generally 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 (AFC).

[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 best suited for transportation systems and small stationary power generation devices because they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells and have a high output density, which allows 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, its power generation efficiency drops sharply.

[0007] Methods for humidifying polymer electrolyte membranes or proton exchange membranes include: 1) bubbling 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 directly supplying water to the gas feed line via a solenoid valve; and 3) membrane humidification, which involves supplying water to the gas fluidized bed using a polymer separation membrane.

[0008] Among these methods, the advantage of membrane humidification methods, which use membranes configured to selectively transmit water vapor only through water vapor contained in exhaust gas to supply water vapor to the air to humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane or proton exchange membrane, is that the weight and size of the humidifier can be reduced.

[0009] When forming modules, hollow fiber membranes with a large permeable area per unit volume are suitable as selective permeation membranes used in membrane humidification. That is, when using hollow fiber membranes to manufacture humidifiers, the high integration of hollow fiber membranes with large contact surface areas is possible, thereby enabling sufficient humidification of fuel cells even at small capacities, using inexpensive materials, and collecting moisture and heat contained in the exhaust gas discharged from 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 type 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, which is respectively attached to opposite ends of the humidification module 110.

[0012] One of the hoods 120 transmits externally supplied air to the humidification module 110, while the other hood transmits humidified air via the humidification module 110 to the fuel cell stack.

[0013] The humidification module 110 includes an intermediate housing 111 having an exhaust gas inlet 111a and an exhaust gas outlet 111b, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 within the intermediate housing 111. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes 112 has opposite ends secured in a fixing layer 113. Typically, each fixing layer 113 is formed using a casting method by curing a liquid polymer (such as liquid polyurethane resin). The fixing layers 113 in which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are secured, and a resin layer 114 disposed between the fixing layer 113 and the intermediate housing 111, isolate the interior space of the enclosure 120 from the interior space of the intermediate housing 111. Similar to the fixing layer 113, each resin layer 114 is typically formed using a casting method by curing a 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, moisture contained in the exhaust gas is transferred through the hollow fiber membrane 112 to humidify the air flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 112.

[0015] In recent years, fuel cells have been used in various applications, thus requiring fuel cell humidifiers to possess a variety of humidification capabilities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop fuel cell humidifiers that can provide the various humidification performance required by fuel cells. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] In view of the above problems, this disclosure is made. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fuel cell humidifier box and a fuel cell humidifier capable of having various humidification performance required by fuel cells.

[0018] Technical solution

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

[0020] A fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure may include: a humidification module configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid 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 may include an intermediate housing with openings at its opposite ends and at least one cartridge disposed within the intermediate housing, the cartridge comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The cartridge may include an inner housing having openings formed at its ends, the inner housing being configured to receive the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The inner housing may include a gas inlet configured to allow either humid or dry gas to be introduced therethrough and a gas outlet configured to allow either humid or dry gas to be discharged therethrough. An adjustment cover is movably coupled to the inner housing, the adjustment cover being configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet.

[0021] The housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure is configured to humidify dry gas supplied from the outside using humid gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. The housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure may include: an inner housing having openings formed at its ends, the inner housing being configured to accommodate a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a gas inlet and a gas outlet formed in the inner housing; and an adjustment cover movably coupled to the inner housing, the adjustment cover being configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] This disclosure is implemented to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, wherein the inflow area is the area of ​​the introduced humid or dry gas, and the outflow area is the area of ​​the discharged humid or dry gas. Therefore, this disclosure is implemented to have various humidification properties, thereby improving its versatility for use in fuel cells in a variety of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional fuel cell humidifier.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 A schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure, taken from line II.

[0027] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 A schematic combined cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure, taken from line II.

[0028] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view of the housing of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure, taken from line II-II.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic plan view showing the state in which the adjusting cover is attached to the inner housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9It shows along Figure 8 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to this disclosure, taken from line III-III.

[0032] Figures 10 to 12 It shows along Figure 8 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the limiting unit in the housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure, taken by line III-III. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following, one embodiment of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure may include a housing; therefore, the housing of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure will be described concurrently with the description of the embodiment of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure. Meanwhile, in Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the diagram, the two parallel curves are ellipses.

[0034] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure is configured to humidify dry gas supplied from the outside using humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown). The dry gas can be fuel gas or air. The dry gas can be humidified by the humid gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure includes a humidification module 2 configured to humidify the dry gas, a first cover 3 attached to one end of the humidification module 2, and a second cover 4 attached to the other end of the humidification module 2.

[0035] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The humidification module 2 humidifies the dry gas supplied from the outside. The first cover 3 can be attached to one end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be attached to the other end of the humidification module 2. The first cover 3 can deliver the dry gas to the humidification module 2. In this case, the second cover 4 can deliver the dry gas humidified by the moist gas in the humidification module 2 to the fuel cell stack. The first cover 3 can deliver the moist 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 moist gas to the outside.

[0036] The humidification module 2 includes at least one box 21 and an intermediate housing 22.

[0037] The housing 21 is disposed within the intermediate housing 22 and includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211. The hollow fiber membranes 211 can be incorporated into the housing 21 for modularity. Therefore, the hollow fiber membranes 211 can be installed in the intermediate housing 22 by incorporating the housing 21 into the intermediate housing 22. Thus, in the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present disclosure, the ease of installation, removal, and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes 211 can be improved. The housing 21 can be implemented as a housing for the fuel cell humidifier according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Box 21 may include an inner housing 212.

[0039] The inner housing 212 has openings formed at its ends, and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211 are housed within the inner housing. The hollow fiber membranes 211 can be disposed within the inner housing 212 for modularity. The hollow fiber membranes 211 may comprise polymer membranes 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.

[0040] Box 21 may include fixing layers 213 and 214.

[0041] The ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211 are fixedly sealed in fixing layers 213 and 214, which close the opening of the inner shell 212. One side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211 can be fixed by fixing layer 213, and the other side of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211 can be fixed by fixing layer 214. Each of fixing layers 213 and 214 can be formed by a casting process using a hardened liquid resin (such as liquid polyurethane resin). Fixing layers 213 and 214 can fix the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211 to the inner shell 212.

[0042] The fixing layers 213 and 214 can be formed in a way that does not block the hollow portions of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 211. Therefore, dry or humid gas supplied from the outside can be supplied to the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes 211 without being interfered with by the fixing layers 213 and 214, and can be discharged from the hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes 211 without being interfered with by the fixing layers 213 and 214.

[0043] The housing 21 is attached to the intermediate housing 22. The housing 21 may be disposed within the intermediate housing 22. The opposite ends of the intermediate housing 22 are open. In this case, a receiving hole 221 may be formed in the intermediate housing 22. The receiving hole 221 may be formed to extend through the intermediate housing 22 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0044] An inlet 222 and an outlet 223 may be formed on one side of the intermediate housing 22. The inlet 222 allows humid or dry gas to be introduced into the intermediate housing 22. The outlet 223 allows humid or dry gas to be discharged from the intermediate housing 22. The inlet 222, the outlet 223, and the intermediate housing 22 may be integrally formed.

[0045] The humidification module 2 may include multiple encapsulation components 23 and 23'.

[0046] The encapsulation components 23 and 23' provide an airtight seal between the box 21 and the intermediate housing 22 to prevent direct mixing between dry and moist gases. The encapsulation components 23 and 23' can be inserted between the box 21 and the intermediate housing 22. In this case, the box 21 can be inserted through first through-holes 23a and 23a' formed in the encapsulation components 23 and 23', respectively. The encapsulation components 23 and 23' can be positioned on opposite sides of the box 21. Although not shown, resin layers can be formed on opposite sides of the box 21 instead of at the encapsulation components 23 and 23'. Each resin layer can be formed using a casting method with a hardened liquid polymer (such as liquid polyurethane resin).

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The first cover 3 is attached to one end of the humidification module 2. The space between the first cover 3 and the box 21 can be separated from the space between the box 21 and the intermediate shell 22 by the encapsulation component 23 or the resin layer in an airtight state.

[0048] 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 to be spaced apart from the first cover 3 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cover 4 and the box 21 can be separated from the space between the box 21 and the intermediate housing 22 by the encapsulation member 23' or the resin layer in an airtight state.

[0049] Here, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be implemented as follows so that it has various humidification performances through the housing 21.

[0050] Reference Figures 5 to 7 Box 21 may include a gas inlet 215 and a gas outlet 216.

[0051] The gas inlet 215 is formed within the inner housing 212. The gas inlet 215 may be formed on one side 2120 of the inner housing 212. Based on... Figure 7 One side 2120 of the inner housing 212 may correspond to the upper surface. The gas inlet 215 allows either humid or dry gas to be introduced into the inner housing 212. The gas inlet 215 may be formed through the inner housing 212. Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the gas inlet 215 can be implemented by a through-hole formed through the inner housing 212. Figure 6 As shown, the gas inlet 215 can be implemented by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner housing 212. In this case, the gas inlet 215 may include a plurality of inflow windows 215a formed through different portions of the inner housing 212. The inflow windows 215a may be spaced apart from each other in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction) to form a matrix. The second axial direction (Y-axis direction) is an axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0052] The gas outlet 216 is formed within the inner housing 212. The gas outlet 216 may be formed at one side 2120 of the inner housing 212. The gas outlet 216 allows humid or dry gas to exit from the inner housing 212. The gas outlet 216 may be formed through the inner housing 212. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the gas outlet 216 can be achieved by a through-hole formed through the inner housing 212. Figure 6 As shown, the gas outlet 216 can be implemented by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner housing 212. In this case, the gas outlet 216 may include a plurality of outflow windows 216a formed through different portions of the inner housing 212. The outflow windows 216a may be spaced apart from each other in a matrix in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The gas outlet 216 and the gas inlet 215 may be spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0053] When humid gas flows through gas outlet 216 and gas inlet 215, it can be supplied through inlet 222 into the space between the inner surface of the intermediate shell 22 and the outer surface of the inner shell 212, or through gas inlet 215 into the inner shell 212, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 211. During this process, moisture contained in the humid gas can be transferred through the hollow fiber membrane 211 to humidify the dry gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 211. The humidified dry gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 211 and subsequently supplied to the fuel cell stack through the second shroud 4. After humidifying the dry gas, the humid gas can be discharged through gas outlet 216 into the space between the outer surface of the inner shell 212 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 22, and can be discharged from the intermediate shell 22 through outlet 223. Inlet 222 can be connected to the fuel cell stack to supply humid gas to it. The humid gas can be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0054] As the dry gas flows through gas outlet 216 and gas inlet 215, it can be supplied through inlet 222 to the space between the inner surface of the intermediate shell 22 and the outer surface of the inner shell 212, and through gas inlet 215 to the inner shell 212, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 211. During this process, moisture in the humid gas flowing along the hollow portion of the hollow fiber membrane 211 can be transferred through the hollow fiber membrane 211 to humidify the dry gas introduced into the inner shell 212. The humidified dry gas can be discharged through gas outlet 216 into the space between the outer surface of the inner shell 212 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 22, and can be discharged from the intermediate shell 22 through outlet 223, and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After humidifying the dry gas, the humid gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 211 and subsequently discharged to the outside through the second cover 3. The first cover 3 can be connected to the fuel cell stack so that humid gas can be supplied to it.

[0055] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Box 21 may include an adjustment cover 217.

[0056] The regulating cover 217 is configured to regulate at least one of the inflow area and the outflow area. The inflow area is the area of ​​the passage through which humid or dry gas is introduced via the gas inlet 215, and is the remaining area after deducting the area covered by the regulating cover 217 from the total area of ​​the gas inlet 215. The outflow area is the area of ​​the passage through which humid or dry gas is discharged via the gas outlet 216, and is the remaining area after deducting the area covered by the regulating cover 217 from the total area of ​​the gas outlet 216.

[0057] The regulating cover 217 can be movably coupled to the inner housing 212. The area covering at least one of the gas inlet 215 and the gas outlet 216 can be adjusted by moving the regulating cover 217, thereby adjusting at least one of the inflow area and the outflow area.

[0058] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves to increase the area covering the gas inlet 215, the inflow area can be reduced. As a result, the inflow rate of humid or dry gas introduced into the inner housing 212 through the gas inlet 215 per unit time can be reduced, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21.

[0059] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves to reduce the area covering the gas inlet 215, the inflow area can be increased. As a result, the inflow rate of humid or dry gas introduced into the inner housing 212 through the gas inlet 215 per unit time can be increased, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21.

[0060] As described above, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure is implemented such that the area of ​​the gas inlet 215 covered by the adjusting cover 217 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the inflow area and thus the humidification performance of the housing 21. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be implemented to have humidification performance suitable for fuel cells used in the application environment.

[0061] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves to increase the area covering the gas outlet 216, the outflow area can be reduced. As a result, the outflow rate of humid or dry gas discharged from the inner housing 212 through the gas outlet 216 can be reduced per unit time, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21.

[0062] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves to reduce the area covering the gas outlet 216, the outflow area can be increased. As a result, the outflow rate of humid or dry gas discharged from the inner housing 212 through the gas outlet 216 can be increased per unit time, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21.

[0063] As described above, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure is implemented such that the area of ​​the covered gas outlet 216 is adjusted using the adjusting cover 217, thereby adjusting the outflow area and thus the humidification performance of the housing 21. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be implemented to have humidification performance suitable for fuel cells used in the application environment.

[0064] The adjusting cover 217 can adjust the inflow area and the outflow area so that the inflow area and the outflow area are different from each other, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21.

[0065] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves such that the area covering the gas inlet 215 decreases and the area covering the gas outlet 216 increases, the inflow area can become larger than the outflow area. Even when the adjusting cover 217 increases the area covering the gas outlet 216 without changing the area covering the gas inlet 215, and even when the adjusting cover 217 decreases the area covering the gas inlet 215 without changing the area covering the gas outlet 216, the inflow area can still become larger than the outflow area. When the inflow area becomes larger than the outflow area through the adjusting cover 217, as described above, the outflow rate per unit time of the humid or dry gas discharged from the inner housing 212 through the gas outlet 216 can become smaller than the inflow rate per unit time of the humid or dry gas introduced into the inner housing 212 through the gas inlet 215. As a result, the residence time of the humid or dry gas in the inner housing 212 can be increased, thereby improving the humidification performance of the housing 21. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be implemented as a fuel cell suitable for use in applications requiring high humidification performance.

[0066] For example, when the adjusting cover 217 moves such that the area covering the gas inlet 215 increases and the area covering the gas outlet 216 decreases, the inflow area can become smaller than the outflow area. Even when the adjusting cover 217 decreases the area covering the gas outlet 216 without changing the area covering the gas inlet 215, and even when the adjusting cover 217 increases the area covering the gas inlet 215 without changing the area covering the gas outlet 216, the inflow area can still become smaller than the outflow area. When the inflow area becomes smaller than the outflow area through the adjusting cover 217, as described above, the outflow rate per unit time of the humid or dry gas discharged from the inner housing 212 through the gas outlet 216 can become greater than the inflow rate per unit time of the humid or dry gas introduced into the inner housing 212 through the gas inlet 215. As a result, the residence time of the humid or dry gas in the inner housing 212 can be reduced, thereby adjusting the humidification performance of the box 21 to suit the humidification performance required for the application environment. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be implemented to have humidification performance suitable for fuel cells used in the application environment.

[0067] The adjusting cover 217 can be coupled to the inner housing 212 to be movable in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) while covering one side 2120 of the inner housing 212. The adjusting cover 217 can be moved in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) by an external force provided by an operator or the like. The adjusting cover 217 can be sized to cover the entire gas inlet 215. The adjusting cover 217 can be sized to cover the entire gas outlet 216.

[0068] The adjusting cover 217 can adjust the number of inflow windows 215a of the covered gas inlet 215, thereby adjusting the inflow area. The adjusting cover 217 can also adjust the number of outflow windows 216a of the covered gas outlet 216, thereby adjusting the outflow area.

[0069] The regulating cover 217 may include an inflow cover 217a. The inflow cover 217a is adjustable in area covering the gas inlet 215, thereby adjusting the inflow area. The inflow cover 217a is also adjustable in number of inflow windows 215a of the covered gas inlet 215, thereby adjusting the inflow area. The inflow cover 217a may be movably coupled to the inner housing 212.

[0070] The regulating cover 217 may include an outlet cover 217b. The outlet cover 217b is adjustable in area covering the gas outlet 216, thereby adjusting the outlet area. The outlet cover 217b is also adjustable in number of outlet windows 216a of the covered gas outlet 216, thereby adjusting the outlet area. The outlet cover 217b may be movably coupled to the inner housing 212.

[0071] The regulating cover 217 may include only the inflow cover 217a, or only the outflow cover 217b. The regulating cover 217 may include both the inflow cover 217a and the outflow cover 217b. That is, the regulating cover 217 may include at least one of the inflow cover 217a and the outflow cover 217b.

[0072] Reference Figures 10 to 12 Box 21 may include a limiting unit 218.

[0073] The limiting unit 218 is configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover 217. Since the movement of the adjusting cover 217 is restricted by the limiting unit 218, the adjusting cover 217 of the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure can be prevented from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. Therefore, in the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to this disclosure, at least one of the inflow area and the outflow area can be reliably maintained in a state adjusted by the adjusting cover 217, thereby maintaining the humidification performance of the humidifier in a manner suitable for the fuel cell used in the application environment. The limiting unit 218 allows the adjusting cover 217 to move by external forces provided by the operator, etc., and restricts the adjusting cover 217 from moving by external forces such as vibration or shaking less than the external forces provided by the operator, etc. When the adjusting cover 217 includes both an inflow cover 217a and an outflow cover 217b, the limiting unit 218 can be applied to each of the inflow cover 217a and the outflow cover 217b.

[0074] Here, the limiting unit 218 can be implemented in various ways depending on its structure. Hereinafter, embodiments of the limiting unit 218 will be described sequentially with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Reference Figure 10 The limiting unit 218 may include a limiting protrusion 218a and a plurality of limiting grooves 218b.

[0076] The limiting protrusion 218a can protrude from the adjusting cover 217. The limiting protrusion 218a can protrude from one surface of the adjusting cover 217 toward the inner housing 212. Based on... Figure 10 One surface of the adjusting cover 217 may correspond to the lower surface of the adjusting cover 217.

[0077] The limiting protrusion 218a can be inserted into either limiting slot 218b to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover 217. Therefore, the limiting unit 218 can prevent the adjusting cover 217 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. The limiting protrusion 218a can be formed with a size that gradually decreases as the distance from the protrusion to the adjusting cover 217 increases. Therefore, the limiting protrusion 218a can be implemented to allow the adjusting cover 217 to move smoothly by external forces provided by an operator, while preventing the adjusting cover 217 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. For example, as... Figure 10 As shown, the limiting protrusion 218a can be formed with a trapezoidal cross-section, the size of which gradually decreases with increasing distance from the protrusion of the adjusting cover 217. Although not shown, the limiting protrusion 218a can be formed with a semi-circular cross-section, the size of which gradually decreases with increasing distance from the protrusion of the adjusting cover 217.

[0078] The limiting groove 218b is formed in the inner housing 212. The limiting grooves 218b can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover 217. Therefore, as the adjusting cover 217 moves, the limiting grooves 218b into which the limiting protrusions 218a are inserted can change. Each limiting groove 218b can be formed to have a shape complementary to that of the limiting protrusions 218a.

[0079] The limiting groove 218b can be formed in a surface of the inner housing 212 facing the adjusting cover 217. Based on Figure 10 One surface of the inner housing 212 may correspond to the upper surface of the inner housing 212. The limiting groove 218b can be formed by forming a groove in the outer surface of the inner housing 212.

[0080] Reference Figure 11 The limiting unit 218 may include a plurality of limiting protrusions 218a and a limiting groove 218b.

[0081] The limiting protrusion 218a can protrude from the inner housing 212. The limiting protrusion 218a can protrude from a surface of the inner housing 212 facing the adjusting cover 217. Based on... Figure 11 One surface of the inner housing 212 may correspond to the upper surface of the inner housing 212.

[0082] Any one of the limiting protrusions 218a can be inserted into the limiting groove 218b to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover 217. Therefore, the limiting unit 218 can prevent the adjusting cover 217 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. Each of the limiting protrusions 218a can be formed with a size that gradually decreases as the distance from the protrusion to the inner housing 212 increases. Therefore, the limiting protrusion 218a can be implemented to allow the adjusting cover 217 to move smoothly by external forces provided by an operator, while preventing the adjusting cover 217 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. For example, as... Figure 11 As shown, each of the limiting protrusions 218a can be formed with a trapezoidal cross-section, the size of which gradually decreases with increasing distance from the protrusion of the inner housing 212. Although not shown, each of the limiting protrusions 218a can be formed with a semi-circular cross-section, the size of which gradually decreases with increasing distance from the protrusion of the inner housing 212.

[0083] The limiting protrusions 218a can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover 217. Therefore, as the adjusting cover 217 moves, the limiting protrusions 218a inserted into the limiting groove 218b can change.

[0084] The limiting groove 218b is formed in the adjusting cover 217. The limiting groove 218b can be formed in a surface of the adjusting cover 217 facing the inner housing 212. Based on... Figure 11 One surface of the adjusting cover 217 may correspond to the lower surface of the adjusting cover 217. The limiting groove 218b may be formed by forming a groove in the lower surface of the adjusting cover 217. The limiting groove 218b may be formed to have a shape complementary to each of the limiting protrusions 218a.

[0085] Reference Figure 12 The limiting unit 218 may include: a plurality of limiting grooves 218b, a limiting hole 218c, and a limiting member 218d.

[0086] The limiting groove 218b is formed in the inner housing 212. The limiting groove 218b can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover 217. The limiting groove 218b can be formed in a surface of the inner housing 212 facing the adjusting cover 217. Based on... Figure 12 One surface of the inner housing 212 may correspond to the upper surface of the inner housing 212. The limiting groove 218b can be formed by forming a groove in the outer surface of the inner housing 212.

[0087] The limiting hole 218c is formed in the adjusting cover 217. The limiting hole 218c can pass through the adjusting cover 217. As the adjusting cover 217 moves, the limiting hole 218c can connect to any of the limiting slots 218b. Therefore, the limiting slot 218b into which the limiting member 218d is inserted can be changed.

[0088] The limiting member 218d is detachably attached to the adjusting cover 217 and the inner housing 212. The limiting member 218d can be inserted into either the limiting groove 218b or the limiting hole 218c to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover 217. Therefore, the limiting unit 218 can prevent the adjusting cover 217 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces such as vibration or shaking. The limiting member 218d can be inserted into the limiting groove 218b, which is configured to connect with the limiting hole 218c, and into the limiting hole 218c.

[0089] The disclosure described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and figures, and various substitutions, modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the technical concept of the disclosure, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A fuel cell humidifier, the humidifier comprising: A humidification module configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; A first cover is attached to one end of the humidification module; as well as The second cover is attached to the other end of the humidification module, wherein... The humidification module includes: An intermediate housing, the intermediate housing having openings at its opposite ends; and At least one box, disposed within the intermediate housing, the box comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The box includes: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to receive the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the inner housing including a gas inlet configured to allow the introduction of humid or dry gas and a gas outlet configured to allow the discharge of humid or dry gas. An adjusting cover configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the adjusting cover being movably coupled to the inner housing, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet; and A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting hole formed through the adjusting cover, a plurality of limiting grooves formed in the inner housing, and a limiting member detachably coupled to the adjusting cover and the inner housing. The limiting grooves are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and The limiting member is inserted into either of the limiting grooves and the limiting hole, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The regulating cover adjusts the inflow area and the outflow area to make them different from each other.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The gas inlet includes multiple inflow windows formed through the inner housing, and The regulating cover includes an inflow cover configured to adjust the number of inflow windows covered, thereby adjusting the inflow area.

4. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The gas outlet includes multiple outflow windows formed through the inner housing, and The regulating cover includes an outlet cover configured to adjust the number of covered outlet windows, thereby adjusting the outlet area.

5. A fuel cell humidifier, the humidifier comprising: A humidification module configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; A first cover is attached to one end of the humidification module; as well as The second cover is attached to the other end of the humidification module, wherein... The humidification module includes: An intermediate housing, the intermediate housing having openings at its opposite ends; and At least one box, disposed within the intermediate housing, the box comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The box includes: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to receive the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the inner housing including a gas inlet configured to allow the introduction of humid or dry gas and a gas outlet configured to allow the discharge of humid or dry gas. An adjusting cover configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the adjusting cover being movably coupled to the inner housing, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet; and A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting protrusion protruding from the adjusting cover and a plurality of limiting grooves formed in the inner housing. The limiting grooves are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and The limiting protrusion is inserted into any one of the limiting slots, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

6. A fuel cell humidifier, the humidifier comprising: A humidification module configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; A first cover is attached to one end of the humidification module; as well as The second cover is attached to the other end of the humidification module, wherein... The humidification module includes: An intermediate housing, the intermediate housing having openings at its opposite ends; and At least one box, disposed within the intermediate housing, the box comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, The box includes: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to receive the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, the inner housing including a gas inlet configured to allow the introduction of humid or dry gas and a gas outlet configured to allow the discharge of humid or dry gas. An adjusting cover configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the adjusting cover being movably coupled to the inner housing, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet; and A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting groove formed in the adjusting cover and a plurality of limiting protrusions protruding from the inner housing. The limiting protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and Any one of the limiting protrusions is inserted into the limiting groove, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

7. A housing for a fuel cell humidifier, the housing being configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack, the housing comprising: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to accommodate a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; A gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed within the inner housing; An adjusting cover, movably coupled to the inner housing, the adjusting cover being configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet. as well as A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting hole formed through the adjusting cover, a plurality of limiting grooves formed in the inner housing, and a limiting member detachably coupled to the adjusting cover and the inner housing. The limiting grooves are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and The limiting member is inserted into either of the limiting grooves and the limiting hole, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

8. The box according to claim 7, wherein, The regulating cover adjusts the inflow area and the outflow area to make them different from each other.

9. The box according to claim 7, wherein, The gas inlet includes multiple inflow windows formed through the inner housing, and The regulating cover includes an inflow cover configured to adjust the number of inflow windows covered, thereby adjusting the inflow area.

10. The box according to claim 7, wherein, The gas outlet includes multiple outflow windows formed through the inner housing, and The regulating cover includes an outlet cover configured to adjust the number of covered outlet windows, thereby adjusting the outlet area.

11. A housing for a fuel cell humidifier, the housing being configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack, the housing comprising: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to accommodate a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; A gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed within the inner housing; An adjusting cover, movably coupled to the inner housing, the adjusting cover being configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet. as well as A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting protrusion protruding from the adjusting cover and a plurality of limiting grooves formed in the inner housing. The limiting grooves are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and The limiting protrusion is inserted into any one of the limiting slots, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

12. A housing for a fuel cell humidifier, the housing being configured to humidify externally supplied dry gas using humid gas discharged from a fuel cell stack, the housing comprising: An inner housing having an opening formed at its end, the inner housing being configured to accommodate a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; A gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed within the inner housing; An adjusting cover, movably coupled to the inner housing, the adjusting cover being configured to adjust at least one of an inflow area and an outflow area, the inflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas introduced through the gas inlet, and the outflow area being the area of ​​humid or dry gas discharged through the gas outlet. as well as A limiting unit, configured to restrict the movement of the adjusting cover. The limiting unit includes a limiting groove formed in the adjusting cover and a plurality of limiting protrusions protruding from the inner housing. The limiting protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the adjusting cover, and Any one of the limiting protrusions is inserted into the limiting groove, thereby limiting the movement of the adjusting cover.

Images