Hollow fiber membrane module
By incorporating bypass pipes and bypass ports within the hollow fiber membrane module, the problem of gas flow pressure loss was solved, thereby improving humidification performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NOK CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN117377525B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules, and more particularly to hollow fiber membrane modules for dehumidification and humidification devices. Background Technology
[0002] A humidification device is provided in the fuel cell to humidify the electrolyte membrane by humidifying the reactant gas used in power generation in the fuel cell. Conventionally, hollow fiber membrane modules comprising hollow fiber membranes are used in such fuel cell humidification devices. These hollow fiber membrane modules include a cylindrical inner shell, an outer shell covering the outer periphery of the inner shell, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending along an annular space formed between the inner shell and the outer shell, such that gas flows from the inside of the inner shell through the annular space to the outside of the outer shell. In this hollow fiber membrane module, the moisture-containing reactant gas (exhaust gas) used for power generation flows from the inside of the inner shell through the annular space to the outside of the outer shell within the hollow fiber membrane module, while the unused reactant gas flows inside the hollow fiber membrane. Thus, the humidified exhaust gas and the dried reactant gas come into contact via the hollow fiber membrane, and through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membrane, the moisture in the humidified exhaust gas moves towards the dried reactant gas side, thereby humidifying the reactant gas (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] Existing technical documents
[0004] Patent documents
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-265196 Summary of the Invention
[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve
[0007] The humidification performance of such hollow fiber membrane modules is related to the flow of humidifying gas within the module, as described above. Smooth flow of humidifying gas within the hollow fiber membrane module improves its humidification performance. Therefore, there has been a persistent search for structures capable of suppressing pressure loss of the gas flowing within the hollow fiber membrane module in order to improve its humidification performance.
[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can suppress pressure loss of gas flowing in a hollow fiber membrane module.
[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems
[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an inner shell, which is a cylindrical member; an outer shell, which is a cylindrical member that covers the inner shell from the outer periphery with a space separated; at least one bypass pipe connected to the inner shell in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell, wherein the inner shell has an inlet portion at one end in the extending direction of the inner shell and the outer shell, the inlet portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the inner shell, the outer shell has a discharge portion at the other end in the extending direction, the discharge portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the outer shell, the inner shell having at least one bypass port at the other end in the extending direction than the inlet portion, the bypass port passing through the inner shell between the interior and exterior of the inner shell, the bypass pipe communicating with the bypass port and capable of forming a fluid path connecting the bypass port to the discharge portion.
[0011] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the bypass pipe is connected to the outer shell in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell, communicates with the discharge section, and connects the bypass port to the discharge section.
[0012] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the bypass tube extends into the space between the inner housing and the outer housing, near the discharge portion.
[0013] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the inner shell has: a cylindrical end portion, which is a portion of the first end side; and a cylindrical other end portion, which is a portion of the second end side connected to the first end portion at the second end portion, the inlet portion being provided at the first end portion, the bypass port being provided at the second end portion, the first end portion being tapered in the extension direction from the first side to the second side, and the second end portion extending along the extension direction.
[0014] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the bypass tube extends in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction.
[0015] In one embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention, the inlet portion has at least one large inlet port that passes through the inner shell between the interior and the exterior of the inner shell, and also has at least one small inlet port that passes through the inner shell between the interior and the exterior of the inner shell. The opening area of the large inlet port is larger than the opening area of the small inlet port, and the large inlet port is located on either one side or the other side of the extending direction relative to the small inlet port.
[0016] One embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention includes an inner shell closure portion, the inner shell closure portion being a component that seals an opening of the inner shell that allows the interior of the inner shell to open to the other side.
[0017] One embodiment of the hollow fiber membrane assembly of the present invention includes: a one-end sealing portion for sealing an opening portion of the space between the inner housing and the outer housing that is open to one side; and a other-end sealing portion for sealing an opening portion of the space between the inner housing and the outer housing that is open to the other side, wherein a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction and pass through the one-end sealing portion and the other-end sealing portion.
[0018] Invention Effects
[0019] The hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane module. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view along the extension direction, showing a schematic structure of a hollow fiber membrane assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly shown at a section intersecting the extension direction.
[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the inner shell of the hollow fiber membrane assembly shown, taken along the extension direction.
[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The bottom view of the inner shell is shown.
[0024] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the outer shell of a hollow fiber membrane assembly, showing a modified example of the discharge section of the outer shell.
[0025] Figure 6This diagram illustrates the function of the hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a schematic structure of a humidification device including the hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module along its extension direction, showing a modified example of the bypass tube in the hollow fiber membrane module. Detailed Implementation
[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The explanation will be provided later.
[0028] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the extension direction (axis x) shows a schematic structure of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view at a section (section AA) intersecting the extending direction of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the side in the direction of arrow a will be designated as the upstream side, and the side in the direction of arrow b will be designated as the downstream side in the x-axis direction. Additionally, in the direction perpendicular to the x-axis (hereinafter also referred to as "radial"), the direction away from the x-axis ( Figure 1 The direction of arrow c) is set as the outer periphery, and the direction closest to the axis x is ( Figure 1 The arrow d direction) side is set as the inner circumference side.
[0029] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 of this invention is used as a dehumidification component or humidification component in a dehumidification and humidification device. For example, it is used as a humidification component in a humidification device for a fuel cell. Specifically, it is used as a humidification component in a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. For example, it uses the reaction gas (exhaust gas) after power generation, which contains moisture generated by the chemical reaction for power generation, and utilizes the membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane to humidify the reaction gas supplied for power generation. The reaction gas supplied for power generation is a fuel gas such as hydrogen and an oxidant gas such as oxygen.
[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 includes: an inner shell 10, which is a cylindrical member; an outer shell 20, which is a cylindrical member that covers the inner shell 10 from the outer periphery with a space (space S) between them; at least one bypass pipe 40 connected to the inner shell 10 in the space S between the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 disposed in the space S between the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20. The inner shell 10 has an inlet portion 13 at one (upstream) end in the extending direction (axial x direction) of the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20, which serves as a portion communicating between the interior and exterior of the inner shell 10. The outer shell 20 has a discharge portion 23 at the other (downstream) end in the extending direction, which serves as a portion communicating between the interior and exterior of the outer shell 20. The inner housing 10 has at least one bypass port 14 at the end opposite to the inlet portion 13 in the extending direction. The bypass port 14 passes through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior of the inner housing 10. The bypass pipe 40 communicates with the bypass port 14 and is capable of forming a fluid path connecting the bypass port 14 to the outlet portion 23. Hereinafter, the structure of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the inner housing 10 along the extension direction (axis x). Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the inner housing 10, a view of the inner housing 10 viewed from the upstream side. As described above, the inner housing 10 is a cylindrical component, for example, as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown, it is a cylindrical member extending along axis x. Specifically, the inner shell 10 has: an upstream main body portion 11, which is part of the upstream side, i.e., one end of the cylindrical shape; and a downstream main body portion 12, which is part of the downstream side, i.e., the other end of the cylindrical shape, connected to the upstream main body portion 11 at the downstream side. The inner shell 10 is formed by the upstream main body portion 11 and the downstream main body portion 12.
[0032] The upstream main body 11 extends along the axis x and tapers in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side in the x-direction, for example, having a truncated conical or approximately truncated conical shape that tapers towards the downstream side. The upstream main body 11 is hollow, with a space extending inside it along the axis x. The upstream main body 11 has an opening 15 at its upstream end 11a, which is the upstream side end. The opening 15 opens the interior space of the upstream main body 11 towards the upstream side and to the outside of the upstream main body 11. That is, the interior of the upstream main body 11 communicates with the outside via the opening 15. Furthermore, the downstream end 11b, which is the downstream side end of the upstream main body 11, connects to the upstream end 22a of the downstream main body 12, which will be described later, and the interior of the upstream main body 21 communicates with the interior of the downstream main body 12.
[0033] The downstream main body 12 extends along axis x, and its radial width is constant or substantially constant throughout the x-axis direction. For example, it has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along axis x. The downstream main body 12 is hollow, with a space extending along axis x inside the downstream main body 12. The downstream main body 12 has an opening 16 at its downstream end 12b, which is the downstream side end. The opening 16 opens the interior of the downstream main body 12 towards the downstream side and to the exterior of the downstream main body 12. That is, the interior of the downstream main body 12 communicates with the exterior via the opening 16. In addition, as described above, the upstream end 12a, which is the upstream side end of the downstream main body 12, is connected to the downstream end 11b of the upstream main body 11, and the interior of the downstream main body 12 communicates with the interior of the upstream main body 11.
[0034] The aforementioned inlet portion 13, which connects the interior and exterior of the inner housing 10, is provided in the upstream main body portion 11. Specifically, as shown in... Figure 3 As shown, an inlet portion 13 is provided at the upstream main body 11, located downstream of the opening 15. The inlet portion 13 connects the interior of the inner shell 10 with the interior (space S) of the outer shell 20 within the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Additionally, for example... Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, the inlet portion 13 has at least one large inlet port 13a, which is an opening (through-hole) passing through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior, and at least one small inlet port 13b, which is also an opening (through-hole) passing through the inner housing 10 between the interior and exterior. The opening area of the large inlet port 13a is larger than the opening area of the small inlet port 13b. The opening areas of the large inlet port 13a and the small inlet port 13b respectively represent the size of the surfaces of the large inlet port 13a and the small inlet port 13b in the space formed by the inner housing 10, for example, the area in the respective region of the large inlet port 13a and the small inlet port 13b on the surface extending along the outer peripheral surface 10a or the inner peripheral surface 10b of the inner housing 10. The large inlet port 13a is located on either the upstream side or the downstream side relative to the small inlet port 13b.
[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the inlet portion 13 has a plurality of large inlet ports 13a, which are located at the same or approximately the same position along the x-axis and are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction. The large inlet ports 13a extend along an arc, for example as... Figure 3 , 4As shown, the portion has a width that is constant or substantially constant along the circumferential direction along the x-axis and ends with curved surfaces forming both ends thereon. The large inlet 13a can also be of other shapes. Furthermore, the inlet portion 13 has multiple groups of large inlet 13a arranged circumferentially. For example, as... Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in the inner shell 10, there are three large inlet ports 13a arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the x-axis.
[0036] In addition, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, specifically, the inlet portion 13 has a plurality of small inlet ports 13b, which are arranged circumferentially at equal or approximately equal angular intervals at the same or substantially the same positions along the x-axis. Each small inlet port 13b has an elliptical, substantially elliptical, or circular shape that widens circumferentially when viewed radially. The small inlet ports 13b and the large inlet port 13a may also extend along an arc, having portions with a constant or substantially constant width along the circumferential direction along the x-axis and portions at the ends of curved surfaces forming their two ends. The small inlet ports 13b may also have other shapes. Furthermore, the inlet portion 13 thus comprises a plurality of groups of small inlet ports 13b arranged circumferentially. For example, as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in the inner shell 10, three small inlets 13b are arranged at equal or approximately equal intervals along the x-axis.
[0037] In addition, such as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in the inner housing 10, the small inlet 13b is formed in a portion downstream of the portion of the inner housing 10 in the x-axis direction that has the large inlet 13a. Alternatively, the small inlet 13b may be formed in a portion upstream of the portion of the inner housing 10 in the x-axis direction that has the large inlet 13a. Furthermore, in the inner housing 10, the portion with the small inlet 13b and the portion with the large inlet 13a may not be separated axially, and the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b may coexist in the inlet portion 13.
[0038] It should be noted that the shape of the inlet section 13 is not limited to the above-described shape. For example, although the inlet section 13 is formed by three rows of large inlet ports 13a arranged circumferentially along the x-axis, and three rows of small inlet ports 13b arranged circumferentially along the x-axis, the inlet section 13 is not limited to being formed by three rows of large inlet ports 13a and small inlet ports 13b respectively. It can also be formed by one row of large inlet ports 13a and small inlet ports 13b, or by one or more rows of large inlet ports 13a and small inlet ports 13b respectively. In addition, the large inlet port 13a group and each small inlet port 13b group do not have to be an inlet port group composed of multiple large inlet ports 13a and small inlet ports 13b respectively. They can also be composed of one large inlet port 13a and one small inlet port 13b. Furthermore, one of the large inlet group 13a and the small inlet group 13b consists of one large inlet group 13a or one small inlet group 13b, while the other of the large inlet group 13a and the small inlet group 13b consists of multiple large inlet groups 13a or multiple small inlet groups 13b. The shape of the inlet section 13 can have various forms depending on the usage of the hollow fiber membrane module 1.
[0039] The aforementioned bypass 14, which passes through the inner shell 10 between the interior and exterior, is located in the downstream main body 12. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, a bypass port 14 is provided at or near the downstream end 12b of the downstream main body 12. Additionally, a bypass port 14 is provided at a position that radially corresponds at least partially to the discharge portion 23 of the outer casing 20. For example, as... Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the bypass port 14 is located near the upstream side of the downstream end 12b, and is located radially opposite to or near the discharge portion 23 of the outer casing 20. The location of the bypass port 14 in the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner casing 10 is not limited to this. Alternatively, the bypass port 14 can be located in the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner casing 10 as long as it is located downstream of the inlet portion 13.
[0040] The inner housing 10 has at least one bypass port 14, such as Figure 1 , 3As shown, the inner housing 10 has a plurality of bypass openings 14, which are located at the same or substantially the same position along the x-axis and arranged at equal or substantially equal angular intervals along the circumference. In the illustrated example, the inner housing 10 has two bypass openings 14 that are radially opposite or substantially opposite each other. The shape of the bypass openings 14 as viewed radially is, for example, circular or substantially circular. The plurality of bypass openings 14 may be identical in shape and size or may be different in shape and size. Furthermore, the number of bypass openings 14 in the inner housing 10 is not limited to the number shown in the illustration; it may be one or more. Additionally, the plurality of bypass openings 14 may not be arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumference; they may be arranged in other prescribed patterns or irregularly. Furthermore, the plurality of bypass openings 14 may not be located at the same position along the x-axis; for example, they may be configured to have serrations along the circumference. Furthermore, the shape of the bypass openings 14 is not limited to circular or substantially circular as described above; it may also be rectangular or other shapes.
[0041] As shown in the figure, the inner housing 10 is not limited to having a bypass group consisting of multiple bypass ports 14 arranged circumferentially, but multiple bypass groups can also be arranged along the x-axis in the inner housing 10. In this case, the inner housing 10 can have bypass ports 14 of the same shape and size, or it can have bypass ports 14 of different shapes and sizes.
[0042] The inner shell 10 has the structure described above. Inside the inner shell 10, the space connects from the upstream opening 15 along the axis x to the downstream opening 16, without forming any walls or other components that divide the internal space of the inner shell 10. Furthermore, the internal space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the space S, which is the internal space of the outer shell 20, via the large inlet 13a and small inlet 13b of the inlet portion 13 formed in the upstream main body 11. Additionally, the internal space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the interior of the bypass pipe 40 via the bypass port 14 formed in the downstream main body 12, wherein the bypass pipe 40 communicates with the discharge portion 23 of the outer shell 20. Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the internal space of the inner shell 10 communicates with the internal space S of the outer shell 20 on the upstream side via the large inlet 13a and small inlet 13b of the inlet portion 13. In addition, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the internal space of the inner shell 10 is connected to the interior of the bypass pipe 40 via the bypass port 14 at a downstream side of the inlet 13. The bypass pipe 40 is connected to the outlet 23 of the outer shell 20, while the internal space of the inner shell 10 is not connected to the internal space S of the outer shell 20 via the bypass port 14.
[0043] The shape of the inner shell 10 is not limited to the above-described shape, and may also be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body 11 of the inner shell 10 is not conical, but is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical like the downstream main body 12, and the inner shell 10 may extend as a whole along the axis x in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.
[0044] As described above, the outer casing 20 is a cylindrical component extending along the extension direction, for example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it is a cylindrical component extending along axis x. Specifically, the outer shell 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner shell 10, extending concentrically or substantially concentrically with the inner shell 10 along axis x, and its length in the x-direction is the same as or substantially the same as the length of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 20 has: a cylindrical upstream main body portion 21, which is the upstream side portion; and a cylindrical downstream main body portion 22, which is the downstream side portion connected to the upstream main body portion 21 at the downstream side.
[0045] The upstream main body 21 extends along the axis x and tapers in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side in the x-direction, for example, having a truncated conical or approximately truncated conical shape that tapers towards the downstream side. The upstream main body 21 is hollow, with a space extending inside along the axis x. The upstream main body 21 has an opening 24 at its upstream end 21a, which is the upstream side end. The opening 24 opens the interior of the upstream main body 21 towards the upstream side and to the outside of the upstream main body 21. That is, the interior of the upstream main body 21 communicates with the outside via the opening 24. Furthermore, the downstream end 21b, which is the downstream side end of the upstream main body 21, connects to the upstream end 22a of the downstream main body 22, which will be described later, and the interior of the upstream main body 21 communicates with the interior of the downstream main body 22.
[0046] The downstream main body 22 extends along axis x, and its radial width is constant or substantially constant throughout the x-axis direction. For example, it has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along axis x. The downstream main body 22 is hollow, with a space extending along axis x inside it. The downstream main body 22 has an opening 25 at its downstream end 22b, which is the downstream side end. The opening 25 opens the interior of the downstream main body 22 towards the downstream side and to the exterior of the downstream main body 22. That is, the interior of the downstream main body 22 communicates with the outside via the opening 25. In addition, as described above, the upstream end 22a, which is the upstream side end of the downstream main body 22, is connected to the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body 21, and the interior of the downstream main body 22 communicates with the interior of the upstream main body 11.
[0047] The length of the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 in the x-direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction, and the length of the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 in the x-direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 in the x-direction. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the upstream end 21a, the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body portion 21, the upstream end 22a, and the downstream end 22b of the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 are located at the same or approximately the same position in the x-direction as the upstream end 11a, the downstream end 11b of the upstream main body portion 11, the upstream end 12a, and the downstream end 12b of the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10.
[0048] Furthermore, the outer shell 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner shell 10. The upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 along the x-axis, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 along the x-axis. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the radial width of the hollow cylindrical cross-section annular or donut-shaped space S formed between the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 10, and its width along the x-axis, is constant or substantially constant.
[0049] The shape of the outer shell 20 is not limited to the shape described above, and can also be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 is not conical, but is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical like the downstream main body portion 22, and the outer shell 20 can extend as a whole along the axis x in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer shell 20 may not extend parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner shell 10 along the axis x, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer shell 20 may not extend parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner shell 10 along the axis x.
[0050] The aforementioned discharge section 23, which connects the interior and exterior of the outer casing 20, is located in the downstream main body section 22. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, a discharge section 23 is located at or near the downstream end 22b of the downstream main body 22, and is positioned upstream of the opening 25. The discharge section 23 connects the interior (space S) of the outer casing 20 with the exterior of the outer casing 20 within the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Furthermore, the discharge section 23 forms a seamless, annular strip-shaped opening extending around the axis x. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the discharge section 23 is located radially opposite to or near the bypass opening 14 of the inner housing 10. The location of the discharge section 23 at the downstream main body 22 of the outer housing 20 is not limited to this.
[0051] As described above, bypass pipes 40 are connected to the discharge section 23, and the interior of each bypass pipe 40 communicates with the discharge section 23. Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, the interior of the inner shell 10 communicates with the exterior of the outer shell 20 via each bypass pipe 40.
[0052] The shape of the discharge section 23 is not limited to forming a seamless annular strip extending around the axis x. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the discharge section 23 may also be composed of one or more openings (discharge ports 23a) that penetrate through the outer casing 20 between the interior and exterior. In this case, the plurality of discharge ports 23a constituting the discharge section 23 are arranged circumferentially at equal or approximately equal angular intervals, for example, at the same or approximately the same positions in the x-axis direction. The arrangement of the plurality of discharge ports 23a constituting the discharge section 23 may also be other arrangements. In addition, when the discharge section 23 is composed of one or more discharge ports 23a, the discharge ports 23a constituting the discharge section 23 are provided with a number corresponding to the bypass pipes 40, and each discharge port 23a forming the discharge section 23 is connected to a bypass pipe 40. It should be noted that when the discharge section 23 is composed of one or more discharge ports 23a, the discharge ports 23a may not be provided with a number corresponding to the bypass pipes 40. In this case, each discharge port 23a may be connected to one or more bypass pipes 40, or it may be a discharge port 23a without a bypass pipe 40 connected to it.
[0053] As described above, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 are provided in the space S between the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20. Specifically, hollow fiber membrane bundles 30, which are bundles of hollow fiber membranes 31, fill the space S. The hollow fiber membrane bundles 30 are, for example, as shown in... Figure 1 , 2 The diagram shows a cylindrical shape. In the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, each hollow fiber membrane 31 extends along the x-axis. The opening (upstream opening 31a) on one end side (upstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at the upstream end 30a, which is the upstream-facing end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30. The opening (downstream opening 31b) on the other end side (downstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at the downstream end 30b, which is the downstream-facing end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30. For example... Figure 1As shown, the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the inner peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 extends along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10, and the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the outer peripheral boundary extends along the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 has a shape along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. The shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is not limited to this shape along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20; it can also be other shapes. For example, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 can be a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axis x, or it can be a truncated conical or substantially truncated conical shape extending along the axis x.
[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, a spacer for fluid passage is formed between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31. Furthermore, it is preferable to form a spacer for liquid or gas passage between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the inner peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10, and preferably between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the outer peripheral boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20. It should be noted that it is preferable to form a spacer for fluid passage that extends throughout the x-axis between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31, but it is also possible not to form a spacer for fluid passage throughout the x-axis.
[0055] The hollow fiber membrane 31 is formed into a hollow tubular shape, enabling membrane separation between the interior and exterior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, allowing moisture in the humid gas to move to the dry gas side. For example, PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), which has the characteristic of permeating moisture through a capillary condensation mechanism based on pore size control, can be suitably used as the material for the hollow fiber membrane 31. It should be noted that a hydrophilic hollow fiber membrane can be obtained by spinning a membrane-forming solution containing PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Alternatively, polymers with the characteristic of permeating moisture through dissolution and diffusion, including a polytetrafluoroethylene backbone and perfluorinated side chains with sulfonates (such as Nafion (registered trademark)), can be used as the material for the hollow fiber membrane 31.
[0056] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has sealing portions 35 and 36 (one-end sealing portion and the other-end sealing portion) for sealing the openings, which allow the spaces S formed by the openings 24 and 25 of the outer shell 20 to be open to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. Specifically, the sealing portion 35 is provided at the upstream opening 24 of the outer shell 20 and contacts the inner circumference surface 20a of the outer shell 20 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24. In addition, it contacts the outer circumference surface 10a of the inner shell 10 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24 of the outer shell 20. Furthermore, the sealing portion 35 contacts the outer circumference surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 24 of the outer shell 20. In addition, each hollow fiber membrane 31 passes through the sealing portion 35 at its upstream end, and the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 35. Similarly, the sealing portion 36 is specifically provided at the opening 25 on the downstream side of the outer shell 20, and at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20, it contacts the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer shell 20 throughout its entire circumference. Furthermore, at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20, it contacts the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner shell 10 throughout its entire circumference. Additionally, the sealing portion 36 contacts the outer peripheral surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 throughout its entire circumference at the opening 25 of the outer shell 20. Furthermore, each hollow fiber membrane 31 passes through the sealing portion 36 at its downstream end, and the downstream opening 31b of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 36.
[0057] Thus, the opening (opening 24) that opens space S on the upstream side is sealed by the sealing part 35, and the opening (opening 25) that opens space S on the downstream side is sealed by the sealing part 36. On the other hand, the internal space of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is open to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 through the upstream opening 31a and the downstream opening 31b. In addition, each hollow fiber membrane 31 is fixed relative to the inner shell 10 and the outer shell 20 at its upstream and downstream ends by the sealing parts 35 and 36, respectively. By fixing the hollow fiber membrane 31 based on the sealing parts 35 and 36, the hollow fiber membrane 31 is fixed into a bundle, forming a hollow fiber membrane bundle 30. The sealing parts 35 and 36 are, for example, components formed by curing epoxy resin or other potting materials.
[0058] In addition, such as Figure 1 , 3As shown, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has a closure portion 17 (inner shell closure portion) that seals the opening 16 at the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10. The closure portion 17 contacts the inner circumferential surface 10b of the inner shell 10 throughout the entire circumference of the opening 16. The closure portion 17 is a component formed, for example, by curing an impregnation material such as epoxy resin. The closure portion 17 is located downstream of the bypass opening 14 in the inner shell 10.
[0059] Additionally, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has at least one bypass tube 40 as described above. The bypass tube 40 is a hollow tubular component, for example, a cylindrical component extending along a straight line. The bypass tube 40 is, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical component. The bypass tube 40 can be a cylindrical component extending along a curve, or a cylindrical component extending along a line composed of a combination of straight lines and curves. Furthermore, the bypass tube 40 can also be a polygonal cylindrical or substantially polygonal cylindrical component.
[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the bypass pipe 40 has: a main body 41 extending in a cylindrical shape; an opening 42 that opens the interior of the bypass pipe 40 to the outside at one end (end 41a) of the main body 41; and an opening 43 that opens the interior of the bypass pipe 40 to the outside at the other end (end 41b) of the main body 41.
[0061] The bypass pipe 40 has end 41a connected to the inner housing 10, and opening 42 communicating with the bypass port 14 of the inner housing 10. Additionally, the bypass pipe 40 has end 41b connected to the outer housing 20, and opening 43 communicating with the discharge section 23 of the outer housing 20. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the discharge section 23 is composed of a discharge port 23a, the opening 43 of the bypass pipe 40 is connected to the discharge port 23a of the outer casing 20. The bypass pipe 40 passes through the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, but extends between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 without dividing each hollow fiber membrane 31.
[0062] The bypass pipe 40 is integrally formed from the same material as the inner housing 10 and communicates with the outer housing 20 at end 41b. The bypass pipe 40 can be formed separately from the inner housing 10 and the outer housing 20. Alternatively, the bypass pipe 40 can be integrally formed from the same material as the outer housing 20 and connected to the inner housing 10 at end 41a. Or, the bypass pipe 40 can be integrally formed from the same material as the inner housing 10 and the outer housing 20. The connection between the bypass pipe 40 and the inner housing 10 and the outer housing 20, or between the bypass pipe 40 and the outer housing 20 or the inner housing 10, is preferably achieved through bonding or pressing to achieve tight contact. Furthermore, the connection between the bypass pipe 40 and the inner housing 10 and the outer housing 20, or between the bypass pipe 40 and the outer housing 20 or the inner housing 10, can also be achieved via sealing members such as O-rings. The bypass pipe 40 is molded from resin materials such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybenzamide (PPA), and polyepoxybenzene (PPO). These resin materials can be reinforced with glass fiber or the like. In addition, the bypass pipe 40 can be made of metal materials such as aluminum.
[0063] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has the structure described above and has two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31 and is formed by the upstream opening 31a, the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which extends between the opening 15 on the upstream side of the inner housing 10 and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20. It is formed by the opening 15 of the inner housing 10, the interior space of the inner housing 10, the inlet portion 13 of the inner housing 10, the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20.
[0064] In the inner housing 10 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, a bypass port 14 is provided on the downstream side. The bypass port 14 is connected to a bypass pipe 40, which is connected to the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20. The interior of the inner housing 10 and the exterior of the outer housing 20 are connected via the bypass pipe 40. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has a third fluid path F3 formed by the interior of the inner housing 10, the bypass port 14 of the inner housing 10, the interior of the bypass pipe 40, and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20.
[0065] Next, the function of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 with the above structure will be explained. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the function of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, and shows the hollow fiber membrane module 1 in use in cross-section. Figure 6 The first, second, and third fluid paths F1, F2, and F3 are shown in a general outline.
[0066] As described above, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a dehumidification component or a humidification component of a dehumidification and humidification device. In the illustrated example, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a humidification component of a fuel cell humidification device, thus being in use as a humidification device 50 installed on the fuel cell.
[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the humidification device 50 includes a hollow fiber membrane module 1, a humidifying gas supply device 51, and a drying gas supply device 52. The humidifying gas supply device 51 supplies humidifying gas to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. Conversely, the drying gas supply device 52 supplies dry gas with a lower humidity than the humidifying gas supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 to the first fluid path F1 formed in each hollow fiber membrane 31. The humidifying gas supplied by the humidifying gas supply device 51 is the exhaust gas after a chemical reaction of the reaction gas supplied for power generation in the fuel cell, while the dry gas supplied by the drying gas supply device 52 is the reaction gas supplied for power generation. In this embodiment, the dry gas supplied by the drying gas supply device 52 is an oxidant gas such as oxygen from the reaction gas, and the humidifying gas is the oxidant exhaust gas after the oxidant gas such as oxygen has been used for power generation.
[0068] When the humidification device 50 is activated, humidifying gas is supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, and dry gas is supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 to the first fluid path F1 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. As a result, the dry gas flows inside each hollow fiber membrane 31, and the humidifying gas flows in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, with the dry gas and humidifying gas coming into contact via the hollow fiber membranes 31. At this time, through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membranes 31, moisture in the humidifying gas moves to the dry gas side. Thus, the dry gas flowing in the first fluid path F1 is humidified and discharged from the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31, and then from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. This humidified dry gas (oxidant gas) is supplied as the reactant gas to the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell. Thus, the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is humidified. On the other hand, the humidified gas, after being humidified with the dry gas, is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.
[0069] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 has the structure described above and has two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31 and is formed by the upstream opening 31a, the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which extends between the opening 15 on the upstream side of the inner housing 10 and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20. It is formed by the opening 15 of the inner housing 10, the interior space of the inner housing 10, the inlet portion 13 of the inner housing 10, the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, and the discharge portion 23 of the outer housing 20.
[0070] Specifically, the humidifying gas supplied from the humidifying gas supply device 51 enters the interior of the inner housing 10 through the opening 15 on the upstream side of the inner housing 10, and proceeds downstream within the inner housing 10. Then, a portion of the humidifying gas proceeding downstream within the inner housing 10 flows into the space S through the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b of the inlet section 13. The humidifying gas that has flowed into the space S from the inlet section 13 flows through the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S and comes into contact with the hollow fiber membranes 31. Through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membranes 31, the dry air flowing inside the hollow fiber membranes 31 is humidified, and the gas is discharged from the space S through the discharge section 23 of the outer housing 20, and then discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.
[0071] The upstream main body 11 of the inner shell 10 narrows in diameter from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and a large inlet 13a and a small inlet 13b are formed in this upstream main body 11. Therefore, the gas flowing out of the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b into the space S tends to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x. As a result, the humid gas that has flowed out of the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b into the space S easily flows in the space S between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in a direction inclined relative to the axis x, and the humid gas easily flows relative to the dry gas passing through the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31.
[0072] Furthermore, in the inlet section 13, the opening area of the large inlet 13a on the upstream side is larger than the opening area of the small inlet 13b on the downstream side. Therefore, the flow rate of gas flowing out of the large inlet 13a on the upstream side, with its larger opening area, into space S is greater than the flow rate of gas flowing out of the small inlet 13b on the downstream side, with its smaller opening area, into space S. This allows the flow rate of gas flowing into space S to be adjusted according to its position in the inlet section 13, thereby allowing the flow rate of gas flowing in space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 to be adjusted according to the position of space S. As described above, in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1, by increasing the flow rate of gas flowing from the upstream side of the inlet section 13 into space S and allowing gas to flow further outward in space S, the flow rate of gas flowing in space G on the outer periphery of space S can be increased. On the other hand, as described above, in the inlet section 13, the flow rate of gas flowing out of the downstream portion into the space S is less than the flow rate of gas flowing out of the upstream portion into the space S, thereby achieving a balance between the flow rate of gas flowing in the inner peripheral space G in the space S and the flow rate of gas reaching and flowing in the outer peripheral space G in the space S. Furthermore, based on the difference between the upstream and downstream flow rates of the gas flowing out of the inlet section 13, the gas flowing out of the inlet section 13 into the space S may also tend to flow out in a direction inclined relative to the axis x.
[0073] Furthermore, the humid gas flows into the inner peripheral and upstream regions of the space S via the inlet 13, and is discharged from the outer peripheral and downstream regions of the space S via the outlet 23. Therefore, the humid gas that has flowed into the space S can come into contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 as a whole, and the hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 as a whole can perform membrane separation.
[0074] In this way, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the humidified gas flowing out from the inlet 13 into the space S can easily flow relative to the dry gas passing through the interior of the hollow fiber membrane 31. Furthermore, the humidified gas can easily come into contact with the entire hollow fiber membrane 31 within the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, thereby enabling the entire hollow fiber membrane 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 to perform membrane separation. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is effectively performed, resulting in high humidification performance.
[0075] On the other hand, specifically, the dry gas supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 enters the interior of each hollow fiber membrane 31 through the downstream opening 31b and advances upstream inside the hollow fiber membrane 31. Then, the dry gas advancing upstream inside the hollow fiber membrane 31 is humidified by the humid air in contact with the hollow fiber membrane 31 through membrane separation based on the hollow fiber membrane 31, and is discharged from the upstream opening 31a of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and then discharged from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.
[0076] Additionally, a portion of the humidified gas supplied from the humidified gas supply device 51 and advancing downstream within the inner housing 10 flows into the third fluid path F3. Specifically, a portion of the humidified gas supplied from the humidified gas supply device 51 and advancing downstream within the inner housing 10 does not continue to advance downstream within the inner housing 10 from the inlet 13 into space S. This portion of the humidified gas continuing to advance downstream within the inner housing 10 flows into the interior of the bypass pipe 40 via a bypass port 14 formed downstream of the inlet 13. The humidified gas that has flowed out from the bypass port 14 into the interior of the bypass pipe 40 does not flow and contact the hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes as the humidified gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 does, instead, it passes through the interior of the bypass pipe 40 and is discharged from the outlet 23 of the outer housing 20, and then from the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1.
[0077] As described above, the humidified gas supplied to the inner housing 10 that does not flow out of the inlet 13 into the space S continues to advance downstream inside the inner housing 10 and is discharged from the outlet 23 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 via the bypass port 14 and the bypass pipe 40. Therefore, the humidified gas can be prevented from remaining in the inner housing 10 at a position downstream of the inlet 13. In addition, the amount of humidified gas flowing out of the inlet 13 into the space S from the humidified gas supplied to the inner housing 10 can be reduced and adjusted.
[0078] When the amount of humidified gas flowing from the inlet 13 of the inner housing 10 into the space S increases, the excess humidified gas flows into the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S. The humidified gas becomes difficult to flow in the space G between the hollow fiber membranes 31, resulting in a pressure loss for the humidified gas flowing in the space G, and a decrease in the dynamic pressure of the humidified gas. When the dynamic pressure of the humidified gas flowing in the space G decreases, the humidified gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 downstream of the space S becomes stagnant. To address this, as described above, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 reduces the amount of humidified gas flowing from the inlet 13 into the space S in the humidified gas supplied to the inner housing 10 by allowing the humidified gas to flow in the third fluid path F3 formed by the bypass port 14 and the bypass pipe 40. This prevents the amount of humidified gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 from becoming excessive and prevents the dynamic pressure of the humidified gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 from decreasing in the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S. This reduces the pressure loss of the humidifying gas flowing in the space G between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in space S, and suppresses the stagnation of humidifying gas flowing in the second fluid path F2. Therefore, it improves the membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane 31 relative to the humidifying gas in the second fluid path F2, thereby increasing the humidification efficiency of the dry air.
[0079] Furthermore, at the inner shell 10, relative to the conical upstream main body 11, the downstream main body 12 continues from the side with the smaller diameter of the upstream main body 11, maintaining a constant or approximately constant diameter. Therefore, it is easy to ensure space on the outer periphery of the downstream main body 12, and it is easy to increase the portion of the downstream main body 12 on the outer periphery of the space S. This can suppress the increase in the filling rate of the hollow fiber membrane 31 in the space S, and suppress the pressure loss of the fluid in the region on the outer periphery of the downstream main body 12 of the space S. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the pressure loss of the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2, and to achieve the situation where the humid gas flowing in the second fluid path F2 is retained on the downstream side of the space S.
[0080] Thus, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing within the hollow fiber membrane module 1. This allows for an improvement in the humidification efficiency of dry air.
[0081] While the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to the hollow fiber membrane module 1 described above, but includes all forms encompassed by the concept of the present invention and the claims. Furthermore, in order to enable at least some of the aforementioned problems and effects to function, the various structures may be selectively combined as appropriate. For example, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc., of each structural element in the above-described actual form can be appropriately modified according to the specific application form of the present invention.
[0082] For example, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass pipe 40 extends radially, but the bypass pipe 40 may also be inclined relative to the radial direction. Specifically, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass port 14 may be located upstream of the discharge section 23 in the x-axis direction, and the bypass pipe 40 may be inclined towards the outer periphery and towards the radially downstream side. Alternatively, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass port 14 may be located downstream of the discharge section 23 in the x-axis direction, and the bypass pipe 40 may be inclined towards the outer periphery and towards the radially upstream side. Furthermore, any two or all of the following types of bypass pipes may be mixed: those extending radially, those inclined towards the outer periphery and towards the radially downstream side, and those inclined towards the outer periphery and towards the radially upstream side.
[0083] Alternatively, the bypass pipe 40 may not be connected to the housing 20. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, regarding the bypass pipe 40, within the range forming the aforementioned third fluid path F3, the end 41 of the bypass pipe 40 may not communicate with the discharge portion 23 of the housing 20, but may be located near the discharge portion 23 and extend to the vicinity of the discharge portion 23 of the housing 20. Alternatively, at least one bypass pipe 40 may extend to the vicinity of the discharge portion 23 of the housing 20, while other bypass pipes 40 may not extend to the vicinity of the discharge portion 23 of the housing 20. Furthermore, the bypass pipes 40 may also include a mixture of bypass pipes connected to the housing 20 and bypass pipes not connected to the housing 20.
[0084] Alternatively, the sealing portion 17 may not be provided in the inner shell 10 of the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1. For example, the opening 16 may be sealed or the outflow of gas from the opening 16 may be suppressed by taperling the front end of the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10 and reducing the size of the opening 16. Alternatively, the opening 16 may be reduced or crushed by deforming the downstream end 12b of the inner shell 10, thereby sealing the opening 16 or suppressing the outflow of gas from the opening 16. The above-mentioned problems occur in the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 without the sealing portion 17, and the hollow fiber membrane assembly 1 of the embodiment of the present invention described above can also exert its effects. Alternatively, the sealing portion 17, formed of the same material as or different from the inner shell 10, may be fixed to one end of the downstream side of the inner shell 10 by adhesive or by interlocking, thereby sealing the opening 16. Alternatively, the sealing portion 17 may not be installed in the inner shell 10, and the opening 16 may not be formed in the inner shell 10, but the bottom may be integrally formed in one end of the downstream side of the inner shell 10. In other words, the closure 17 can also be integrally formed from the same material as another part of the inner shell 10.
[0085] In addition, although the gas flows from the downstream side to the upstream side in the first fluid path F1 when the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is in use, the gas can also flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in the first fluid path F1.
[0086] In addition, although in the working state of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the dry gas flows in the first fluid path F1 and the humid gas flows in the second and third fluid paths F2 and F3, it is also possible to make the humid gas flow in the first fluid path F1 and the dry gas flow in the second and third fluid paths F2 and F3.
[0087] Furthermore, in the above description, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is applied to the humidification component of a humidification device for a fuel cell. However, the application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to the humidification component of a humidification device for a fuel cell, nor is it limited to fuel cells. Additionally, the application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to humidification components, but can also be used as a dehumidification component in a dehumidification device. The hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention can be applied to all components that can utilize its effects.
[0088] In addition, in the above description, dry gas is the oxidant gas such as oxygen in the reaction gas, and humid gas is the oxidant waste gas after the oxygen and other oxidant gases in the exhaust gas have been used for power generation. However, dry gas can also be fuel gas such as hydrogen in the reaction gas, and humid gas can also be fuel waste gas after the hydrogen and other fuel gases in the exhaust gas have been used for power generation.
[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0090] 1…Hollow fiber membrane module, 10…Inner shell, 10a…Outer peripheral surface, 10b…Inner peripheral surface, 11…Upstream main body, 11a…Upstream end, 11b…Downstream end, 12…Downstream main body, 12a…Upstream end, 12b…Downstream end, 13…Inlet, 13a…Large inlet, 13b…Small inlet, 14…Bypass, 15, 16…Opening, 17…Closed part, 20…Outer shell, 20a…Inner peripheral surface, 21…Upstream main body, 21a…Upstream end, 21b…Downstream end, 22…Downstream main body, 22a…Upstream end, 22b…Downstream end, 2 3…Discharge section, 23a…Discharge outlet, 24, 25…Openings, S…Space, 30…Hollow fiber membrane bundle, 30a…Upstream end, 30b…Downstream end, 31…Hollow fiber membrane, 31a…Upstream opening, 31b…Downstream opening, 31c…Outer peripheral surface, 35, 36…Sealing section, 40…Bypass pipe, 41…Main body, 41a, 41b…Ends, 42, 43…Openings, 50…Humidification device, 51…Humidified gas supply device, 52…Drying gas supply device, F1…First fluid path, F2…Second fluid path, F3…Third fluid path, G, S…Space, x…Axis
Claims
1. A hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that, include: The inner shell is a cylindrical component; The outer shell is a cylindrical component that covers the inner shell from the outer periphery in a space-separated manner; At least one bypass pipe is connected to the inner housing in the space between the inner housing and the outer housing; and Multiple hollow fiber membranes are disposed in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner housing has a guide portion at one end of the inner housing and the outer housing extending in the direction of extension. The guide portion is a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the inner housing. The outer casing has a discharge portion at the other end in the extending direction, the discharge portion being a portion that communicates between the interior and exterior of the outer casing. The inner housing has at least one bypass port on the side opposite to the inlet portion in the extending direction, the bypass port passing through the inner housing between the interior and the exterior of the inner housing. The bypass pipe is connected to the bypass port and can form a fluid path connecting the bypass port to the discharge section. The bypass pipe is connected to the outer shell in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell, communicates with the discharge section, and connects the bypass port to the discharge section.
2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner housing has: a cylindrical end portion, which is a portion of said one end side; and a cylindrical other end portion, which is a portion of said other end side connected to said one end portion at said other end side. The inlet portion is located at one end. The bypass is located at the other end. The diameter of one end decreases in the extending direction as it moves from the one end side toward the other end side. The other end extends along the direction of extension.
3. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bypass pipe extends in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction.
4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inlet portion has at least one large inlet port that passes through the inner housing between the inside and the outside of the inner housing, and also has at least one small inlet port that passes through the inner housing between the inside and the outside of the inner housing. The opening area of the large inlet is larger than the opening area of the small inlet. The large inlet is located at either one end or the other end in the extending direction, relative to the small inlet.
5. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes an inner shell closure portion, which is a component that seals the opening of the inner shell that allows the interior of the inner shell to be open to the other end.
6. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes: a one-end closed portion for sealing the opening portion of the space between the inner shell and the outer shell that is open to the one end; and The other end is sealed to seal the opening that leads to the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The plurality of hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction and pass through the one-end closed portion and the other-end closed portion.