Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hollow fiber membrane module capable of reducing pressure loss of dry gas and humidified gas. The control hollow fiber membrane (100A) includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle (120A), a housing (110A) that houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle (120A), a pair of closed fixing portions (131A, 132A) that fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle (120A) with respect to the housing (110A), an intra-membrane flow path, and an extra-membrane flow path, water in humidified gas is supplied into dry gas by membrane separation of each hollow fiber membrane, and the control hollow fiber membrane (100A) is characterized by including a first flow path (115A) that penetrates from one end side to the other end side of the housing (110A) for a part of the dry gas to flow without passing through the intra-membrane flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module. Background Technology

[0002] Humidification devices used in fuel cells for motor vehicles include hollow fiber membrane modules. In such devices, the demand for high-output systems is gradually increasing, and there is a trend towards larger hollow fiber membrane modules. On the other hand, there are also demands for miniaturization due to space constraints in vehicles. While the requirements for humidification performance are gradually easing with the improvement of fuel cell stacking performance, the existing structures still require larger hollow fiber membrane modules to reduce pressure losses from the dry and humidifying gases supplied to them. It should be noted that this issue is not limited to fuel cells; it also occurs in hollow fiber membrane modules used in dehumidification devices, in addition to those equipped in various humidification systems.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 054740 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane module that can reduce the pressure loss of dry gas and humid gas.

[0008] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0010] That is, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes:

[0011] Hollow fiber membrane bundles are composed of multiple hollow fiber membranes;

[0012] The shell contains the hollow fiber membrane bundle within an opening at both ends;

[0013] A pair of sealing and fixing parts, on one end side and the other end side of the housing, respectively seal the openings at both ends of the housing while leaving the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane open, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle relative to the housing.

[0014] An internal flow path is provided for the first gas to flow from one end of the housing through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing; and

[0015] An external flow path is provided for the second gas to flow from an inlet formed in the housing through the interior of the containment to an outlet formed in the housing.

[0016] Regarding the first gas and the second gas, one is a dry gas, and the other is a humid gas with a higher humidity than the dry gas. Thus, through the membrane separation function of each hollow fiber membrane, moisture from the humid gas is supplied to the dry gas. The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that...

[0017] Includes at least one of a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path extends from one end of the housing to the other end, allowing a portion of the first gas to flow without passing through the inner membrane flow path, and the second flow path extends through the housing in a direction intersecting the direction from one end of the housing to the other end, allowing a portion of the second gas to flow without passing through the outer membrane flow path.

[0018] According to the present invention, when a first flow path is included, since a portion of the first gas flows through the first flow path without passing through the inner flow path of the membrane, the pressure loss of the first gas can be reduced. Furthermore, when a second flow path is included, since a portion of the second gas flows through the second flow path without passing through the outer flow path of the membrane, the pressure loss of the second gas can be reduced.

[0019] Alternatively, the interior of the containment is divided by partition walls, and the hollow fiber membrane bundles are separately contained in multiple locations, with the first flow path configured to penetrate the partition walls.

[0020] Preferably, the first flow path is configured to pass through the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the interior of the housing.

[0021] Preferably, the hollow fiber membrane assembly has a tubular member disposed inside the housing, and both ends of the tubular member are fixed by the pair of sealing and fixing parts, and the inside of the tubular member is a first flow path.

[0022] Preferably, the interior of the containment is divided by partition walls, the hollow fiber membrane bundles are separately contained in multiple locations, and the second flow path is configured to penetrate the partition walls.

[0023] Preferably, the second flow path is configured to penetrate the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the interior of the housing.

[0024] It should be noted that the above structures can be used in combination as much as possible.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] As explained above, according to the present invention, the pressure loss of dry gas and humid gas can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment Six of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate how to implement the invention. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the structural components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0034] (Example 1)

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 1 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 1 (c) is Figure 1 Sectional view A1-A1 in (a), Figure 1 (d) is Figure 1 Sectional view A2-A2 in (b).

[0036] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0037] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100A of this embodiment includes a housing 110A, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120A composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110A, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131A and 132A that fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120A relative to the housing 110A. The housing 110A is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120A is housed in a housing interior 110IA with openings at both ends in the housing 110A. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131A and 132A, respectively, close the openings 111A and 112A at one end and the other end of the housing 110A, respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120A relative to the housing 110A.

[0038] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0039] An application example of the hollow fiber membrane module 100A of this embodiment will be described. The hollow fiber membrane module 100A of this embodiment can be used as a humidification device or a dehumidification device. A brief explanation of this aspect will be provided.

[0040] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100A includes an internal flow path and an external flow path. The internal flow path passes through the interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes constituting the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120A, and the external flow path passes through the exterior of the hollow fiber membranes. In this embodiment, the internal flow path is configured such that a dry gas, which is a first gas, flows from one end of the housing 110A through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110A (see reference). Figure 1 (C) with arrow R1). Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humidifying gas, as a second gas, flows from the inlet 113A formed in the housing 110A through the containment interior 110IA to the outlet 114A formed in the housing 110A (see reference). Figure 1 (See arrow R2 in (c)). The humidity of the humid gas is higher than that of the dry gas. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110A correspond to the inlet 113A, and the plurality of through holes in the other correspond to the outlet 114A.

[0041] With the above structure, moisture in the humid gas moves into the dry gas through membrane separation based on a hollow fiber membrane. Therefore, the dry gas is humidified, and the humid gas is dehumidified, making it usable as both a humidification and dehumidification device.

[0042] It should be noted that the hollow fiber membrane module 100A of this embodiment can be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane equipped in a fuel cell. In this case, the humid air generated in the fuel cell is utilized as the aforementioned humidifying gas. Furthermore, by supplying the humidified gas (air) to the electrolyte membrane equipped in the fuel cell, the electrolyte membrane is kept in a moist state. Here, as the raw material for the hollow fiber membrane, PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), which has the characteristic of permeating water through a capillary condensation mechanism based on pore size control, can be suitably used, for example. It should be noted that when adjusting the membrane-forming solution (the raw material for the hollow fiber membrane), a hydrophilic hollow fiber membrane can be obtained by spinning a membrane-forming solution in which PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone) are added to a solvent. Alternatively, Nafion (registered trademark), a hydrophilic material with the characteristic of permeating water through dissolution and diffusion, can also be used. Such materials have low solubility and high strength, and are therefore suitable for use in humidification devices and dehumidification devices.

[0043] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0044] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100A is provided with a first flow path 115A, which extends from one end of the housing 110A to the other end, allowing a portion of the drying gas to flow without passing through the internal housing 110IA. In other words, the first flow path 115A is configured such that a portion of the drying gas flows without passing through the internal flow path of the membrane. This first flow path 115A will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the internal housing 110A is divided by a partition wall. Thus, the hollow fiber membrane bundles 120A are separately housed in two locations. Furthermore, the first flow path 115A is configured to extend through the aforementioned partition wall. It should be noted that although this embodiment shows a structure where the internal housing 110IA is divided into two parts using a single partition wall, a structure where the internal housing 110IA is divided into multiple parts using two or more partition walls can also be used. In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundles 120A are separately housed in more locations. Furthermore, the first flow path 115A can be provided in each of the partition walls.

[0045] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100A configured as described above, since a portion of the drying gas flows through the first flow path 115A without passing through the housing interior 110IA of the housing 110A (in other words, without passing through the membrane flow path), the pressure loss of the drying gas can be reduced. Therefore, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100A can be suppressed.

[0046] (Example 2)

[0047] Reference Figure 2The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 2 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 2 (c) is Figure 2 Sectional view B1-B1 in (a), Figure 2 (d) is Figure 2 Sectional view B2-B2 in (b).

[0048] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0049] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100B of this embodiment includes a housing 110B, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120B composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110B, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131B and 132B that fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120B relative to the housing 110B. The housing 110B is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120B is housed in a housing interior 110IB with openings at both ends in the housing 110B. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131B and 132B, at one end and the other end of the housing 110B respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, respectively, close the openings 111B and 112B at both ends of the housing 110B, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120B relative to the housing 110B.

[0050] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0051] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane module 100B can also be used as a humidifier or dehumidifier, as described in Embodiment 1. Regarding the flow direction of the dry gas and humid gas when used as a humidifier or dehumidifier, it is as described in Embodiment 1. That is, the internal flow path is configured such that the dry gas flows from one end of the housing 110B through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110B. Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humid gas flows from the inlet 113B formed in the housing 110B through the receiving interior 110IB to the outlet formed in the housing 110B. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes provided in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110B correspond to the inlet 113B, and the plurality of through holes provided in the other (not shown) correspond to the outlet.

[0052] The mechanism of humidification and dehumidification based on membrane separation is as described in Example 1. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane module 100B of this embodiment, like that of Example 1, can also be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell.

[0053] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0054] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100B also includes a first flow path 115B, which extends from one end of the housing 110B to the other, allowing a portion of the drying gas to flow without passing through the internal containment 110IB. In other words, the first flow path 115B is configured such that a portion of the drying gas flows without passing through the membrane flow path. This first flow path 115B will be described in more detail. It is configured to penetrate the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing 110B and the internal containment 110IB. In this embodiment, although the first flow path 115B is shown positioned at the center of the width of the plate-like portion having multiple inlets 113B, the location of the first flow path 115B is not particularly limited. Alternatively, a structure with multiple first flow paths 115B may also be used.

[0055] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100B configured as described above, since a portion of the drying gas flows through the first flow path 115B without passing through the housing interior 110IB of the shell 110B (in other words, without passing through the membrane flow path), the pressure loss of the drying gas can be reduced. Therefore, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100B can be suppressed.

[0056] (Example 3)

[0057] Reference Figure 3 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 3 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 3 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 3 (c) is Figure 3 Sectional view C1-C1 in (a), Figure 3 (d) is Figure 3 Sectional view C2-C2 in (b).

[0058] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0059] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100C of this embodiment includes a housing 110C, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120C composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110C, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131C and 132C for fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120C relative to the housing 110C. The housing 110C is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120C is housed in a housing interior 110IC with openings at both ends in the housing 110C. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131C and 132C, at one end and the other end of the housing 110C respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, respectively, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120C relative to the housing 110C.

[0060] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0061] As described in Embodiment 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 100C of this embodiment can also be used as a humidification device or a dehumidification device. Regarding the flow direction of the dry gas and the humidifying gas when used as a humidification device or dehumidification device, as described in Embodiment 1, the internal flow path is configured such that the dry gas flows from one end of the housing 110C through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110C. Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humidifying gas flows from the inlet 113C formed in the housing 110C through the receiving interior 110IC to the outlet 114C formed in the housing 110C. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes provided in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110C correspond to the inlet 113C, and the plurality of through holes provided in the other correspond to the outlet 114C.

[0062] The mechanism of humidification and dehumidification based on membrane separation is as described in Example 1. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane module 100C of this embodiment, like that of Example 1, can also be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell.

[0063] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0064] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100C also includes a first flow path 115C, which extends from one end of the housing 110C to the other, allowing a portion of the drying gas to flow without passing through the internal containment 110IC. In other words, the first flow path 115C is configured such that a portion of the drying gas flows without passing through the internal flow path of the membrane. This first flow path 115C will be described in more detail. It is configured to penetrate the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing 110C and the internal containment 110IC. In this embodiment, although the first flow path 115C is shown on both sides of the internal containment 110IC in the width direction, a structure with it on only one side is also possible.

[0065] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100C configured as described above, since a portion of the drying gas flows through the first flow path 115C without passing through the housing interior 110IC of the shell 110C (in other words, without passing through the membrane flow path), the pressure loss of the drying gas can be reduced. As a result, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100C can be suppressed.

[0066] (Example 4)

[0067] Reference Figure 4 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 4 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 4 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 4 (c) is Figure 4 Sectional view D1-D1 in (a), Figure 4 (d) is Figure 4 Sectional view D2-D2 in (b).

[0068] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0069] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100D of this embodiment includes a housing 110D, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120D composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110D, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131D and 132D that fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120D relative to the housing 110D. The housing 110D is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120D is housed in a housing interior 110ID with openings at both ends in the housing 110D. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131D and 132D, on one end side and the other end side of the housing 110D respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, respectively, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120D relative to the housing 110D.

[0070] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0071] As described in Embodiment 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 100D of this embodiment can also be used as a humidification device or a dehumidification device. Regarding the flow direction of the dry gas and the humidifying gas when used as a humidification device or dehumidification device, as described in Embodiment 1, the internal flow path is configured such that the dry gas flows from one end of the housing 110D through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110D. Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humidifying gas flows from the inlet 113D formed in the housing 110D through the receiving interior 110ID to the outlet 114D formed in the housing 110D. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes provided in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110D correspond to the inlet 113D, and the plurality of through holes provided in the other correspond to the outlet 114D.

[0072] The mechanism of humidification and dehumidification based on membrane separation is as described in Example 1. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane module 100D of this embodiment, like that of Example 1, can also be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell.

[0073] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0074] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100D also includes a first flow path 115D, which extends from one end of the housing 110D to the other, allowing a portion of the drying gas to flow without passing through the membrane's internal flow path. This first flow path 115D will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, a tubular member is disposed within the housing 110D's receiving interior 110ID and fixed at both ends by a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131D and 132D. The interior of this tubular member corresponds to the first flow path 115D. It should be noted that although this embodiment shows a case where four tubular members are provided and the first flow path 115D is provided at four locations, the number of tubular members is not limited.

[0075] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100D configured as described above, since a portion of the drying gas flows through the first flow path 115D without passing through the membrane flow path, the pressure loss of the drying gas can be reduced. Therefore, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100D can be suppressed.

[0076] (Example 5)

[0077] Reference Figure 5 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 5 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 5 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 5 (c) is Figure 5 Sectional view E1-E1 in (a), Figure 5 (d) is Figure 5 Sectional view E2-E2 in (b).

[0078] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0079] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100E of this embodiment includes a housing 110E, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120E composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110E, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131E and 132E for fixing the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120E relative to the housing 110E. The housing 110E is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120E is housed in a housing interior 110IE with openings at both ends in the housing 110E. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131E and 132E, on one end side and the other end side of the housing 110E respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, respectively, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120E relative to the housing 110E.

[0080] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0081] As described in Embodiment 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 100E of this embodiment can also be used as a humidification device or a dehumidification device. Regarding the flow direction of the dry gas and the humidifying gas when used as a humidification device or dehumidification device, as described in Embodiment 1, the internal flow path is configured such that the dry gas flows from one end of the housing 110E through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110E. Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humidifying gas flows from the inlet 113E formed in the housing 110E through the receiving interior 110IE to the outlet 114E formed in the housing 110E. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes provided in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110E correspond to the inlet 113E, and the plurality of through holes provided in the other correspond to the outlet 114E.

[0082] The mechanism of humidification and dehumidification based on membrane separation is as described in Example 1. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane module 100E of this embodiment, like that of Example 1, can also be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell.

[0083] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0084] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100E is provided with a second flow path 115E. This second flow path 115E penetrates the housing 110E in a direction that intersects with the direction from one end of the housing 110E toward the other end, allowing a portion of the humidifying gas to flow without passing through the inner housing 110IE. In other words, the second flow path 115E is configured such that a portion of the humidifying gas flows without passing through the external flow path. This second flow path 115E will be described in more detail. In the housing 110E of this embodiment, the inner housing 110IE is divided by a partition wall. Thus, the hollow fiber membrane bundles 120E are separately housed in two locations. Furthermore, the second flow path 115E is configured to penetrate the aforementioned partition wall. It should be noted that although this embodiment shows a structure where the inner housing 110IE is divided into two parts using a single partition wall, a structure where the inner housing 110IE is divided into multiple parts using two or more partition walls can also be used. In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundles 120E are separately housed in more locations. Furthermore, a second flow path 115E can be set in each of the partition walls.

[0085] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100E configured as described above, since a portion of the humid gas flows through the second flow path 115E without passing through the containment interior 110IE of the housing 110E (in other words, without passing through the external flow path of the membrane), the pressure loss of the humid gas can be reduced. As a result, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100E can be suppressed.

[0086] (Example 6)

[0087] Reference Figure 6 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment Six of the present invention will be described below. Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment Six of the present invention. Figure 6 (a) is a top view of a hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 6 (b) is a front view of the hollow fiber membrane module. Figure 6 (c) is Figure 6 Sectional view F1-F1 in (a), Figure 6 (d) is Figure 6 Sectional view F2-F2 in (b).

[0088] <Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0089] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 100F of this embodiment includes a housing 110F, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 120F composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes housed in the housing 110F, and a pair of sealing and fixing portions 131F and 132F that fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120F relative to the housing 110F. The housing 110F is constructed of a cuboid-shaped and cylindrical member. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 120F is housed in a housing interior 110IF with openings at both ends in the housing 110F. The pair of sealing and fixing portions 131F and 132F, at one end and the other end of the housing 110F respectively, with the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, respectively, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle 120F relative to the housing 110F.

[0090] <Application Examples of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0091] As described in Embodiment 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 100F of this embodiment can also be used as a humidifier or dehumidifier. Regarding the flow direction of the dry gas and humidifying gas when used as a humidifier or dehumidifier, as described in Embodiment 1, the internal flow path is configured such that the dry gas flows from one end of the housing 110F through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing 110F. Furthermore, the external flow path is configured such that the humidifying gas flows from the inlet 113F formed in the housing 110F through the receiving interior 110IF to the outlet 114F formed in the housing 110F. It should be noted that the plurality of through holes provided in one of the pair of plate-shaped portions of the housing 110F correspond to the inlet 113F, and the plurality of through holes provided in the other correspond to the outlet 114F.

[0092] The mechanism of humidification and dehumidification based on membrane separation is as described in Example 1. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane module 100D of this embodiment, like that of Example 1, can also be suitably used as a humidification device for humidifying the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell.

[0093] <Details of Hollow Fiber Membrane Modules>

[0094] In this embodiment, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 100F is provided with a second flow path 115E. This second flow path 115E penetrates the housing 110F in a direction that intersects with the direction from one end of the housing 110F toward the other end, allowing a portion of the humidifying gas to flow without passing through the containment interior 110IF. In other words, the second flow path 115F is configured such that a portion of the humidifying gas flows without passing through the external flow path of the membrane. This second flow path 115F will be described in more detail. The second flow path 115F is configured to penetrate the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing 110F and the containment interior 110IF. In this embodiment, although the case where the second flow path 115F is provided on both sides in the width direction of the containment interior 110IF is shown, a structure where it is provided on only one side is also possible.

[0095] According to the hollow fiber membrane module 100F configured as described above, since a portion of the humid gas flows through the second flow path 115F without passing through the containment interior 110IF of the housing 110F (in other words, without passing through the external flow path), the pressure loss of the humid gas can be reduced. Therefore, the large-scale development of the hollow fiber membrane module 100E can be suppressed.

[0096] (other)

[0097] Regarding the first flow path that allows a portion of the dry gas to flow without passing through the inner flow path of the membrane, a structure combining two or more of the structures shown in Examples 1 to 4 can also be used. Furthermore, regarding the second flow path that allows a portion of the humidifying gas to flow without passing through the outer flow path of the membrane, a structure combining the structures shown in Examples 5 and 6 can also be used. Further, without reducing both the pressure loss of the dry gas and the pressure loss of the humidifying gas, a structure combining at least one structure from Examples 1 to 4 with at least one structure from Examples 5 and 6 can be used.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the example described is that the dry gas, as the first gas, flows through the inner membrane flow path and the first flow path, and the humidifying gas, as the second gas, flows through the outer membrane flow path and the second flow path. However, it is also possible for the humidifying gas, as the first gas, to flow through the inner membrane flow path and the first flow path, and for the dry gas, as the second gas, to flow through the outer membrane flow path and the second flow path.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment described above, the first flow path is established by providing a tubular component. In contrast, other embodiments show the case where the first flow path is provided within the housing itself. Using the latter reduces the number of components and eliminates the need for mold costs associated with manufacturing the tubular component, thus offering the advantage of cost reduction.

[0100] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0101] Hollow fiber membrane modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F

[0102] 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F housings

[0103] 110IA, 110IB, 110IC, 110ID, 110IE, and 110IF containment internals

[0104] Openings 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, and 111F

[0105] Openings 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D, 112E, and 112F

[0106] Entrances to 113A, 113B, 113C, 113D, 113E, and 113F

[0107] Exits 114A, 114C, 114D, 114E, and 114F

[0108] 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D first flow path

[0109] 115E, 115F Second Flow Path

[0110] 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F hollow fiber membrane bundles

[0111] 131A, 131B, 131C, 131D, 131E, 131F Sealing and Fixing Parts

[0112] 132A, 132B, 132C, 132D, 132E, 132F Sealing and Fixing Parts

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane module, characterized in that, include: Hollow fiber membrane bundles are composed of multiple hollow fiber membranes; The shell contains the hollow fiber membrane bundle within an opening at both ends; A pair of sealing and fixing parts, on one end side and the other end side of the housing, respectively, seal the openings at both ends of the housing while leaving the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane open, and fix the hollow fiber membrane bundle relative to the housing; The membrane flow path allows a portion of the first gas to flow from one end of the housing through the hollow interior of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the other end of the housing; and An external flow path is provided for a portion of the second gas to flow from an inlet formed in the housing through the external membrane of the plurality of hollow fibers inside the housing to an outlet formed in the housing. Regarding the first gas and the second gas, one is a dry gas, and the other is a humid gas with a higher humidity than the dry gas. Thus, the moisture in the humid gas is supplied to the dry gas through the membrane separation function of each hollow fiber membrane. The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes at least one of a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path is disposed outside the interior of the housing and extends from one end of the housing to the other end without communicating with the interior of the housing, allowing another portion of the first gas to flow without passing through the interior of the housing. The second flow path is disposed outside the interior of the housing and extends through the housing in a direction intersecting the direction from one end of the housing to the other end without communicating with the interior of the housing, allowing another portion of the second gas to flow without passing through the interior of the housing.

2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the containment is divided by partition walls, and the hollow fiber membrane bundles are separately contained in multiple locations. The first flow path is configured to pass through the partition walls.

3. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow path is configured to pass through the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the interior of the containment.

4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the containment is divided by partition walls, and the hollow fiber membrane bundles are separately contained in multiple locations. The second flow path is configured to penetrate the partition walls.

5. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow path is configured to penetrate the outer wall between the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the interior of the containment.

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