Fuel cell membrane humidifier and fuel cell system comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier capable of adjusting a dry gas pressure in the fuel cell membrane humidifier by discharging the dry gas to the outside according to the dry gas pressure in the membrane humidifier, and a fuel cell system including the same. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a middle case, a cover fixed to the middle case and having a dry gas discharge hole through which the dry gas is discharged, and a pressure regulator formed in the cover and partially opening the dry gas discharge hole to adjust the pressure of the dry gas in the cover according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier, which can adjust the dry gas pressure in the fuel cell membrane humidifier by discharging dry gas to the outside according to the dry gas pressure in the membrane humidifier, and a fuel cell system including the fuel cell membrane humidifier. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a type of battery that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike traditional chemical batteries such as dry cell batteries and storage batteries, fuel cells can continuously generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and because there is no heat loss, their efficiency is about twice that of an internal combustion engine.

[0003] Furthermore, fuel cells emit fewer pollutants because the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy. Therefore, fuel cells not only have environmentally friendly characteristics but also reduce concerns about resource depletion due to increased energy consumption.

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

[0005] Although each of these fuel cells operates based on the same fundamental principles, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, and other factors. Among them, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered the most promising fuel cells not only in small stationary power generation units but also in transportation systems, due to their ability to operate at low temperatures compared to other fuel cells and their high power density that allows for miniaturization.

[0006] One of the most important factors in improving the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is maintaining functional efficiency by supplying a certain amount of moisture to the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) or proton exchange membrane in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This is because power generation efficiency decreases rapidly when the polymer electrolyte membrane dries out.

[0007] There are several methods for humidifying polymer electrolyte membranes, including: 1) bubbler humidification method, which supplies moisture by passing the target gas through a diffuser after filling the pressure vessel with water; 2) direct injection method, which supplies moisture directly to the gas passage through a solenoid valve by calculating the moisture supply required for the fuel cell reaction; and 3) membrane humidification method, which supplies moisture to the gas fluid layer using a polymer separation membrane.

[0008] Among these methods, the advantage of membrane humidification methods, which humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane by selectively supplying water vapor to the gas to be supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane through a membrane that only allows water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to pass through, is that the humidifier can be lightweight and miniaturized.

[0009] The selective permeation membrane used in the membrane humidification method is preferably a hollow fiber membrane with a large permeation area per unit volume when formed into a module. In other words, when using a hollow fiber membrane to manufacture a humidifier, the high integration of the hollow fiber membrane with a large contact surface area is possible, so that even with a small capacity, it is sufficient to humidify the fuel cell, low-cost materials can be used, and the moisture and heat contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the high temperature of the fuel cell can be recovered and thus reused by the humidifier.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a view showing a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including it, according to related technologies.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel cell system of the related technology includes a blower B, a fuel cell membrane humidifier 10 (hereinafter referred to as "membrane humidifier"), a fuel cell stack S, and channels P1, P2, P3, and P4 connecting the above components. P1 is a dry gas supply channel for supplying dry gas collected in the blower B to the membrane humidifier 10, P2 is a humidifying gas supply channel for supplying humidified gas in the membrane humidifier 10 to the fuel cell stack S, P3 is an exhaust gas supply channel for supplying exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack S to the membrane humidifier 10, and P4 is an exhaust gas discharge channel for discharging the moisture-exchanged exhaust gas to the outside.

[0012] The membrane humidifier 10 includes: a humidification module 11 in which moisture is exchanged between dry gas supplied from blower B and exhaust gas (moisture) discharged from fuel cell stack S; and a cover 12 and a cover 13 coupled to both ends of the humidification module 11.

[0013] A dry gas inlet 12a is formed in a cover 12 on the blower B side to supply dry gas supplied from the blower B to the humidification module 11, and a dry gas outlet 13a is formed in a cover 13 on the fuel cell stack S side to supply gas humidified by the humidification module 11 to the fuel cell stack S.

[0014] The humidification module 11 includes a middle shell 11a having an exhaust gas inlet 11aa and an exhaust gas outlet 11ab, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 11b within the middle shell 11a. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes 11b is fixed at both ends to a potting compound 11c. The potting compound 11c is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting method.

[0015] Dry gas supplied from blower B flows along the hollow core of hollow fiber membrane 11b. The exhaust gas, introduced into the shell 11a through exhaust gas inlet 11aa, contacts the outer surface of hollow fiber membrane 11b and then exits from the shell 11a through exhaust gas outlet 11ab. When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of hollow fiber membrane 11b, moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane 11b, humidifying the dry gas flowing along the hollow core of hollow fiber membrane 11b.

[0016] Meanwhile, when the membrane humidifier 10 is working normally, the dry gas introduced into the dry gas inlet 12a is humidified as it flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 11b, and is discharged to the fuel cell stack S through the dry gas outlet 13a.

[0017] However, when the membrane humidifier 10 malfunctions due to various reasons such as abnormal operation of the fuel cell stack S, damage to the hollow fiber membrane 11b, or blockage of the channels in the hollow fiber membrane 11b, the dry gas introduced through the dry gas inlet 12a may not be able to be discharged through the dry gas outlet 13a. Therefore, the pressure of the dry gas in the membrane humidifier 10 may increase, and the membrane humidifier 10 may be damaged as a result. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Technical issues

[0019] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fuel cell membrane humidifier that can adjust the dry gas pressure in the fuel cell membrane humidifier by discharging dry gas to the outside according to the dry gas pressure in the membrane humidifier, and a fuel cell system including the fuel cell membrane humidifier.

[0020] Technical solution

[0021] A fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A middle shell; a cover fixed to the middle shell and having a dry gas vent hole through which dry gas is discharged; and a pressure regulator formed in the cover and partially opening the dry gas vent hole according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover to regulate the pressure of the dry gas in the cover.

[0022] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening and closing member that moves back and forth within the buffer housing; an elastic member formed in the inner wall of the opening and closing member and the buffer housing and compressed or expanded according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover; and a gas outlet for discharging the dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0023] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protrusion may be formed in an opening on the dry gas discharge port side of the buffer housing to extend from the cover and allow the opening and closing member to be held therein.

[0024] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protrusion may be formed that protrudes from the buffer housing and allows the opening and closing members to be clamped thereon.

[0025] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening / closing member hinged to the upper end of the dry gas discharge port and rotatable; an elastic member formed behind the opening / closing member; and a gas outlet for discharging dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0026] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening / closing member hinged to the lower end of the dry gas discharge port and rotatable; an elastic member formed in front of the opening / closing member; and a gas outlet for discharging dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0027] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a thermally expandable metal formed in the inner wall of the cover and expanding according to temperature changes of the dry gas in the cover; and a through hole formed in the thermally expandable metal and partially opening a dry gas outlet hole according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal.

[0028] In a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may further include a blockage formed at the end of a thermally expandable metal and made of a heat-resistant material.

[0029] A fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a blower for supplying dry gas; a fuel cell stack; and a fuel cell membrane humidifier including a middle shell, a cover fixed to the middle shell and having a dry gas outlet orifice through which dry gas is discharged, and a pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure of the dry gas in the cover.

[0030] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening and closing member that moves back and forth within the buffer housing; an elastic member formed in the inner wall of the opening and closing member and the buffer housing and compressed or expanded according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover; and a gas outlet for discharging the dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0031] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protrusion extending from the cover and allowing the opening and closing member to be clamped thereon may be formed on the dry gas discharge port side of the buffer housing.

[0032] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protrusion may be formed that protrudes from the buffer housing and allows the opening and closing members to be clamped thereon.

[0033] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening / closing member hinged to the upper end of the dry gas discharge port and rotatable; an elastic member formed behind the opening / closing member; and a gas outlet for discharging dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0034] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a buffer housing in communication with a dry gas discharge port; an opening / closing member hinged to the lower end of the dry gas discharge port and rotatable; an elastic member formed in front of the opening / closing member; and a gas outlet for discharging dry gas introduced into the buffer housing to the outside.

[0035] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may include: a thermally expandable metal formed in the inner wall of the cover and expanding according to temperature changes of the dry gas in the cover; and a through hole formed in the thermally expandable metal and partially opening a dry gas outlet hole according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal.

[0036] In a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator may further include a blockage formed at the end of a thermally expandable metal and made of a heat-resistant material.

[0037] Further specific details of embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure are included in the following detailed description.

[0038] Beneficial effects

[0039] In the fuel cell membrane humidifier and fuel cell system including the present disclosure according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressure of the dry gas in the membrane humidifier can be adjusted by discharging the dry gas to the outside according to the pressure of the dry gas introduced into the membrane humidifier. Therefore, when the membrane humidifier fails to operate normally for various reasons, damage to the membrane humidifier can be prevented by adjusting the pressure inside the membrane humidifier. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a fuel cell system based on existing technology.

[0041] Figures 2 to 5This is a diagram illustrating a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 , 8 10 and 12 are diagrams illustrating the pressure regulator of a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 , 9 Figures 11 and 13 are illustrations of the operation of a pressure regulator for a fuel cell membrane humidifier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] This disclosure may include various modifications and implementations, and therefore will be explained in detail by way of exemplary implementations. However, this is not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific exemplary implementations, and it should be noted that this disclosure is intended to include all variations, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical scope of the spirit of this disclosure.

[0045] The terminology and expressions used in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, singular expressions are intended to include plural expressions. It should be noted that the terms “comprising” or “having” as used in this disclosure are intended to indicate the presence of any feature, value, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in this specification, but are not intended to presuppose the presence or addition of any one or more other features, values, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Hereinafter, a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including thereof, according to embodiments of this disclosure, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figures 2 to 5 This is a diagram illustrating a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the fuel cell membrane humidifier and the fuel cell system including the present disclosure according to the embodiments of the present disclosure include a blower B, fuel cell membrane humidifiers 101 to 104 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "membrane humidifiers"), a fuel cell stack S, and flow channels P10, P20, P30, and P40 connecting the above components.

[0048] Blower B collects gas from the air and supplies the collected gas to membrane humidifiers 101 to 104. The output size of blower B can be determined according to the output size of fuel cell stack S. Alternatively, a filter (not shown) for removing fine dust can be installed in front of blower B, and a cooler (not shown) for cooling the dry gas supplied to the membrane humidifier can be installed between blower B and membrane humidifiers.

[0049] A membrane humidifier humidifies dry gas and supplies the humidified gas to the fuel cell stack S. The membrane humidifier includes a humidification module 110, which humidifies the dry gas supplied from the blower B with moisture contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack S. The two ends of the humidification module 110 are coupled to covers 120 and 130, respectively. The humidification module 110 can be formed separately from or integrally with covers 120 and 130.

[0050] A dry gas inlet 121 can be formed in a cover 120 on the blower B side to supply dry gas supplied from the blower B to the humidification module 110, and a dry gas outlet 131 is formed in a cover 130 on the stack S side to supply gas humidified by the humidification module 110 to the fuel cell stack S.

[0051] In the cover 120 on the blower B side, a pressure regulator 200 (210 to 240) can be formed to open or close according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover 120 to regulate the pressure of the dry gas in the cover 120. (See later for reference.) Figures 6 to 13 Describe pressure regulator 200 (210 to 240).

[0052] Dry gas inlet 121 is connected to dry gas supply channel P10, which connects blower B and membrane humidifier. Dry gas outlet 131 is connected to cover 130 on the fuel cell stack S side and humidification gas supply channel P20, which connects fuel cell stack S. Exhaust gas discharged from fuel cell stack S is supplied to membrane humidifier through exhaust gas supply channel P30. Exhaust gas that has exchanged moisture in membrane humidifier is discharged to the outside through exhaust gas discharge channel P40.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the humidification module 110 is a device for exchanging moisture between exhaust gas and dry gas supplied from blower B, including a middle shell 111 having an exhaust gas inlet 111a and an exhaust gas outlet 111b, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 housed within the middle shell 111. Both ends of a bundle of hollow fiber membranes 112 are fixed to a potting compound 113.

[0054] Or, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the humidification module 110 includes at least one cylinder 20, which includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 22 and potting compounds 23 for fixing the hollow fiber membranes 22 and potting compounds 23 to each other. In this case, the hollow fiber membranes 22 and potting compounds 23 can be formed in an inner shell 21, which is a separate cylinder shell. In this case, the hollow fiber membranes 22 can be housed in the inner shell 21, and the potting compounds 23 can be formed at the ends of the inner shell 21. When the humidification module 110 includes the cylinder 20, a fixing layer 115 for fixing the cylinder can be formed between the two ends of the cylinder and the inner shell 111. The fixing layer 115 can be a resin layer formed of resin or a gasket assembly that is hermetically coupled by mechanical assembly. The inner shell 21 includes mesh pores 24 arranged in a mesh shape for fluid communication with the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the internal space of the middle shell 111 can be divided into a first space S1 and a second space S2 by a partition wall 114. The partition wall 114 can prevent the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas inlet 111a from flowing directly into the exhaust gas outlet 111b without moisture exchange by bypassing the hollow fiber membranes 112 and 22.

[0056] Or, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the internal space of the middle shell 111 can be divided into a first space S1 and a second space S2 by a central recessed portion 116 recessed into the center of the middle shell 111. The central recessed portion 116 can prevent the exhaust gas introduced into the exhaust gas inlet 111a from flowing directly into the exhaust gas outlet 111b without moisture exchange by bypassing the hollow fiber membranes 112 and 22.

[0057] The inner shell 111 and the caps 120 and 130 can be independently formed of rigid plastic or metal, and can have a circular or polygonal cross-section in the width direction. "Circular" includes elliptical, and "polygonal" includes polygons with rounded corners. For example, the rigid plastic can be polycarbonate, polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), or similar.

[0058] Hollow fiber membranes 112 and 22 may comprise polymer membranes formed of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, and polyamide-imide resin, polyester-imide resin, or mixtures of at least two thereof. Encapsulation 113 may be formed by casting methods such as deep potting or centrifugal potting to cure liquid resins such as liquid polyurethane resins.

[0059] exist Figures 2 to 5In the exemplary embodiment of this disclosure shown, a pressure regulator 200 (210 to 240) is formed in the cover 120 on the blower B side. This pressure regulator is closed or opened by the dry gas pressure in the cover 120 to regulate the dry gas pressure in the cover 120. This will refer to... Figures 6 to 13 To describe.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a pressure regulator according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a pressure regulator according to the first embodiment.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the pressure regulator 210 of the first embodiment may include a buffer housing 211, an opening and closing member 212, an elastic member 213, and a gas outlet 214.

[0062] The buffer housing 211 has a predetermined shape and is configured to communicate with the dry gas discharge port 122 formed in the cover 120. The buffer housing 211 provides space for the opening and closing member 212 to move back and forth, and provides space for the dry gas in the cover 120 to move when the opening and closing member 212 moves backward to open the dry gas discharge port 122.

[0063] In the opening on the dry gas discharge port 122 side of the buffer housing 211, a protrusion 211a may be formed extending from the cover 120 and allowing the opening and closing member 212 to be held therein. Alternatively, the protrusion 211a may protrude from at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the buffer housing 211.

[0064] The opening and closing member 212 has an area larger than the dry gas discharge port 122 so that it is held by the protrusion 211a and is shaped to open and close the dry gas discharge port 122.

[0065] The front surface of the opening / closing member 212 opens and closes the dry gas discharge port 122, and an elastic member 213 is formed in the rear surface of the opening / closing member 212, capable of being compressed or expanded according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover 120. The elastic member 213 can be fixed to and formed in the rear surface of the opening / closing member 212 and in the inner wall of one side of the buffer housing 211. The elastic member 213 can be, for example, a spring. Of course, it is not limited to this, and heat-resistant rubber, synthetic resin, etc. can be used as materials for the elastic member 213.

[0066] A gas outlet 214 is formed in at least one surface of the buffer housing 211. For example... Figure 7As shown, when the opening / closing member 212 moves backward to open the dry gas discharge port 122, the dry gas in the cover 120 is introduced into the buffer housing 211 through the dry gas discharge port 122 and then through the gas outlet 214 and the exhaust gas discharge channel P40 (see Figure 120). Figure 2 It is discharged to the outside.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a pressure regulator according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a pressure regulator according to the second embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, the pressure regulator 220 according to the second embodiment may include a buffer housing 221, an opening and closing member 222, an elastic member 223, and a gas outlet 224.

[0069] The buffer housing 221 has a predetermined shape and is formed to communicate with the dry gas vent 122 formed in the cover 120. The buffer housing 221 provides space for the hinged opening and closing member 222 to rotate, and provides space for the dry gas in the cover 120 to move when the opening and closing member 222 is rotated rearward to partially open the dry gas vent 122. Here, the inner side of the cover is referred to as the "front" and the outer side of the cover is referred to as the "rear".

[0070] The opening and closing member 222 is hinged to the upper end of the dry gas discharge hole 122, and its end is formed into an arch shape so that it can rotate without friction according to the pressure of the dry gas.

[0071] The front surface of the opening / closing member 222 opens and closes the dry gas discharge port 122, and an elastic member 223 is formed in the rear surface of the opening / closing member 222, capable of being compressed or expanded according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover 120. The elastic member 223 can be fixed to and formed in the rear surface of the opening / closing member 222 and in the upper inner wall of the buffer housing 221. The elastic member 223 can be, for example, a spring. Of course, it is not limited to this, and heat-resistant rubber, synthetic resin, etc. can be used as materials for the elastic member 223.

[0072] A gas outlet 224 is formed on at least one surface of the buffer housing 221. For example... Figure 9 As shown, when the opening / closing member 222 rotates backward to open the dry gas discharge port 122, the dry gas in the cover 120 is introduced into the buffer housing 221 through the dry gas discharge port 122 and then through the gas outlet 224 and the exhaust gas discharge channel P40 (see Figure 120). Figure 2 It is discharged to the outside.

[0073] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a pressure regulator according to the third embodiment. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a pressure regulator according to a third embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 10 As shown, the pressure regulator 230 according to the third embodiment may include a buffer housing 231, an opening / closing member 232, an elastic member 233, and a gas outlet 234. Compared with the pressure regulator 220 of the second embodiment, the installation positions of the opening / closing member 232 and the elastic member 233 are different, but the other configurations of the pressure regulator 230 of the third embodiment are basically the same, and therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0075] In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 232 is hinged to the lower end of the dry gas discharge hole 122, and its end is formed in an arch shape so that it can rotate without friction according to the pressure of the dry gas.

[0076] The front surface of the opening / closing member 232 opens and closes the dry gas discharge port 122, and an elastic member 233 is formed in the rear surface of the opening / closing member 232, which can be compressed or extended according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover 120. The elastic member 233 can be fixed to and formed in the front surface of the opening / closing member 232 and in the inner wall of the dry gas discharge port 122.

[0077] like Figure 11 As shown, when the opening / closing member 232 rotates backward to open the dry gas discharge port 122, the dry gas in the cover 120 is introduced into the buffer housing 231 through the dry gas discharge port 122 and then through the gas outlet 234 and the exhaust gas discharge channel P40 (see Figure 120). Figure 2 It is discharged to the outside.

[0078] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a pressure regulator according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a pressure regulator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0079] like Figure 12 As shown, the pressure regulator 240 according to the fourth embodiment may include a thermally expandable metal 241, a through hole 242, a blockage 243, and a gas outlet 244.

[0080] The thermally expandable metal 241 is typically formed in a rod shape near the dry gas vent 122 on the inner wall of the cover 120. The thermally expandable metal 241 is formed of a metallic material that can expand or contract according to the temperature change of the dry gas.

[0081] A through-hole 242 penetrating the thermally expandable metal 241 is formed at a predetermined position in the thermally expandable metal 241. The through-hole 242 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the dry gas discharge hole 122, and can be partially opened according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal 241, and closed according to the contraction of the thermally expandable metal 241.

[0082] A blockage 243 may be formed at the end of the thermally expandable metal 241. The blockage 243 is formed of a heat-resistant material that expands / contracts less with respect to temperature changes of the dry gas compared to the thermally expandable metal 241, and serves as the starting point for the expansion or contraction of the thermally expandable metal 241.

[0083] Gas outlet 244 is formed to communicate with dry gas discharge port 122.

[0084] When the membrane humidifier is operating normally, the dry gas in cover 120 has a constant pressure and its temperature can be maintained at a constant level. (Ideal gas equation) In this case, as... Figure 12 As shown, the thermally expandable metal 241 remains in an unexpanded state, and the through hole 242 remains in the position where the dry gas outlet hole 122 is closed.

[0085] When the membrane humidifier malfunctions, the pressure and temperature of the dry gas in cover 120 increase. In this situation, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the thermally expandable metal 241 expands, and the through hole 242 moves according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal 241 and is positioned at the location where the dry gas discharge hole 122 is opened.

[0086] When the dry gas discharge port 122 is opened, the dry gas in the cover 120 passes through the dry gas discharge port 122, the gas outlet 244, and the exhaust gas discharge channel P40 (see Figure 2 It is discharged to the outside.

[0087] After a period of time, when the dry gas is discharged and the pressure is reduced, the temperature also decreases, and the thermally expandable metal 241 contracts, the through hole 242 returns to its original position, and, as Figure 12 As shown, through hole 242 closes dry gas discharge hole 122.

[0088] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a fuel cell membrane humidifier and a fuel cell system including the same can adjust the pressure of the dry gas in the membrane humidifier by discharging the dry gas to the outside based on the pressure of the dry gas introduced into the membrane humidifier.

[0089] Therefore, when a membrane humidifier malfunctions for various reasons, damage to the membrane humidifier can be prevented by adjusting the pressure inside the membrane humidifier.

[0090] While this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations may be made therein by including, changing, removing or adding components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0091] Detailed description of the main components

[0092] 101 to 104: Fuel Cell Membrane Humidifier

[0093] 110: Humidification module; 111: Middle shell

[0094] 112: Hollow fiber membrane 113: Encapsulation component

[0095] 114: Partition wall; 116: Central recessed portion

[0096] 111a: Exhaust gas inlet; 111b: Exhaust gas outlet

[0097] 20: Cylinder 21: Inner shell

[0098] 22: Hollow fiber membrane 23: Encapsulation component

[0099] 24: Mesh size 120, 130: Cap

[0100] 200 (210 to 240): Pressure regulator

[0101] B: Blower; S: Fuel cell stack

[0102] P10: Dry gas supply channel; P20: Humidifying gas supply channel

[0103] P30: Exhaust gas supply channel; P40: Exhaust gas discharge channel

Claims

1. A fuel cell membrane humidifier, comprising: A humidification module includes a middle shell having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes within the middle shell; The cover, which is fixed to the middle shell, has a drying gas vent, through which the drying gas passes. The body is discharged through the discharge port; and A pressure regulator, which is formed in the cover and adjusts according to the pressure of the dry gas in the cover. Open the drying gas vent to adjust the pressure of the drying gas in the cover. The pressure regulator includes: A thermally expandable metal, formed in the inner wall of the lid and expanding according to temperature changes of the dry gas within the lid; and A through hole is formed in the thermally expandable metal and is shaped to correspond to the shape of the dry gas discharge hole, and the dry gas discharge hole is partially opened according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal.

2. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure regulator further includes a blockage formed at the end of the thermally expandable metal and made of a heat-resistant material.

3. A fuel cell system comprising: Blowers are used to supply dry gases; Fuel cell stack; and A fuel cell membrane humidifier includes: A humidification module includes a middle shell having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes within the middle shell; a cover fixed to the middle shell and having a dry gas discharge hole through which dry gas is discharged; and a pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure of the dry gas in the cover. The pressure regulator includes: A thermally expandable metal, formed in the inner wall of the lid and expanding according to temperature changes of the dry gas within the lid; and A through hole is formed in the thermally expandable metal and is shaped to correspond to the shape of the dry gas discharge hole, and the dry gas discharge hole is partially opened according to the expansion of the thermally expandable metal.

4. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, wherein, The pressure regulator further includes: The obstruction is formed at the end of the thermally expandable metal and is made of a heat-resistant material.

5. The fuel cell system according to claim 3, comprising: A humidifying gas supply channel for supplying humidifying gas in the fuel cell membrane humidifier to the fuel cell stack; An exhaust gas supply channel for supplying exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack to the fuel cell membrane humidifier; and An exhaust gas discharge channel is used to discharge the exhaust gas, which has exchanged moisture in the fuel cell membrane humidifier, to the outside.

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