Humidifier and manufacturing process of humidifier

Abstract

The invention relates to a humidifier and a manufacturing process of the humidifier. The humidifier (100) comprises a wound portion (10) surrounding a central axis (80) and comprising enclosures (12), a first of the enclosures comprising a first pair of semipermeable membranes (14) separated by a first spacer layer (16) to form one of the moisture channels (20), and a second of the enclosures comprising a second pair of semipermeable membranes (14) separated by a second spacer layer (18) to form one of the dry gas channels (22). The dry gas channel (22) is configured to receive a dry gas (52) through at least a portion of the first face region (24) of the wrap portion and in an axial direction along the dry gas channel. The moisture channel (20) is configured to receive a moisture gas (50) through at least a portion of a second face region (26) of the wound portion and in an axial direction along the moisture channel, the second face region (26) being opposite the first face region (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier, in particular a humidifier for a fuel cell system, and a process for making a humidifier. Background Art

[0002] Humidifiers are used, for example, to humidify process gases for fuel cells, which operate with molecular hydrogen and / or oxygen or air for power generation. For this reason, the process gases supplied to the fuel cells are usually set to a desired stable humidity in the humidifier. The humidifier comprises a flow plate, which is usually provided with a channel structure, wherein the channels adjoin a water transfer medium, which is usually in the form of a semi-permeable layer, such as a water transfer membrane. The assembly usually provides a plurality of flow plates, between which water transfer membranes are arranged.

[0003] For example, on one side of the semipermeable layer, wet gas, such as exhaust gas from a fuel cell, is directed through the channels of an adjacent flow plate, and on the opposite side of the semipermeable layer, dry gas, such as fresh air, is passed through the channels of a second flow plate. In this case, the wet gas on one side of the semipermeable layer releases moisture to the semipermeable layer, and on the opposite side, the semipermeable layer releases moisture to the dry gas.

[0004] DE102008006735A1 discloses a water vapor transfer unit as a humidifier for a fuel cell system, which adopts a spiral winding design to reduce its size and improve its performance. The water vapor transfer unit includes a central tube having a plurality of openings through which cathode exhaust flows. The water vapor transfer unit also includes a cylindrical portion wound around the central tube, the cylindrical portion including a plurality of enclosures and a plurality of dry spacers separating the enclosures. Each enclosure includes a pair of membranes separated by a wet spacer. Dry cathode inlet air flows along the dry spacers between the enclosures, and the cathode exhaust flows into the plurality of enclosures along the wet spacers through the openings in the central tube to allow the membrane to absorb the humidification portion (humidification) transferred to the cathode inlet air. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective humidifier, in particular a humidifier for a fuel cell system.

[0006] Another object is to provide a cost-effective process for manufacturing a humidifier.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a winding portion, the winding portion surrounding a central axis, and comprising an enclosure, the first of the enclosures comprising a first pair of semipermeable membranes, the first pair of semipermeable membranes being separated by a first spacer layer to form one of the wet gas channels, and the second of the enclosures comprising a second pair of semipermeable membranes, the second pair of semipermeable membranes being separated by a second spacer layer to form one of the dry gas channels. The dry gas channel is configured to receive dry gas in an axial direction through at least a portion of a first front area of ​​the winding portion and along the dry gas channel. The wet gas channel is configured to receive wet gas in the axial direction through at least a portion of a second front area of ​​the winding portion and along the wet gas channel, the second front area being opposite to the first front area.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, the other purpose is achieved by a process for manufacturing a humidifier, the process comprising forming an enclosure by: providing a first part of a semipermeable membrane; arranging a first spacer layer on the top of the first part of the semipermeable membrane; setting a disconnect track of sealing material at the edge of the first part of the semipermeable membrane to form a wet gas channel; arranging a second part of the semipermeable membrane; arranging a second spacer layer on the top of the second part of the semipermeable membrane; and setting a disconnect track of the sealing material at the edge of the second part of the semipermeable membrane to form a dry gas channel; and forming a winding part of the humidifier by winding the enclosure around a central axis.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a humidifier is proposed, in particular a humidifier for a fuel cell system, the humidifier comprising at least one winding portion surrounding a central axis, the winding portion having a plurality of enclosures and a plurality of first spacer layers separating the enclosures, thereby forming a wet gas channel, wherein each enclosure comprises a pair of semipermeable membranes separated by a second spacer layer, thereby forming a dry gas channel. One or more dry gas channels are provided for dry gas, wherein the dry gas flows through at least a portion of a first front area of ​​the winding portion and is transferred along the winding portion between the enclosures along the dry gas channel in an axial direction. One or more wet gas channels are provided for wet gas, wherein the wet gas flows through at least a portion of a second front area of ​​the winding portion, the second front area being opposite to the first front area, and is transferred along the winding portion between the enclosures along the wet gas channel in an axial direction opposite to the dry gas.

[0011] The proposed humidifier is equipped with two separate gas-tight flow channels in a very small installation space, in which a water-permeable membrane is additionally integrated with a simultaneous low pressure difference. This is achieved by a coiled double-layer spiral humidifier and an axial flow using the coflow or counterflow principle.

[0012] The proposed wound spiral humidifier allows an optimal axial inflow of dry intake air and wet exhaust air and at the same time allows a free choice of different spiral shapes, such as, for example, circular, oval, hexagonal, in order to be able to optimally utilize the limited installation space. During the winding process, the necessary frontal and segmented closure of the channels on the dry side and wet side is achieved by applying a seal in the frontal area. Via the segmented end discs, the wet exhaust air and dry intake air pass through the spiral humidifier in co-flow or counter-flow. Since the support plates necessary for stacked flat plate humidifiers are omitted, which have an impact on the installation space, weight, the spiral humidifier offers significant advantages in terms of space, weight and costs.

[0013] An important function of the spacer layer in the form of a grid is to swirl the flow in order to increase the water transport through the semipermeable membrane. Simply by inserting the grid, different grid shapes can be considered to achieve the best compromise between pressure loss and water transport, while at the same time easily varying the channel height.

[0014] The dry side channels and the wet side channels of the enclosure are wound together around the core, whereby different winding shapes are possible, such as circular, oval, elliptical, hexagonal (honeycomb) and other shapes are possible in order to make optimal use of different spaces. Due to the water-permeable but pressure-tight membrane, there are no air leaks between the wound dry channels and wet channels. The channels on the dry side and the wet side are longitudinally sealed at the start and end positions in the front area, for example by tracks with hot melt adhesive.

[0015] In contrast to the prior art, the proposed humidifier has only axial flow through it in order to be able to operate the humidifier with the lowest possible pressure loss and to enable the necessary sealing from the dry side to the wet side to be achieved in a process-safe and simple manner. The dry side and the wet side are operated in countercurrent and cocurrent flow in order to achieve an advantageous transfer of moisture through the semipermeable membrane. Since the channel height is, for example, between about 0.5 and 1.5 mm, separate and close filling and discharge of air on the dry side and the wet side is necessary, so that the largest possible cross-sectional area is used.

[0016] The winding principle with wet and dry channels does not require any additional radial seals. Large membrane areas can be accommodated in a compact installation space with low pressure losses. No more than segmented end discs and a simple outer tube, no complex housing with additional sealing points is required. The winding process is a reliable and cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, the wet gas channel and the dry gas channel can be configured for counter-flow and / or co-flow of wet gas and dry gas through the winding. Thus, an advantageous moisture transfer through the semi-permeable membrane can be achieved.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, means can be provided for supplying dry gas to the first frontal area in a sealed manner, and means can be provided for supplying wet gas to the second frontal area in a sealed manner. By means of the segmented end plate, wet exhaust gas and dry intake gas can advantageously be passed through the spiral humidifier in counterflow and coflow.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, each of the first front area and the second front area can be subdivided into segments of equal size. The dry gas channel or the wet gas channel can be constructed as a blind channel within one of these segments. The segments with blind dry gas channels and the segments with blind wet gas channels can be arranged alternately side by side on each of the first front area and the second front area. The segments with blind dry gas channels on the first front area correspond to the segments with open dry gas channels on the second front area, and the segments with open wet gas channels on the first front area correspond to the segments with blind wet gas channels on the second front area. Through the segmented end plate, the wet exhaust gas and the dry intake air can advantageously pass through the spiral humidifier in counterflow and coflow for advantageous moisture transfer through the semipermeable membrane.

[0020] Alternatively, it may also be advantageous if the sections with blind dry gas channels on the first frontal area correspond to the sections with blind wet gas channels on the second frontal area, and vice versa. Such an arrangement may also be advantageous for optimizing the swirling behavior of the dry and wet gases and, therefore, for optimizing the water transfer through the semipermeable membrane.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, the number of sectors may correspond to 360 divided by an integer such that the remainder of the division is equal to zero. Thus, an equal number of sectors for wet gas and dry gas may be provided on the circular front area accordingly.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, the humidifier may further comprise a sealing material configured to close a blind channel on the first frontal area or the second frontal area. In particular, the penetration depth of the sealing material into the winding portion in the axial direction may not exceed 15 mm, preferably not exceed 10 mm. Advantageously, the channels on the dry side and the wet side may be longitudinally sealed at the start and end positions in the frontal area, for example by tracks with hot melt adhesive, in order to separate the flowing wet gas and the dry gas for an advantageous moisture transfer through the semipermeable membrane.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, the sealing material may comprise rails separating the segments on the first front area and the second front area. Thus, a clear separation between adjacent segments may be ensured in order to advantageously separate the wet gas and the dry gas.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, each of the first and second spacer layers may comprise a grid (e.g. made of plastic) that crosses in two planes. An important function of the spacer layer in the form of a grid is to swirl the flow in order to increase the water transport through the semipermeable membrane. The crossed grids may advantageously enhance the swirling behavior of the flowing gas.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the humidifier, the winding part can have one of a cylindrical cross section, a triangular cross section, a rectangular cross section, a hexagonal cross section, an elliptical cross section, and a set of the closest adjacent winding parts having a hexagonal cross section. Advantageously, different cross sections can be selected according to the limited installation space requirements for the humidifier.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a process for manufacturing a humidifier is proposed, which forms an enclosure by at least the following means: providing a first portion of a semipermeable membrane; arranging a first spacer layer on top of the first portion of the semipermeable membrane; setting a disconnect track of sealing material at the edge of the first portion of the semipermeable membrane to close the wet gas channel; arranging a second portion of the semipermeable membrane; arranging a second spacer layer on top of the second portion of the semipermeable membrane; setting a disconnect track of sealing material at the edge of the second portion of the semipermeable membrane to close the dry gas channel; and forming the winding portion by winding the enclosure around a central axis.

[0027] The dry side channels and the wet side channels of the enclosure are wound together around the core, whereby different winding shapes are possible, such as circular, oval, elliptical, hexagonal (honeycomb) and other shapes are possible in order to make optimal use of different spaces. Due to the water-permeable but pressure-tight membrane, there are no air leaks between the wound dry channels and wet channels. The channels on the dry side and the wet side are longitudinally sealed at the start and end positions in the front area, for example by tracks with hot melt adhesive.

[0028] The winding principle with wet and dry channels does not require any additional radial seals. Large membrane areas can be accommodated in a compact installation space with low pressure losses. No more than segmented end discs and a simple outer tube, no complex housing with additional sealing points is required. The winding process is a reliable and cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the process, the length and position of the breaking track of sealing material can be adapted to the total length of the surrounding according to the actual radius of the winding portion. Thus, the track of sealing material can advantageously be adapted to the shape of the segment selected for optimal gas flow into and out of the front area of ​​the humidifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention, together with the above and other objects and advantages, can be best understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. The accompanying drawings show:

[0031] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an unwound enclosure of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention having two membranes and a spacer layer;

[0032] Figure 2 is a front view of a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, in particular a humidifier for a fuel cell system;

[0033] Figure 3 is based on Figure 2 Isometric view of a humidifier;

[0034] Figure 4 is a front view of a humidifier having a triangular cross section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 is a front view of a humidifier having a rectangular cross-section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 is a front view of a humidifier having a hexagonal cross-section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 is a front view of a humidifier having an elliptical cross-section according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 is a detailed view of an edge portion of a humidifier having a rectangular cross section;

[0039] Fig. 9 is a front view of a humidifier having a collection of proximal neighboring sections according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sections having a hexagonal cross-section;

[0040] Fig.10 is a front view of a humidifier having a cylindrical cross-section with a segmented front area according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.11is a front view of a humidifier having a cylindrical cross-section with a different number of segments according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.12 is a front view of a humidifier having a cylindrical cross-section with a different number of segments according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.13 is based on Fig.12 Detailed view of the front area of ​​the humidifier;

[0044] Fig.14 The side view and two front views are shown according to Fig.11 humidifier;

[0045] Fig.15 is a front view of the unfolded enclosure;

[0046] Fig.16 is a front view of unfolded enclosures having different lengths;

[0047] Fig.17 is based on Fig.11 A perspective view of a humidifier;

[0048] Fig.18 is based on Fig.17 A first plan view of a humidifier; and

[0049] Fig.19 is based on Fig.17 A second plan view of a humidifier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. The accompanying drawings are only schematic representations and are not intended to depict specific parameters of the present invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only intended to depict typical embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an unwound enclosure 12 of a humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention having two membranes 14 and first and second spacer layers 16 , 18 is depicted.

[0052] The two films 14 are separated by a second spacer layer 18, forming a dry channel 22. A first spacer layer 16 is arranged on top of the upper film 14, forming a wet channel 20 when the next enclosure 12 is arranged on top during the winding process.

[0053] The semipermeable membrane 14 separates the wet exhaust gas flow channel from the dry supply gas flow channel. The semipermeable membrane 14 can be designed as a PFSA (perfluorosulfonic acid) membrane, for example. This membrane is also commonly used as a proton exchange membrane. The membrane is impermeable to air but permeable to water.

[0054] The first and second spacer layers 16, 18 are constructed as plastic meshes. The spacer layers 16, 18 are used to fix the height of the gas flow channels 20, 22 and support the membrane 14 to resist the pressure of the flowing gas. In addition, the spacer layers 16, 18 are used to swirl the flowing gas.

[0055] For this purpose, the plastic mesh is crossed in each of two planes 38 , 39 for an advantageous swirling of the flowing gas and thus an advantageous transfer of moisture through the membrane 14 .

[0056] Due to the fact that the grid is only inserted, different grid shapes can easily be considered in order to achieve the best compromise between pressure loss and moisture transfer, while at the same time the channel height can easily be varied.

[0057] Figure 2 A humidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly a humidifier 100 for a fuel cell system, is depicted in front view. Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 2 An isometric view of a humidifier 100 .

[0058] The humidifier 100, in particular, a humidifier 100 for a fuel cell system, comprises a winding portion 10 around a central axis 80, the winding portion 10 having a plurality of enclosures 12 and a plurality of first spacer layers 16 separating the enclosures 12, thereby forming a wet gas channel 20. Each enclosure 12 comprises a pair of semipermeable membranes 14, the pair of semipermeable membranes 14 being separated by a second spacer layer 18, thereby forming a dry gas channel 22, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0059] The winding portion 10 is configured to have a cylindrical cross section 40 .

[0060] One or more dry gas channels 22 are provided for the dry gas 52, wherein the dry gas 52 flows through at least a portion of the first front area 24 of the winding portion 10 and is transferred along the winding portion 10 between the surrounding parts 12 along the dry gas channels 22 in the axial direction 80, such as Fig.14 Schematically shown in FIG.

[0061] One or more wet gas channels 20 are provided for the wet gas 50, wherein the wet gas 50 flows through at least a portion of a second front area 26 of the winding portion 10, which second front area 26 is opposite to the first front area 24, and is transmitted along the winding portion 10 between the surrounding parts 12 along the wet gas channel 20 in an axial direction 80 opposite to the dry gas 52.

[0062] Due to the water-permeable but pressure-tight membrane 14, there is no air leakage between the wrapped dry channels 22 and wet channels 20. The channels on the dry and wet sides are longitudinally sealed at the start and end of the frontal areas 24, 26, for example by tracks with hot melt adhesive.

[0063] exist Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the example has a channel height 21 , 23 of 1.5 mm, and a number of turns 22 and a length 75 of 250 mm, accommodating a 3.5 m 2 The diameter 76 of the winding portion 10 is 166 mm.

[0064] By halving the channel height 21, 23 to 0.75 mm, 7m can be accommodated in almost the same space. 2 The channel heights 21 and 23 of the wet gas channel 20 and the dry gas channel 22 may be the same. Alternatively, the channel heights 21 and 23 may also be different.

[0065] By using other spiral shapes, such as a hexagonal spiral shape (honeycomb), better use of the available space can be made.

[0066] Figure 4 depicts a front view of a humidifier 100 having a triangular cross-section 42, Figure 5 has a rectangular cross-section 44, and Figure 6 It has a hexagonal cross section 46 .

[0067] However, for the angular spiral shape, the angular winding shape is only used for a few layers because there is actually only one corner radius, and the corner radius increases from one layer to another, such as Figure 8 As shown in the detailed view of the edge portion of the humidifier 100 having a rectangular cross-section in FIG. 1 , the angular spiral form approaches a circular or elliptical spiral shape 48 having a large number of layers, such as Figure 7 as shown in .

[0068] The hexagonal spiral shape (honeycomb) is particularly suitable for space-saving arrangement of spiral humidifiers 100 in parallel circuits, such as Fig. 9 1 is a front view of a humidifier 100 having a collection 45 of closest adjacent winding sections 10 having a hexagonal cross section 46. The honeycomb structure is advantageous in many applications due to its unique geometric properties. It provides high strength, coupled with low weight, optimal surface area per unit material, and efficient use of space.

[0069] In contrast to the prior art, the proposed humidifier 100 has only axial flow through it, so that the humidifier 100 can be operated with as low a pressure loss as possible and the necessary sealing from the dry side to the wet side can be achieved in a process-safe and simple manner. The dry side and the wet side are operated in countercurrent and cocurrent flow to achieve an advantageous moisture transfer through the semipermeable membrane 14. Since the channel height is, for example, between about 0.5-1.5 mm, separate and tight filling and discharge of air on the dry side and the wet side is necessary, so that the largest possible cross-sectional area is used.

[0070] To achieve this, both ends of the cylindrical coiled humidifier 100 can be divided into equal-sized sections 30, 32. The number n of sections 30, 32 can be selected so that the remainder of the integer division 360 / n is equal to 0 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, ...). The higher the number n of sections 30, 32, the faster and more uniform the flow is distributed in the channels 20, 22. However, the number n of sections 30, 32 also takes into account practical considerations related to installation space and simple inflow and outflow piping.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig.10 A front view of a humidifier 100 with a cylindrical cross section having a segmented front area is depicted. In this case, four segments 30, 32 are selected. Fig.11 A front view of a humidifier 100 having eight segments 30, 32 according to another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Fig.12 A front view of a humidifier 100 having twelve segments is shown in FIG.

[0072] In each section 30 , 32 , only the dry gas channel 22 or the wet gas channel 20 is open. Fig.13 A detailed view of sections 30, 32 is shown, where only one channel type is open at a time. In section 32, only dry gas channels 22 are open, while in section 30, only wet gas channels 20 are open.

[0073] The blind wet gas channel 20 and the blind dry gas channel 22 are closed by a sealing material 34, in particular an adhesive, on the first front area 24 or the second front area 26. In particular, the penetration depth 36 of the sealing material 34 into the winding part 10 of the humidifier 100 along the axial direction 80 does not exceed 15 mm, preferably does not exceed 10 mm. The penetration depth 36 is large enough to ensure the tightness and connection of the end cap to the humidifier 100.

[0074] The sections 30 , 32 on the first and second front areas 24 , 26 are also separated by the rail 63 of sealing material 34 .

[0075] Fig.14The winding part 10 is depicted in a side view and in two front views from both sides. Fig.11 100 humidifiers. Fig.17 Describes the basis Fig.11 100 is a perspective view of a humidifier 100. Fig.18 Describes the basis Fig.17 A first plan view of a humidifier 100 is shown. Fig.19 Describes the basis Fig.17 A second plan view of the humidifier 100 is shown.

[0076] The dry gas 52 and the wet gas 50 are shown to flow in and out of the sealed sections 30, 32 in accordance with the counter-flow and co-flow principles. Fig.14 ) or dot ( Fig.18 and 19 ) represents the gas 50, 52 entering the frontal regions 24, 26, and point ( Fig.14 ) or hatch ( Fig.18 and 19 ) symbolize the exiting gases 50, 52. The square symbolizes the dry gas 52 and the circle symbolizes the wet gas 50. After the inflow and before the outflow, a flow redirection takes place within the humidifier 100, wherein counterflow and coflow can occur.

[0077] The black lines at the first and second front areas 24 , 26 in the side view correspond to the penetration depth 36 of the sealing material 34 for closing the channels 20 , 22 .

[0078] The first front area 24 and the second front area 26 are subdivided into eight sections 30, 32 of the same size. The dry gas channel 22 or the wet gas channel 20 is configured as a blind channel 22, 20 in a section 30, 32. In particular, the section 30 with the blind dry gas channel 22 and the section 32 with the blind wet gas channel 20 are arranged alternately side by side on the first front area 24 and the second front area 26.

[0079] In particular, the section 30 with the blind dry gas channel 22 on the first front area 24 corresponds to the section 30 with the blind dry gas channel 22 on the second front area 26, and the section 32 with the blind wet gas channel 20 on the first front area 24 corresponds to the section 32 with the blind wet gas channel 20 on the second front area 26.

[0080] The wet gas passage 20 and the dry gas passage 22 are configured for counter-flow of wet gas 50 and dry gas 52 through the winding portion 10 .

[0081] The device 56 is provided for supplying dry gas 52 in a sealed manner to the first front area 24, and the device 54 is provided for supplying wet gas 50 in a sealed manner to the second front area 26. The devices 54, 56 are not described in further detail in the figures.

[0082] The dry gas 52 enters the first frontal region 24 through the segment 32 having the blind wet gas channels 20 and the open dry gas channels 22. The dry gas 52 is distributed in a spiral form through the entirety of the humidifier 100 in all the dry gas channels 22 within the winding portion 10, and exits through the segment 32 having the blind wet gas channels 20 and the open dry gas channels 22 on the second frontal region 26. The wet gas 50 enters the second frontal region 26 of the winding portion 10 through the segment 30 having the open wet gas channels 20, is distributed in all the wet gas channels 20 within the winding portion 10, and exits through the segment 30 having the open wet gas channels 20 on the first frontal region 24. Since the channels 20, 22 are wound around the central axis 80, the dry gas 52 and the wet gas 50 are distributed in a spiral manner around the central axis 80, thereby achieving effective moisture transfer through the semipermeable membrane 14.

[0083] Alternatively, it may also be advantageous if the sections 30 with blind dry gas channels 22 on the first frontal area 24 correspond to the sections 32 with blind wet gas channels 20 on the second frontal area 26, and vice versa. This arrangement may also be advantageous for optimizing the swirling behavior of the dry gas 52 and the wet gas 50, and therefore, for optimizing the moisture transfer through the semipermeable membrane 14.

[0084] In the process of manufacturing the humidifier 100, forming the enclosure 12 includes at least: providing a first part of the semipermeable membrane 14; arranging a first spacer layer 16 on the top of the first part of the semipermeable membrane 14; setting a disconnect track 60 of the sealing material 34 at the edge 64 of the first part of the semipermeable membrane 14, thereby closing the wet gas channel 20; arranging the second part of the semipermeable membrane 14; arranging a second spacer layer 18 on the top of the second part of the semipermeable membrane 14; setting a disconnect track 62 of the sealing material 34 at the edge 66 of the second part of the semipermeable membrane 14, thereby closing the dry gas channel 22; and forming the winding part 10 by winding the enclosure 12 around the central axis 80.

[0085] The sealing of the channels 20, 22 in the sections 30, 32 is achieved by quantitatively applying the sealant to the uniformly wound film 14 before the actual winding process. The arc length 68 and the position 70 of the sealing track 60, 62 of the winding spiral must be adapted to the current winding radius 74 (see Figure 2 ), that is, the arc length 68 of the sealing tracks 60 , 62 increases continuously with the radius 74 .

[0086] Thus, the length 68 and position 70 of the break tracks 60 , 62 of the sealing material 34 may be adapted to the overall length 72 of the enclosure 12 depending on the actual radius 74 of the wrapped portion 10 .

[0087] therefore, Fig.15 A front view of an unfolded enclosure 12 having a total length 72 of, for example, 400 mm is depicted, and Fig.16 1 shows a front view of an unfolded enclosure 12 having a different overall length 72 of, for example, 1200 mm.

[0088] It will be clearly seen that for enclosures 12 having a greater overall length 72 , the arc length 68 of the broken tracks 60 , 62 of the sealing material 34 varies significantly. Fig.15 and Fig.16 Also indicated in FIG. 3 is the penetration depth 36 of the sealing material 34 .

[0089] Reference numerals list

[0090] 10 Winding part

[0091] 12 Enclosure

[0092] 14 Semipermeable membrane

[0093] 16 First spacer layer

[0094] 18 Second spacer

[0095] 20 Wet Channel

[0096] 21 Height of wet aisle

[0097] 22 Main channel

[0098] 23 Height of dry channel

[0099] 24 First front area

[0100] 26 Second front area

[0101] 30 Segments

[0102] 32 Segments

[0103] 34 Sealing material

[0104] 36 Penetration Depth

[0105] 38 Plane

[0106] 39 Plane

[0107] 40 Cylindrical Section

[0108] 42 Triangular Section

[0109] 44 Rectangular Section

[0110] 45 Collections

[0111] 46 Hexagonal Section

[0112] 48 Oval Section

[0113] 50 Wet gas

[0114] 52 Dry gas

[0115] 54 Devices

[0116] 56 Installation

[0117] 60 Disconnect Track

[0118] 62 Disconnect line

[0119] 63 Track

[0120] 64 Edge

[0121] 66 Edge

[0122] 68 Length

[0123] 70 Position

[0124] 72 Total length

[0125] 74 Radius

[0126] 75 Length

[0127] 76 Diameter

[0128] 80 Central axis

[0129] 100 Humidifier

Claims

1. A humidifier (100), comprising: A wound portion (10) surrounding a central axis (80) and comprising enclosures (12), a first of the enclosures (12) comprising a first pair of semipermeable membranes (14) separated by a first spacer layer (16) to form one of the wet gas channels (20), and a second of the enclosures (12) comprising a second pair of semipermeable membranes (14) separated by a second spacer layer (18) to form one of the dry gas channels (22), wherein the dry gas passage (22) is configured to receive dry gas (52) through at least a portion of the first front region (24) of the winding portion (10) and along the dry gas passage (22) in an axial direction (80), The moisture passage (20) is configured to receive the wet gas (50) in the axial direction (80) through at least a portion of a second front area (26) of the winding portion (10) and along the moisture passage (20), the second front area (26) being opposite to the first front area (24), wherein each of the first front area (24) and the second front area (26) is subdivided into segments (30, 32) of equal size, and wherein the dry gas channel (22) or the wet gas channel (20) is constructed as a blind channel (22, 20) in one of the sections (30, 32); and A sealing material (34) configured to close the blind channels (20, 22) on the first front area (24) and the second front area (26), the sealing material (34) comprising a track (63) separating the sections (30, 32) on the first front area and the second front area (24, 26).

2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The wet gas passage (20) and the dry gas passage (22) are configured for counter-flow of the wet gas (50) and the dry gas (52) through the winding portion (10).

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The wet gas passage (20) and the dry gas passage (22) are configured for co-flow of the wet gas (50) and the dry gas (52) through the winding portion (10).

4. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The wet gas passage (20) and the dry gas passage (22) are configured for counter-flow and co-flow of the wet gas (50) and the dry gas (52) through the winding portion (10).

5. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The sections (30) with the blind dry gas channels (22) and the sections (32) with the blind wet gas channels (20) are arranged alternately side by side on each of the first front area (24) and the second front area (26).

6. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The section (30) with the blind dry gas channel (22) on the first front area (24) corresponds to the section (30) with the open dry gas channel (22) on the second front area (26), and The section (32) with the open moisture channel (20) on the first front area (24) corresponds to the section (32) with the blind moisture channel (20) on the second front area (26).

7. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The number of sections (30, 32) corresponds to 360 divided by an integer such that the remainder of the division is equal to zero.

8. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second spacer layers (16, 18) includes a grid intersected by the first spacer layer (16) or the second spacer layer (18) in two planes (38, 39).

9. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The winding portion (10) has one of a cylindrical cross-section (40), a triangular cross-section (42), a rectangular cross-section (44), a hexagonal cross-section (46), an elliptical cross-section (48), and a collection (45) of winding portions (10) having a hexagonal cross-section (46).

10. A process for manufacturing a humidifier (100), the process comprising: The enclosure (12) is formed by: providing a first portion of a semipermeable membrane (14); Arranging a first spacer layer (16) on top of the first portion of the semipermeable membrane (14); A break track (60) of a sealing material (34) is provided at an edge (64) of the first portion of the semipermeable membrane (14) to form a moisture channel (20); Arranging a second portion of the semipermeable membrane (14); Arranging a second spacer layer (18) on top of the second portion of the semipermeable membrane (14); as well as A disconnect track (62) of the sealing material (34) is provided at an edge (66) of the second portion of the semipermeable membrane (14) to form a dry gas channel (22); as well as The wound portion (10) of the humidifier (100) is formed by winding the enclosure (12) around a central axis (80).

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