Filling unit for fuel cell humidifier and fuel cell humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling unit for a fuel cell humidifier and a fuel cell humidifier, the filling unit comprising: a first filling body hermetically coupled to one end of an intermediate housing by mechanical assembly such that a first cover is only in fluid communication with a hollow fiber membrane; and a condensed water discharge part formed in the first filling body, one end of the condensed water discharge part being in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover, and the other end being in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate case, such that condensed water located inside the first cover is discharged to the interior of the intermediate case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier being configured to supply humidified gas to the fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells have the following advantages: unlike conventional chemical batteries such as dry cells or storage batteries, electricity can be continuously generated as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and the fuel cell has no heat loss, whereby the efficiency of the fuel cell is about twice that of an internal combustion engine.

[0003] In addition, the fuel cell directly converts chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, thereby the amount of pollutants discharged is small. Therefore, the fuel cell has the following advantages: the fuel cell is environmentally friendly and can reduce the concern about the depletion of resources due to the increase of energy consumption.

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

[0005] These fuel cells operate by basically the same principle, but they differ from each other in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst and electrolyte. Among these fuel cells, since the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell operates at a lower temperature than other fuel cells and the output density of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is high, thereby enabling the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to be miniaturized, it is known that the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is most advantageous for transportation systems and small stationary power generation equipment.

[0006] One of the most important factors for improving the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is to supply a predetermined amount or more of moisture to a polymer electrolyte membrane or a proton exchange membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to maintain moisture content. The reason for this is that if the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane is dry, the power generation efficiency is drastically reduced.

[0007] As a humidification method for a polymer electrolyte membrane or a proton exchange membrane, there are used: 1) a bubbler humidification method in which a pressure vessel is filled with water and a target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply moisture; 2) a direct injection method in which the amount of moisture supply required for a fuel cell reaction is calculated and moisture is directly supplied to a gas flow pipe through an electromagnetic valve; and 3) a membrane humidification method in which moisture is supplied to a gas fluidized bed using a polymer separation membrane.

[0008] Among these methods, the membrane humidification method has an advantage in that the weight and size of the humidifier can be reduced. The membrane humidification method uses a membrane that selectively transmits only water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to provide water vapor to the air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane to humidify the polymer electrolyte membrane or the proton exchange membrane.

[0009] When forming a module, a hollow fiber membrane having a large transmission area per unit volume is suitable for a selective permeable membrane used in the membrane humidification method. That is, when a humidifier is manufactured using a hollow fiber membrane, a high integration of hollow fiber membranes having a large contact surface area is possible, so that a fuel cell can be sufficiently humidified even at a small capacity, low-priced materials can be used, and moisture and heat contained in exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell at a high temperature can be collected and reused by the humidifier.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional humidifier for a fuel cell.

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a conventional membrane humidification type humidifier 100 includes a humidification module 110 and covers 120 respectively connected to opposite ends of the humidification module 110 in which moisture is exchanged between air supplied from the outside and exhaust gas exhausted from a fuel cell stack (not shown).

[0012] One of the covers 120 transmits air supplied from the outside to the humidification module 110 , and the other cover transmits air humidified by the humidification module 110 to the fuel cell stack.

[0013] The humidification module 110 includes an intermediate shell 111 having an exhaust gas inlet 111a and an exhaust gas outlet 111b and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 in the intermediate shell 111. The opposite ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are potted in a fixing layer 113. Typically, each fixing layer 113 is formed by hardening a liquid polymer such as a liquid polyurethane resin using a casting method. The fixing layer 113 in which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are encapsulated and the resin layer 114 disposed between the fixing layer 113 and the intermediate shell 111 isolate the internal space of the cover 120 from the internal space of the intermediate shell 111. Similar to the fixing layer 113, each resin layer 114 is typically formed by hardening a liquid polymer such as a liquid polyurethane resin using a casting method.

[0014] Air supplied from the outside flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 112. Exhaust gas introduced into the intermediate housing 111 through the exhaust gas inlet 111a contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112, and is discharged from the intermediate housing 111 through the exhaust gas outlet 111b. When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112, moisture contained in the exhaust gas passes through the hollow fiber membrane 112 to humidify the air flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 112. The humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cover 120, which is one of the covers 120.

[0015] In this case, the humidified air must be supplied to the fuel cell stack in a steam state, and conventionally, condensate generated during the process of humidifying the air may accumulate in the first cover 120, and the condensate accumulated in the first cover 120 may be supplied to the fuel cell stack together with the humidified air. Therefore, conventionally, flooding occurs and the condensate blocks the flow path of the separator plate of the fuel cell, thereby reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. Summary of the invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present disclosure is to provide a filling unit of a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell capable of reducing a flow rate of condensate supplied to a fuel cell stack.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure may include the following configurations.

[0020] A filling unit of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is provided in a humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier comprising: a humidification module configured to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack with wet gas; a first cover coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover coupled to the other end of the humidification module; and the filling unit may comprise: a first filling body hermetically coupled to one end of an intermediate shell of the humidification module by mechanical assembly, so that the first cover is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane of the humidification module; and a condensate discharge portion formed in the first filling body. One end of the condensate discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover, and the other end of the condensate discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate shell, so as to discharge condensate in the first cover into the intermediate shell.

[0021] A humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may include: a humidification module configured to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack with wet gas; a first cover coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include: an intermediate housing having open opposite ends; at least one cartridge including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and a first filling unit hermetically coupled to one end of the intermediate housing by mechanical assembly so that the first cover is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes. The first filling unit may include: a first filling body configured to form a seal between the intermediate housing and the cartridge; and a condensate discharge portion formed in the first filling body. One end of the condensate discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover, and the other end of the condensate discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing to discharge condensate in the first cover into the intermediate housing.

[0022] Beneficial Effects

[0023] The present disclosure can use the condensate discharge portion to discharge the condensate in the first cover into the intermediate housing, thereby reducing the flow rate of the condensate accumulated in the first cover. Therefore, the present disclosure can reduce the flow rate of the condensate supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the present disclosure can prevent overflow due to condensate, thereby helping to improve the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system.

[0024] Since the condensate drain portion is formed in the first filling body, the present disclosure can be implemented so that the installation of the condensate drain portion can be achieved by simply coupling the first filling body to one end of the intermediate housing. Therefore, the present disclosure can improve the ease of installation of the condensate drain portion.

[0025] The implementation of the present disclosure allows the condensate drain to be formed in the first filling body, which has a higher strength than a potting layer formed by a casting process. Therefore, the present disclosure uses the condensate drain to reduce the flow rate of condensate supplied to the fuel cell stack, and at the same time, because the condensate drain can reduce the risk of damage or rupture of the first filling body, thereby preventing direct mixing of the first gas and the second gas, the humidification efficiency can be improved.

[0026] The present disclosure is implemented so that the sealing between the intermediate housing and the cylinder is achieved by mechanical assembly of the first filling body without a casting process, thereby achieving the installation of the condensate drain. Therefore, the present disclosure can help reduce the process time for manufacturing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional humidifier for a fuel cell.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 is shown along Figure 2 A schematic exploded cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, taken along line II.

[0030] Figure 4 is shown along Figure 2 A schematic connection cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, taken along line II.

[0031] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a filling unit of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A schematic connection cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, taken along line II-II.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a schematic front view of a filling unit of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.10 is a schematic plan view of a filling unit of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.11 is along Figure 7 A schematic connection cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to a modification of the present disclosure, taken along line II-II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The filling unit of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may be included in the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, and therefore, while describing the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, the filling unit of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure will also be described. At the same time, Figure 8 and Fig.11 In the figure, the cylinder is simply shown by hatching.

[0038] Reference Figures 2 to 4According to the present disclosure, a humidifier 1 for a fuel cell is configured to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown) using wet gas. The wet gas can be discharged from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas can be a fuel gas or air. The dry gas can be humidified by the wet gas and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. According to the present disclosure, a humidifier 1 for a fuel cell includes: a humidification module 2, configured to humidify the dry gas; a first cover 3, connected to one end of the humidification module 2; and a second cover 4, connected to the other end of the humidification module 2.

[0039] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the humidification module 2 humidifies the dry gas. The first cover 3 can be connected to one end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be connected to the other end of the humidification module 2. The humidification module 2 can supply humidified dry gas to the fuel cell stack using the first gas and the second gas. When the first gas is dry gas, the second gas can be wet gas. In this case, the first gas can be humidified by the second gas and then can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is wet gas, the second gas can be dry gas. In this case, the second gas can be humidified by the first gas and then can be supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0040] The humidification module 2 includes an intermediate housing 21 and at least one cylinder 22 .

[0041] The cylinder 22 is coupled to the intermediate housing 21. The cylinder 22 may be disposed in the intermediate housing 21. The opposite ends of the intermediate housing 21 are open. In this case, a receiving hole 211 may be formed in the intermediate housing 21. The receiving hole 211 may be formed to penetrate the intermediate housing 21 in the first axis direction (X axis direction). At least one cylinder 22 may be disposed in the receiving hole 211.

[0042] The intermediate housing 21 may include an intermediate body 210. The barrel 22 is accommodated in the intermediate body 210. The barrel 22 may be disposed in the intermediate body 210 so as to be accommodated in the intermediate body 210. At least one barrel 22 may be accommodated in the intermediate body 210. An accommodation hole 211 may be formed through the intermediate body 210 in a first axis direction (X axis direction).

[0043] A first gas inlet 212 and a first gas outlet 213 may be formed in the intermediate housing 21. The first gas inlet 212 may introduce the first gas into the intermediate housing 21. The first gas outlet 213 may discharge the first gas from the intermediate housing 21. Each of the first gas outlet 213 and the first gas inlet 212 may protrude from the intermediate housing 21.

[0044] The barrel 22 is disposed in the intermediate housing 21. The barrel 22 includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 221. The hollow fiber membranes 221 can be coupled to the barrel 22 so as to be modularized. Therefore, the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be installed in the intermediate housing 21 by the process of coupling the barrel 22 to the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, the ease of installation, separation and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes 221 can be improved.

[0045] The barrel 22 may include an inner shell 222 .

[0046] The inner housing 222 has openings formed at opposite ends and accommodates the hollow fiber membranes 221. The hollow fiber membranes 221 may be disposed within the inner housing 222 so as to be modularized. Each hollow fiber membrane 221 may include a polymer membrane made of a polysulfone resin, a polyethersulfone resin, a sulfonated polysulfone resin, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamideimide resin, a polyesterimide resin, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0047] The cylinder 22 may include a first fixed layer 223. The first fixed layer 223 is configured to fix one end of each hollow fiber membrane 221. The first fixed layer 223 may close an opening formed in one end of the inner shell 222. In this case, the first fixed layer 223 may be formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The first fixed layer 223 may be formed by hardening a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A portion of the first fixed layer 223 may be located in the inner shell 222, and the remaining portion of the first fixed layer may protrude outward from the inner shell 222. The first fixed layer 223 may fix one end of each hollow fiber membrane 221 to the inner shell 222.

[0048] The cylinder 22 may include a second fixing layer 224. The second fixing layer 224 is configured to fix the other end of each hollow fiber membrane 221. The second fixing layer 224 can close the opening formed in the other end of the inner shell 222. In this case, the second fixing layer 224 can be formed to not block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The second fixing layer 224 can be formed by hardening a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A portion of the second fixing layer 224 can be located in the inner shell 222, and the remaining portion of the second fixing layer can protrude outward from the inner shell 222. The second fixing layer 224 can fix the other end of each hollow fiber membrane 221 to the inner shell 222. Since the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223 are formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221, the second gas can be supplied to the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221 without being obstructed by the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223, and can be discharged from the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221 without being obstructed by the second fixed layer 224 and the first fixed layer 223.

[0049] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The cylinder 22 may include a second gas inlet 225 and a second gas outlet 226 .

[0050] The second gas inlet 225 is formed at the inner shell 222. The second gas inlet 225 may be formed at one side of the inner shell 222. One side of the inner shell 222 may be disposed to face any one of the side walls of the intermediate shell 21. The second gas inlet 225 may introduce the first gas into the inner shell 222. The second gas inlet 225 may be formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 5 As shown in , the second gas inlet 225 can be realized by a through hole formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 6 As shown in , the second gas inlet 225 can be implemented by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner shell 222. In this case, the second gas inlet 225 may include a plurality of inflow windows 225a formed through different portions of the inner shell 222. The inflow windows 225a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first axis direction (X axis direction) and a second axis direction (Y axis direction) so as to form a matrix. The second axis direction (Y axis direction) is an axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction (X axis direction).

[0051] The second gas outlet 226 is formed at the inner shell 222. The second gas outlet 226 may be formed at one side of the inner shell 222. The second gas outlet 226 may discharge the first gas from the inner shell 222. The second gas outlet 226 may be formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 5 As shown in , the second gas outlet 226 can be realized by a through hole formed through the inner shell 222. Figure 6As shown in , the second gas outlet 226 can be realized by a plurality of through holes formed through the inner shell 222. In this case, the second gas outlet 226 may include a plurality of outflow windows 226a formed through different parts of the inner shell 222. The outflow windows 226a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first axis direction (X axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y axis direction) so as to form a matrix. The second gas outlet 226 and the second gas inlet 225 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first axis direction (X axis direction).

[0052] When the first gas is wet gas, the first gas may be supplied to the space between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 through the first gas inlet 212, may be supplied to the cylinder 22 through the second gas inlet 225, and may contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 221. In this process, the moisture contained in the first gas may pass through the hollow fiber membrane 221 to humidify the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221. The humidified second gas may be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 221, and may then be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cover 3 or the second cover 4. After humidifying the second gas, the first gas may be discharged to the space between the outer surface of the cylinder 22 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 through the second gas outlet 226, and may be discharged from the intermediate housing 21 through the first gas outlet 213. In this case, the first gas may be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0053] When the first gas is a dry gas, the first gas can be supplied to the space between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 through the first gas inlet 212, can be supplied to the cylinder 22 through the second gas inlet 225, and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 221. In this process, the moisture contained in the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221 can pass through the hollow fiber membrane 221 to humidify the first gas introduced into the cylinder 22. The humidified first gas can be discharged to the space between the outer surface of the cylinder 22 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 through the second gas outlet 226, can be discharged from the intermediate housing 21 through the first gas outlet 213, and can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After humidifying the first gas, the second gas can be discharged from the hollow fiber membrane 221, and then can be discharged to the outside through the first cover 3 or the second cover 4. In this case, the second gas can be the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0054] The humidification module 2 may include a first filling unit 23 .

[0055] The first filling unit 23 is airtightly coupled to one end of the intermediate housing 21 by mechanical assembly. Therefore, the first filling unit 23 can ensure that the first cover 3 is in fluid communication with the hollow fiber membrane 221 only. Therefore, the first filling unit 23 can prevent direct mixing of the first gas with the second gas. The first filling unit 23 can be arranged between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22, thereby forming a seal between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22. In this case, the cylinder 22 can be inserted into the first insertion hole 231 formed in the first filling unit 23. The first filling unit 23 can be in contact with each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and the first fixed layer 223. The first filling unit 23 can be airtightly coupled to one end of the intermediate housing 21 by such contact. In this case, the first filling unit 23 can also be in contact with each of a part of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, a part of the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and a part of the first fixed layer 223.

[0056] The humidification module 2 may include a second filling unit 24 .

[0057] The second filling unit 24 is airtightly coupled to the other end of the intermediate housing 21 by mechanical assembly. Therefore, the second filling unit 24 can ensure that the second cover 4 is only in fluid communication with the hollow fiber membrane 221. Therefore, the second filling unit 24 can prevent direct mixing of the first gas with the second gas. The second filling unit 24 can be arranged between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22, thereby forming a seal between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22. In this case, the cylinder 22 can be inserted into the second insertion hole 241 formed in the second filling unit 24. The second filling unit 24 can be in contact with each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and the second fixed layer 224. The second filling unit 24 can be airtightly coupled to the other end of the intermediate housing 21 by such contact. In this case, the second filling unit 24 can also be in contact with each of a part of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, a part of the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and a part of the second fixed layer 224.

[0058] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the first cover 3 is connected to one end of the humidification module 2. The space between the first cover 3 and the cylinder 22 can be isolated from the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate shell 21 in an airtight sealing state by the first filling unit 23. The first cover 3 may include a first port 31. The first port 31 is configured to allow the second gas to flow therethrough. The first port 31 may be in communication with the hollow fiber membrane 221. Therefore, during the flow of the second gas between the first cover 3 and the hollow fiber membrane 221, the second gas can be introduced or discharged through the first port 31.

[0059] Reference Figures 2 to 4, the second cover 4 is connected to the other end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be connected to the other end of the humidification module 2 so as to be spaced apart from the first cover 3 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cover 4 and the cylinder 22 can be isolated from the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate housing 21 in an airtight sealing state by the second filling unit 24. The second cover 4 may include a second port 41. The second port 41 is configured to allow the second gas to flow therethrough. The second port 41 may be connected to the hollow fiber membrane 221. Therefore, during the flow of the second gas between the second cover 4 and the hollow fiber membrane 221, the second gas can be introduced or discharged through the second port 41. When the second gas is introduced through the second port 41, the second gas can be discharged through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while passing through the second cover 4, the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221 and the first cover 3 in sequence. When the second gas is discharged through the second port 41, the second gas can be introduced through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas may exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the first cover 3 , the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 221 , and the second cover 4 .

[0060] Here, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure, condensate generated in the process of generating humidified dry gas using the first gas and the second gas may accumulate in the first cover 3. When the condensate accumulated in the first cover 3 is supplied to the fuel cell stack together with the humidified dry gas, overflow may occur, causing the condensate to block the flow path of the separator plate of the fuel cell, thereby reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. In order to prevent this, the first filling unit 23 of the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may be implemented as follows. In this case, the first filling unit 23 may be implemented as a filling unit of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Reference Figures 2 to 8 , the first filling unit 23 may include a first filling body 232 and a condensate discharge portion 233 .

[0062] The first filling body 232 forms a seal between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22. The first filling body 232 can be airtightly connected to one end of the intermediate housing by mechanical assembly. Therefore, the first filling body 232 can ensure that the first cover 3 is only in fluid communication with the hollow fiber membrane 221. The first insertion hole 231 can be formed through the first filling body 232. In this case, the cylinder 22 can be inserted into the first insertion hole 231 and arranged in the first filling body 232. The first filling body 232 can be made of rubber.

[0063] The condensate discharge portion 233 is formed in the first filling body 232. One end of the condensate discharge portion 233 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover 3, and the other end of the condensate discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the condensate discharge portion 233 may discharge the condensate in the first cover 3 into the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may achieve the following effects.

[0064] First, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can discharge the condensate in the first cover 3 into the intermediate housing 21 using the condensate discharge portion 233, thereby reducing the flow rate of the condensate accumulated in the first cover 3. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can reduce the flow rate of the condensate supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can prevent overflow due to condensate, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system.

[0065] Second, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may be implemented such that the installation of the condensate discharge portion 233 may be achieved by simply coupling the first filling body 232 to one end of the intermediate housing 21 because the condensate discharge portion 233 is formed in the first filling body 232. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may improve the ease of installation of the condensate discharge portion 233.

[0066] Third, in the comparative example, the first potting layer is used to seal the gap between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22 instead of the first filling unit 23, and the condensate discharge part 233 is inserted into the first potting layer, thereby possibly reducing the durability of the first potting layer. This is because, in the comparative example, the first potting layer is formed by hardening a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. Therefore, the comparative example has a high risk of damage or rupture (such as cracks) of the first potting layer, which may lead to a reduction in humidification efficiency due to direct mixing of the first gas with the second gas.

[0067] In contrast, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is implemented so that the condensate discharge portion 233 is formed in the first filling body 232 having a higher strength than the first potting layer of the comparative example. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can reduce the flow rate of condensate supplied to the fuel cell stack using the condensate discharge portion 233, and at the same time can reduce the risk of damage or rupture of the first filling body 232 due to the condensate discharge portion 233, thereby preventing direct mixing of the first gas with the second gas, and thus can improve the humidification efficiency.

[0068] Fourth, in the comparative example using the first potting layer instead of the first filling unit 23 , the casting process for forming the first potting layer takes considerable time, and thus the work of sealing the gap between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22 and installing the condensate drain 233 takes considerable time.

[0069] In contrast, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is implemented so that the sealing between the intermediate housing 21 and the cylinder 22 is achieved by mechanical assembly of the first filling body 232 without a casting process, thereby achieving the installation of the condensate discharge part 233. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can help reduce the time for the manufacturing process.

[0070] The condensate discharge part 233 and the first filling body 232 may be integrally formed. In this case, the condensate discharge part 233 and the first filling body 232 may be integrally formed by injection molding. A portion of the condensate discharge part 233 may be implemented by a hole formed in the first filling body 232. Since the condensate discharge part 233 and the first filling body 232 are integrally formed, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may omit the work of coupling the condensate discharge part 233 and the first filling body 232 to each other, thereby contributing to further reducing the manufacturing process time.

[0071] The condensate discharge portion 233 may include an introduction member 2331 .

[0072] The introduction member 2331 is in fluid communication with the inside of the first cover 3. The introduction member 2331 may serve as a passage through which condensate in the first cover 3 is introduced. The first filling body 232 may be disposed such that the introduction member 2331 faces the inside of the first cover 3.

[0073] The introduction member 2331 may be disposed at a distance from the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 (at Figure 8 The distance between the intermediate housing 21 and the upper surface 21a (shown in Figure 821a of the intermediate housing 21. That is, the introduction member 2311 may be arranged closer to the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the introduction member 2331 may be arranged at the lower side of the first cover 3, whereby the condensate accumulated at the lower side of the first cover 3 may be easily introduced by gravity. In addition, the introduction member 2331 may reduce the level of the condensate accumulated at the lower side in the first cover 3, thereby further reducing the flow rate of the condensate supplied to the fuel cell stack. At the same time, the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 may be a side wall of the side wall of the intermediate housing 21 on which the first gas inlet 212 is arranged. The lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 and the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 may be arranged to be opposite to each other. The lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 and the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second axis direction (Y axis direction). The lower surface 21 b of the intermediate housing 21 and the upper surface 21 a of the intermediate housing 21 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an axial direction perpendicular to each of a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction).

[0074] The introduction member 2331 may be formed in the first filling body 232 so as to protrude toward the inside of the first cover 3. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may increase the depth of the introduction member 2331 inserted into the first cover 3, thereby increasing the flow rate of the condensate accumulated in the first cover 3 introduced using the introduction member 2331.

[0075] The condensate drain portion 233 may include a drain member 2332 .

[0076] The discharge member 2332 is in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing 21. The discharge member 2332 may function as a passage through which condensate is discharged into the intermediate housing 21. The first filling body 232 may be disposed such that the discharge member 2332 faces the interior of the intermediate housing 21.

[0077] The discharge member 2332 may be disposed at a position where the distance from the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 is smaller than the distance from the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21. That is, the discharge member 2332 may be disposed closer to the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may cause the condensate discharged into the intermediate housing 21 through the discharge member 2332 to flow toward the cylinder 22 by gravity. Therefore, since the condensate discharged through the discharge member 2332 may be used for humidification, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may contribute to a further increase in the efficiency of the fuel cell system by further increasing the humidification efficiency.

[0078] The discharge member 2332 may be formed in the first filling body 232 so as to protrude toward the inside of the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may increase the depth of the discharge member 2332 inserted into the intermediate housing 21, thereby reducing the flow distance of the condensate discharged through the discharge member 2332 to be introduced into the second gas inlet 225 of the cylinder 22. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may further increase the flow rate of the condensate used for humidification among the condensate discharged through the discharge member 2332.

[0079] The discharge member 2332 can discharge the condensate between the first gas inlet 212 and the barrel 22. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can discharge the condensate to the first gas introduced into the intermediate housing 21 through the first gas inlet 212, thereby increasing the humidity of the first gas, thereby further increasing the humidification efficiency. In this case, the first gas may correspond to moisture. The discharge member 2332 may be formed in the first filling body 232, located at a position where the condensate can be discharged between the first gas inlet 212 and the barrel 22. The discharge member 2332 may be formed to protrude from the first filling body 232 at a position corresponding to the gap between the first gas inlet 212 and the barrel 22.

[0080] The condensate discharge portion 233 may include a connection member 2333 .

[0081] A connection member 2333 is formed in the first filling body 232 so as to connect the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 to each other. Condensate introduced through the introduction member 2331 may flow along the connection member 2333 and may be discharged into the intermediate housing 21 through the discharge member 2332. In this case, due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the first cover 3 and the internal pressure of the intermediate housing 21, the condensate may be discharged into the intermediate housing 21 by flowing along the introduction member 2331, the connection member 2333, and the discharge member 2332. The connection member 2333 may be connected to each of the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 in the first filling body 232.

[0082] The connecting member 2333 may include a connecting hole 2334. The connecting hole 2334 may extend in the first filling body 232 in a direction in which the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 and the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the discharge member 2333 disposed closer to the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21 and the introduction member 2331 disposed closer to the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 may be connected to each other via the connecting hole 2334. The connecting hole 2334 may be formed through the connecting member 2333. The connecting member 2333 may correspond to a portion of the first filling body 232.

[0083] The lower end of the connection hole 2334 may be connected to the introduction hole 2335 of the introduction member 2331. The introduction hole 2335 may be connected to each of the inside of the first cover 3 and the lower end of the connection hole 2334. The introduction hole 2335 may be formed through the introduction member 2331.

[0084] The upper end of the connection hole 2334 may be connected to the discharge hole 2336 of the discharge member 2332. The discharge hole 2336 may be connected to each of the interior of the intermediate housing 21 and the upper end of the connection hole 2334. The discharge hole 2336 may be formed through the discharge member 2332. The discharge hole 2336, the connection hole 2334, and the introduction hole 2335 may be in fluid communication with each other. Therefore, condensate may be introduced through the introduction hole 2335, may flow to the discharge hole 2336 via the connection hole 2334, and may be discharged into the intermediate housing 21 through the discharge hole 2336.

[0085] Reference Figures 2 to 10 , the first filling unit 23 may include a plurality of first insertion holes 231. The first insertion holes 231 and 231' are formed through the first filling body 232. The first insertion holes 231 and 231' may be formed through the first filling body 232 so as to be spaced apart from each other. The cartridge 22 may be inserted into each of the first insertion holes 231 and 231'. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is implemented so that a plurality of cartridges 22 may be accommodated in the intermediate housing 21. The first filling body 232 may be in close contact with the cartridge 22 inserted into each of the first insertion holes 231 and 231' to form a seal between the outer surface of each cartridge 22 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21.

[0086] When the first insertion holes 231 and 231' are provided, the condensate discharge portion 233 may be provided between the first insertion holes 231 and 231'. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure may implement the condensate discharge portion 233 using a portion of the first filling body 232 that is left due to the first insertion holes 231 and 231' being spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure is implemented so that the condensate discharge portion 233 may be formed in the first filling body 232 without increasing the overall size of the first filling body 232, or while reducing the rate of increase in the overall size of the first filling body 232. Fig. 9 , it is shown that two first insertion holes 231 and 231' are formed in the first filling body 232; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and three or more first insertion holes 231 may be formed in the first filling body 232. In this case, the condensate discharge part 233 may be provided between the first insertion holes 231. Two or more condensate discharge parts 233 may be formed in the first filling body 232.

[0087] At the same time, if Fig.10 As shown in, the exhaust member 2332 and the introduction member 2331 can protrude from the first filling body 232 to have different lengths. The exhaust member 2332 and the introduction member 2331 can protrude from the opposite surfaces of the first filling body 232 in opposite directions. The exhaust member 2332 and the introduction member 2331 can extend parallel to the first axis direction (X axis direction). The exhaust member 2332 can protrude so as to have a greater length than the introduction member 2331. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can further increase the flow rate of the condensate to the first gas introduced through the first gas inlet 212 by reducing the distance between the exhaust member 2332 and the first gas inlet 212. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present disclosure can further increase the humidity of the first gas using the condensate discharged through the exhaust member 2332.

[0088] Meanwhile, in the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the modification of the present disclosure, the condensate discharge part 233 may be implemented so that the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 are disposed at the same height, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in . In this case, the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 by the same distance. The introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 may be arranged at a position where the distance from the lower surface 21b of the intermediate housing 21 is less than the distance from the upper surface 21a of the intermediate housing 21. The introduction member 2331, the discharge member 2332 and the connection member 2333 may be arranged at the same height. In this case, the connection member 2333 may extend in the direction in which the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 are spaced apart from each other. The introduction hole 2335, the connection hole 2334 and the discharge hole 2336 may be formed to be connected to each other at the same height. In this case, the introduction hole 2335, the connection hole 2334 and the discharge hole 2336 may be formed so that the introduction member 2331 and the discharge member 2332 are connected to each other in a straight line in the direction in which the introduction member and the discharge member are spaced apart from each other.

[0089] The above-mentioned present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and drawings, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs that various substitutions, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A filling unit, provided in a humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier comprising: a humidification module configured to humidify dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using wet gas; a first cover connected to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover connected to the other end of the humidification module, the filling unit comprising: a first filling body, hermetically coupled to one end of the intermediate housing of the humidification module by mechanical assembly so that the first cover is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes of the humidification module; and A condensate drain is formed in the first packing body, wherein One end of the condensate drain portion is in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover, and the other end of the condensate drain portion is in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing to drain condensate in the first cover into the intermediate housing.

2. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate discharge unit comprises: an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, the introduction member being configured to allow condensate in the first cover to be introduced therethrough; a drain member in fluid communication with an interior of the intermediate housing, the drain member being configured to allow the condensate to drain into the intermediate housing through the drain member; and A connecting member is formed in the first filling body so as to connect the introduction member and the discharge member to each other.

3. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate drain includes an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, and The introduction member is disposed at a position where a distance from a lower surface of the intermediate housing is smaller than a distance from an upper surface of the intermediate housing.

4. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate drain includes an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, and The introduction member is formed in the first filling body so as to protrude toward an interior of the first cover.

5. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing, and The discharge member is disposed at a position where a distance from an upper surface of the intermediate housing is smaller than a distance from a lower surface of the intermediate housing.

6. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing, and The discharge member is formed in the first filling body so as to protrude toward an interior of the intermediate housing.

7. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing, and The exhaust member exhausts condensate between a first gas inlet and a cylinder of the humidification module, the first gas inlet being configured to allow a first gas to be introduced into the intermediate housing through the first gas inlet.

8. The filling unit according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting member includes a connecting hole extending in the first filling body in a direction in which the upper surface of the intermediate housing and the lower surface of the intermediate housing are spaced apart from each other, The introduction member includes an introduction hole connected to each of an inner portion of the first cover and a lower end of the connection hole, and The discharge member includes a discharge hole connected to each of the inside of the intermediate housing and an upper end of the connection hole.

9. The filling unit according to claim 1, comprising: A plurality of first insertion holes are formed through the first filling body, wherein: The barrel of the humidification module is inserted into each of the first insertion holes, and The condensate discharge portion is provided between the first insertion holes.

10. The filling unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first filling body and the condensate drain are formed integrally.

11. A humidifier for a fuel cell, the humidifier comprising: a humidification module configured to humidify dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using wet gas; a first cover connected to one end of the humidification module; and A second cover is connected to the other end of the humidification module, wherein: The humidification module comprises: an intermediate housing having open opposite ends; at least one cartridge comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and a first packing unit, hermetically coupled to one end of the intermediate housing by mechanical assembly, so that the first cover is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes, The first filling unit includes: a first filling body configured to form a seal between the intermediate housing and the cylinder; and a condensate discharge portion formed in the first filling body, and One end of the condensate drain portion is in fluid communication with the interior of the first cover, and the other end of the condensate drain portion is in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing to drain condensate in the first cover into the intermediate housing.

12. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate discharge unit comprises: an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, the introduction member being configured to allow condensate in the first cover to be introduced therethrough; a drain member in fluid communication with an interior of the intermediate housing, the drain member being configured to allow the condensate to drain into the intermediate housing through the drain member; and A connecting member is formed in the first filling body so as to connect the introduction member and the discharge member to each other.

13. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate drain includes an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, and The introduction member is disposed at a position where a distance from a lower surface of the intermediate housing is smaller than a distance from an upper surface of the intermediate housing.

14. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate drain includes an introduction member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cover, and The introduction member is formed in the first filling body so as to protrude toward an interior of the first cover.

15. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing, and The discharge member is disposed at a position where a distance from an upper surface of the intermediate housing is smaller than a distance from a lower surface of the intermediate housing.

16. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing, and The discharge member is formed in the first filling body so as to protrude toward an interior of the intermediate housing.

17. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The condensate drain includes a drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the intermediate housing. The intermediate housing includes a first gas inlet configured to allow a first gas to be introduced therethrough, and The exhaust member exhausts condensate between the first gas inlet and the cylinder.

18. The humidifier according to claim 12, wherein: The connecting member includes a connecting hole extending in the first filling body in a direction in which the upper surface of the intermediate housing and the lower surface of the intermediate housing are spaced apart from each other, The introduction member includes an introduction hole connected to each of an inner portion of the first cover and a lower end of the connection hole, and The discharge member includes a discharge hole connected to each of the inside of the intermediate housing and an upper end of the connection hole.

19. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein: The first filling unit includes a plurality of first insertion holes formed through the first filling body, The cylinder is inserted into each of the first insertion holes, and The condensate discharge portion is provided between the first insertion holes.

20. The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein The first filling body and the condensate drain are formed integrally.

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