Fuel cell membrane humidifier with multiple humidification modules connected in parallel

Abstract

There is provided a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, including: a first humidification module including a first air inlet on one side thereof, a first air outlet on the other side thereof, and a first intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is disposed; a second humidification module including a second air inlet on one side thereof, a second air outlet on the other side thereof, and a second intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is disposed; and a connecting member including a first coupling hole into which the first humidification module can be inserted and a second coupling hole into which the second humidification module can be inserted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel, and more particularly, to a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connection member. BACKGROUND

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation cell that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen with each other. Unlike general chemical cells such as batteries and accumulators, a fuel cell can continuously generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and has an advantage that efficiency is twice as high as that of an internal combustion engine since there is no heat loss.

[0003] A fuel cell system includes a stack, which is a power generation assembly of unit fuel cells each composed of a cathode and an anode, an air supply device for supplying air to the cathode of each fuel cell, and a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the anode of each fuel cell.

[0004] A polymer fuel cell of a fuel cell system requires sufficient moisture to enable an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to function smoothly, and for this purpose, the air supply device of the fuel cell system is equipped with a humidifier for humidifying air supplied to the fuel cell.

[0005] The humidifier humidifies dry air supplied by an air compressor of the air supply device by using moisture in high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell, and supplies the humidified air to the cathode of the fuel cell.

[0006] The humidifier of the fuel cell uses a membrane humidification method. In the membrane humidification type humidifier, membrane humidification is performed by a gas-gas moisture exchange method that exchanges high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell with dry air supplied by an air compressor. Hollow fiber membranes each having a hollow can be provided inside the membrane humidifier, and moisture exchange between the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust air and the dry air can be performed through the hollow fiber membranes.

[0007] In addition, a fuel cell system requiring high output requires a large amount of moisture, and thus a large-capacity membrane humidifier can be used, or a plurality of membrane humidifiers can be connected to be used. However, a problem with manufacturing a large-capacity membrane humidifier is that it is difficult to apply existing components since the design of the components needs to be changed.

[0008] To solve such a problem, a plurality of membrane humidifiers is generally connected through a hose or a pipe. However, if a plurality of membrane humidifiers is connected through a hose or a pipe, there is a problem in that pressure and heat loss increase and a system configuration becomes complicated. In addition, since a plurality of membrane humidifiers is connected through a hose or a pipe, there is a problem in that it is difficult to arrange a plurality of membrane humidifiers in parallel. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM To solve the above problem, the present disclosure provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a plurality of humidification modules is connected in parallel through a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cover coupled to the connection member.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto includes a first humidification module including a first air inlet on one side thereof, a first air outlet on the other side thereof, and a first intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is arranged, a second humidification module including a second air inlet on one side thereof, a second air outlet on the other side thereof, and a second intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is arranged, and a connection member including a first coupling hole into which the first humidification module can be inserted and a second coupling hole into which the second humidification module can be inserted.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, one side of the first humidification module including the first air inlet can be inserted into the first coupling hole of the connection member, and one side of the second humidification module including the second air inlet can be inserted into the second coupling hole of the connection member.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto includes an end cover including an internal space and an air inlet that is in communication with the internal space while being open to the outside, wherein the internal space of the end cover is in communication with the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module, and air introduced into the air inlet of the end cover can pass through the internal space and be introduced into the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto, the other side of the first humidifying module including the first air outlet can be inserted into the first coupling hole of the connection member, and the other side of the second humidifying module including the second air outlet can be inserted into the second coupling hole of the connection member.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto includes an end cap including an inner space and an air outlet which is in communication with the inner space while being open to the outside, wherein the inner space of the end cap is in communication with the first air outlet of the first humidifying module and the second air outlet of the second humidifying module, and air discharged from the first air outlet of the first humidifying module and the second air outlet of the second humidifying module can pass through the inner space and be discharged through the air outlet of the end cap.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto, the size of the first coupling hole provided in the connection member can be different from the size of the second coupling hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto, the thickness of the connection member at a point of the first coupling hole into which the first humidifying module is inserted can be greater than the thickness of the connection member at a point of the second coupling hole into which the second humidifying module is inserted.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto, a first sealing member can be provided between the first coupling hole of the connection member and the first humidifying module, and between the second coupling hole of the connection member and the second humidifying module, respectively.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidifying modules connected thereto, including: a first humidifying module including a first wet air inlet and a first wet air outlet, and a first intermediate case in which at least one humidifying membrane is disposed; a second humidifying module including a second wet air inlet and a second wet air outlet, and a second intermediate case in which at least one humidifying membrane is disposed; and a connection member including a first coupling hole into which the first wet air inlet or the first wet air outlet can be inserted, and a second coupling hole into which the second wet air inlet or the second wet air outlet can be inserted.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto includes an end cap including an internal space and a wet air inlet which is in communication with the internal space while being open to the outside, wherein the first wet air inlet is inserted into the first coupling hole of the connection member, the second wet air inlet is inserted into the second coupling hole, the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first wet air inlet and the second wet air inlet, and the wet air introduced into the wet air inlet of the end cap can pass through the internal space and be introduced into the first wet air inlet and the second wet air inlet.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto includes an end cap including an internal space and a wet air outlet which is in communication with the internal space while being open to the outside, wherein the first wet air outlet is inserted into the first coupling hole of the connection member, the second wet air outlet is inserted into the second coupling hole, the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first wet air outlet and the second wet air outlet, and the air discharged from the first wet air outlet and the second wet air outlet can pass through the internal space and be discharged via the wet air outlet of the end cap.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, the size of the first coupling hole provided in the connection member can be different from the size of the second coupling hole.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, the thickness of the connection member at a point where the first coupling hole into which the first wet air inlet or the first wet air outlet is inserted is provided can be greater than the thickness of the connection member at a point where the second coupling hole into which the second wet air inlet or the second wet air outlet is inserted is provided.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, a sealing member can be provided between the first coupling hole and the first wet air inlet or between the first coupling hole and the first wet air outlet, and between the second coupling hole and the second wet air inlet or between the second coupling hole and the second wet air outlet.

[0024] Advantages The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel, and has the advantage of being able to use a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by a connection member connecting a plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connection member.

[0025] Further, the present disclosure has the advantage that, by connecting a plurality of humidification modules in parallel using a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connection member, the space utilization within the system is improved.

[0026] Further, the present disclosure has the advantage that, by connecting a plurality of humidification modules in parallel using a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connection member, the degree of freedom of system design can be ensured while using a plurality of humidification modules.

[0027] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that, by connecting a plurality of humidification modules in parallel using a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connection member, a membrane humidifier can be applied to a high-capacity fuel cell system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a humidification module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a first humidification module and a second humidification module disposed in parallel so that an air inlet or an air outlet is arranged in parallel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a connection member coupled to the first humidification module and the second humidification module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an end cap coupled to the connection member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole of the connection member formed to have different sizes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a view illustrating that the thickness of the connection member at a point at which the first coupling hole into which the first humidification module is inserted is disposed is greater than the thickness of the connection member at a point at which the second coupling hole into which the second humidification module is inserted is disposed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a first humidification module and a second humidification module disposed in parallel so that a wet air inlet or a wet air outlet is arranged in parallel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8is a view showing a connection member coupled to a first humidification module and a second humidification module and an end cover coupled to the connection member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments according to the present inventive concept are shown and the principles of the present inventive concept are described so that those skilled in the art can embody the embodiments. The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in various forms.

[0038] Expressions such as "include" or "may include" used in various embodiments of the present inventive concept mean that there is a corresponding function, operation, component, etc., disclosed, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, components, etc. In addition, in various embodiments of the present inventive concept, terms such as "include", "have", or "consist of" are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but it should be understood that these terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] When a component is referred to as being "connected and coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the component can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there can also be new components between the component and the other component. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there is no new component between the component and the other component.

[0040] The terms first, second, etc. used in the present disclosure can be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel, and the present disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by a connection member connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cover coupled to the connection member. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel includes a first humidification module 110, a second humidification module 210, and a connection member 150.

[0043] ​The first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 can humidify gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 can have the same structure, and Figure 1 The first humidification module 110 is illustrated.

[0044] However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 can have the same structure but different sizes. In addition, the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 can have different structures.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 , the first humidification module 110 can include a first intermediate housing 120 in which one or a plurality of humidification membranes 121 are disposed. The first intermediate housing 120 can be a housing of the first humidification module 110, and can humidify gas to be supplied to the stack through the humidification membrane 121. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the humidification membrane 121 can be a hollow fiber membrane.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first intermediate housing 120 can include a cylinder 122 in which one or a plurality of humidification membranes 121 are disposed. The cylinder 122 can include an inner housing in which at least one humidification membrane 121 is disposed, and the cylinder 122 can be a unit module in which at least one humidification membrane 121 is disposed. A plurality of cylinders 122 can be provided in the first intermediate housing 120.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1 , the first air inlet 131 can be provided at one side of the first humidification module 110, and the first air outlet 132 can be provided at the other side of the first humidification module 110.

[0048] The first air inlet 131 is provided at one side of the first humidification module 110, and dry air can be introduced into the first humidification module 110 through the first air inlet 131. The dry air can be humidified in the first humidification module 110 by exchanging moisture with humid air.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first air inlet 131 and the first air outlet 132 can be components that are open from one side and the other side of the first humidification module 110 so that dry air can move.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first air inlet 131 can be a component that is open to the outside from one side of the first humidification module 110 to introduce dry air as Figure 1 illustrated. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first air inlet 131 can be provided in an end cover coupled to the first humidification module 110.

[0051] The first air outlet 132 can be provided at the other side of the first humidification module 110, dry air can be humidified by the first humidification module 110, and the humidified dry air can be discharged through the first air outlet 132.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first air outlet 132 can be a member that is open to the outside from the other side of the first humidification module 110 so that the humidified dry air can be discharged, as shown. Figure 1 However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first air inlet 131 can be provided in an end cover coupled to the first humidification module 110.

[0053] The second humidification module 210 can have the same structure as the first humidification module 110, the second humidification module 210 can have the same structure as the first humidification module 110 but different sizes. In addition, the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 can have different structures.

[0054] The second humidification module 210 can include a second intermediate housing 220 in which one or more humidification membranes 221 or a plurality of humidification membranes 221 are disposed. The second intermediate housing 220 can be a housing of the second humidification module 210, and can humidify gas to be supplied to the stack through the humidification membrane 221. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the humidification membrane 221 can be a hollow fiber membrane.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second intermediate housing 220 can include a cartridge 222 in which one or more humidification membranes are disposed. The cartridge 222 can include an inner housing in which at least one humidification membrane 221 is disposed, and the cartridge 222 can be a unit module in which at least one humidification membrane 221 is disposed. A plurality of cartridges 222 can be provided in the second intermediate housing 220.

[0056] The second air inlet 231 can be provided at one side of the second humidification module 210, and the second air outlet 232 can be provided at the other side of the second humidification module 210.

[0057] The second air inlet 231 is provided at one side of the second humidification module 210, and dry air can be introduced into the second humidification module 210 through the second air inlet 231. The dry air can be humidified in the second humidification module 210 by exchanging moisture with humid air.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second air inlet 231 and the second air outlet 232 can be members that are open from one side and the other side of the second humidification module 210 so that dry air can move.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second air inlet 231 can be a member that is open to the outside from one side of the second humidification module 210 to introduce dry air. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the second air inlet 231 can be provided in an end cover coupled to the second humidification module 210.

[0060] The second air outlet 232 can be provided at the other side of the second humidification module 210, dry air can be humidified by the second humidification module 210, and the humidified dry air can be discharged through the second air outlet 232.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second air outlet 232 can be a member that is open to the outside from the other side of the second humidification module 210 to discharge humidified dry air. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the second air inlet 231 can be provided in an end cover coupled to the second humidification module 210.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the connection member 150 includes a first coupling hole 151 in which the first humidification module 110 can be inserted and a second coupling hole 152 in which the second humidification module 210 can be inserted.

[0063] When the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are arranged in parallel as shown in Figure 2 , the connection member 150 can connect and fix the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 to each other. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the connection member 150 can be a housing in which the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are provided.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, one side of the first humidification module 110 provided with the first air inlet 131 can be inserted into the first coupling hole 151 of the connection member 150, and one side of the second humidification module 210 provided with the second air inlet 231 can be inserted into the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4 , a fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules according to one embodiment of the disclosure can include an end cover 160 having an internal space 161 and an air inlet 171 that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space 161.

[0066] The end cover 160 can be coupled to the connection member 150, and the end cover 160 can be provided with one air inlet 171. Air introduced into the air inlet 171 can be introduced into the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210 through the internal space 161.

[0067] Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cover 160 can communicate with the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210.

[0068] Accordingly, air introduced into the air inlet 171 of the end cover 160 can pass through the internal space 161 and can be introduced into the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the other side of the first humidification module 110 provided with the first air outlet 132 can be inserted into the first coupling hole 151 of the connection member 150, and the other side of the second humidification module 210 provided with the second air outlet 232 can be inserted into the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4 , the fuel cell membrane humidifier connected with a plurality of humidification modules according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can include an end cover 160 having an internal space 161 and an air outlet 172 that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space 161.

[0071] The end cover 160 can be coupled to the connection member 150, and the end cover 160 can be provided with one air outlet 172. Air discharged through the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210 can pass through the internal space 161 of the end cover 160 and can be discharged through the air outlet 172.

[0072] Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cover 160 can communicate with the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210.

[0073] Accordingly, air discharged through the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210 can pass through the internal space 161 of the end cover 160 and be discharged through the air outlet 172 of the end cover 160.

[0074] Referring to Figure 5 , the size of the first coupling hole 151 and the size of the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be different from each other.

[0075] As described above, the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can have different sizes. The sizes of the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 can correspond to the sizes of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210, respectively, such that the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 are respectively inserted into the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152.

[0076] When the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 have different sizes, the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 can have different sizes.

[0077] In detail, when cross-sectional areas of portions of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 respectively inserted into the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are different from each other, the size of the first coupling hole 151 and the size of the second coupling hole 152 can be different.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6 The thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at a point where the first coupling hole 151 in which the first humidifying module 110 is inserted is provided can be greater than the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at a point where the second coupling hole 152 in which the second humidifying module 210 is inserted is provided.

[0079] As described above, the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can have different sizes, and lengths of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can be different from each other.

[0080] According to the lengths of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210, the thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at a point where the first coupling hole 151 in which the first humidifying module 110 is inserted is provided and the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at a point where the second coupling hole 152 in which the second humidifying module 210 is inserted is provided can be formed differently from each other.

[0081] In detail, the thickness of the connection member can be made greater at a point of a coupling hole in which a short humidifying module is inserted, and the thickness of the connection member can be made smaller at a point of a coupling hole in which a long humidifying module is inserted.

[0082] Figure 6 A case in which the length of the first humidifying module 110 is less than the length of the second humidifying module 210 is illustrated. Since the length of the first humidifying module 110 is less than the length of the second humidifying module 210, the thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at a point where the first coupling hole 151 in which the first humidifying module 110 is inserted is provided can be greater than the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at a point where the second coupling hole 152 in which the second humidifying module 210 is inserted is provided.

[0083] Referring toFigure 3 A first sealing member 153 can be provided between the first coupling hole 151 of the connection member 150 and the first humidification module 110 and between the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150 and the second humidification module 210, respectively.

[0084] The first sealing member 153 can seal a gap between the first humidification module 110 and the first coupling hole 151 and between the second humidification module 210 and the second coupling hole 152.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, when a plurality of humidification modules are connected, air leakage that can occur between the first humidification module 110, the second humidification module 210, and the connection member 150 can be prevented by the first sealing member 153.

[0086] Referring to Figure 3 A second sealing member 154 can be provided between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160. The second sealing member 154 can seal a gap between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, when a plurality of humidification modules are connected, air leakage that can occur between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160 can be prevented by the second sealing member 154.

[0088] Hereinafter, a connection member connecting a wet air inlet and a wet air outlet in a fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel according to one embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0089] Referring to Figure 1 The first humidification module 110 can be provided with a first wet air inlet 141 and a first wet air outlet 142. As Figure 1 indicated, the first wet air inlet 141 and the first wet air outlet 142 can be provided on the same surface of the first intermediate housing 120. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first wet air inlet 141 and the first wet air outlet 142 can be provided on different surfaces of the first intermediate housing 120.

[0090] High-temperature and high-humidity wet air discharged from a fuel cell stack can be introduced into the first humidification module 110 through the first wet air inlet 141. The wet air introduced into the first humidification module 110 through the first wet air inlet 141 exchanges moisture with dry air, and then the wet air can be discharged through the first wet air outlet 142.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first wet air inlet 141 can be a part that is open to the outside of the first humidification module 110 to allow wet air to be introduced thereto. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a wet air inlet port can be provided in the first wet air inlet 141.

[0092] The first wet air outlet 142 can discharge the wet air introduced into the first humidification module 110. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first wet air outlet 142 can be a part that is open to the outside from the first humidification module 110 so that the wet air can be discharged. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a wet air outlet port can be provided in the first wet air outlet 142.

[0093] The second humidification module 210 can be provided with a second wet air inlet 241 and a second wet air outlet 242. The second wet air inlet 241 and the second wet air outlet 242 can be provided on the same surface of the second intermediate housing 220. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the second wet air inlet 241 and the second wet air outlet 242 can be provided on different surfaces of the second intermediate housing 220.

[0094] High-temperature and high-humidity wet air discharged from the fuel cell stack can be introduced into the second humidification module 210 through the second wet air inlet 241. The wet air introduced into the second humidification module 210 through the second wet air inlet 241 exchanges moisture with dry air, and then the wet air can be discharged through the second wet air outlet 242.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second wet air inlet 241 can be a part that is open to the outside of the second humidification module 210 to allow wet air to be introduced thereto. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a wet air inlet port can be provided in the second wet air inlet 241.

[0096] The second wet air outlet 242 can discharge the wet air introduced into the second humidification module 210. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the second wet air outlet 242 can be a part that is open to the outside from the second humidification module 210 so that the wet air can be discharged. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a wet air outlet port can be provided in the second wet air outlet 242.

[0097] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The connecting member 150 includes a first coupling hole 151 into which the first wet air inlet 141 or the first wet air outlet 142 can be inserted, and a second coupling hole 152 into which the second wet air inlet 241 or the second wet air outlet 242 can be inserted.

[0098] When the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are coupled to each other as inFigure 7 The connection member 150 can connect and fix the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 to each other when arranged in parallel as illustrated. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection member 150 can be a housing in which a first coupling hole 151 and a second coupling hole 152 are provided.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first humid air inlet 141 can be inserted into the first coupling hole 151 of the connection member 150, and the second humid air inlet 241 can be inserted into the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150.

[0100] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the fuel cell membrane humidifier to which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include an end cover 160 having an internal space 161 and a humid air outlet 182 that is in communication with the internal space 161 while being open to the outside.

[0101] The end cover 160 can be coupled to the connection member 150, and the end cover 160 can be provided with one humid air outlet 182. The humid air introduced into the humid air outlet 182 of the end cover 160 can pass through the internal space 161 and be introduced into the first humid air outlet 142 and the second humid air outlet 242.

[0102] Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cover 160 can be in communication with the first humid air outlet 142 and the second humid air outlet 242. Accordingly, the humid air introduced into the humid air outlet 182 of the end cover 160 can pass through the internal space 161 and be introduced into the first humid air outlet 142 and the second humid air outlet 242.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first humid air outlet 142 can be inserted into the first coupling hole 151 of the connection member 150, and the second humid air outlet 242 can be inserted into the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150.

[0104] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the fuel cell membrane humidifier to which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include an end cover 160 having an internal space 161 and a humid air outlet 182 that is in communication with the internal space 161 while being open to the outside.

[0105] The end cover 160 can be coupled to the connection member 150, and the end cover 160 can be provided with one humid air outlet 182. The humid air discharged from the first humid air outlet 142 and the second humid air outlet 242 can pass through the internal space 161 and be discharged through the humid air outlet 182 of the end cover 160.

[0106] Specifically, the inner space 161 of the end cover 160 can communicate with the first wet air outlet 142 and the second wet air outlet 242. In this way, the wet air discharged from the first wet air outlet 142 and the second wet air outlet 242 can pass through the inner space 161 and be discharged through the wet air outlet 182 of the end cover 160.

[0107] The size of the first coupling hole 151 and the size of the second coupling hole 152 of the connection member 150 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be different from each other.

[0108] As described above, the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can have different sizes. The first wet air inlet 141 or the first wet air outlet 142 of the first humidifying module 110 and the second wet air inlet 241 or the second wet air outlet 242 of the second humidifying module 210 can be respectively inserted into the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152.

[0109] When the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 have different sizes, the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 can have different sizes.

[0110] Specifically, when the cross-sectional area of the portion of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 respectively inserted into the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 is different from each other, the size of the first coupling hole 151 and the size of the second coupling hole 152 can be different from each other.

[0111] The thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at the point of the first coupling hole 151 in which the first wet air inlet 141 or the first wet air outlet 142 of the first humidifying module 110 is inserted can be greater than the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at the point of the second coupling hole 152 in which the second wet air inlet 241 or the second wet air outlet 242 of the second humidifying module 210 is inserted.

[0112] As described above, the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can have different sizes, and the heights of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210 can be different from each other.

[0113] According to the heights of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210, the thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at the point of the first coupling hole 151 in which the first humidifying module 110 is inserted and the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at the point of the second coupling hole 152 in which the second humidifying module 210 is inserted can be formed differently from each other.

[0114] Specifically, the thickness of the connection member can be made greater at a point where the coupling hole into which the low humidification module is inserted, and the thickness of the connection member can be made smaller at a point where the coupling hole into which the high humidification module is inserted.

[0115] The height of the first humidification module 110 can be less than the height of the second humidification module 210. Since the height of the first humidification module 110 is less than the height of the second humidification module 210, the thickness (a) of the connection member 150 at a point of the first coupling hole 151 into which the first wet air inlet 141 or the first wet air outlet 142 of the first humidification module 110 is inserted can be greater than the thickness (b) of the connection member 150 at a point of the second coupling hole 152 into which the second wet air inlet 241 or the second wet air outlet 242 of the second humidification module 210 is inserted.

[0116] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the first sealing member 153 can be disposed between the first coupling hole 151 and the first wet air inlet 141 or between the first coupling hole 151 and the first wet air outlet 142 of the connection member 150, and between the second coupling hole 152 and the second wet air inlet 241 or between the second coupling hole 152 and the second wet air outlet 242 of the connection member 150, respectively.

[0117] The first sealing member 153 can seal the gap between the first coupling hole 151 and the first wet air inlet 141 or between the first coupling hole 151 and the first wet air outlet 142, and between the second coupling hole 152 and the second wet air inlet 241 or between the second coupling hole 152 and the second wet air outlet 242.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a plurality of humidification modules are connected, air leakage that can occur between the first humidification module 110, the second humidification module 210, and the connection member 150 can be prevented by the first sealing member 153.

[0119] The second sealing member 154 can be disposed between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160. The second sealing member 154 can seal the gap between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160.

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a plurality of humidification modules are connected, air leakage that can occur between the connection member 150 and the end cover 160 can be prevented by the second sealing member 154.

[0121] A fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure has the following effects.

[0122] A fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel has an advantage of being able to use a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by connecting members connecting a plurality of humidification modules and end caps coupled to the connecting members.

[0123] Further, the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel has an advantage of reducing pressure and heat loss by connecting a plurality of humidification modules in parallel through connecting members composed of separate housings while having first coupling holes and second coupling holes without using separate hoses or pipes.

[0124] Further, the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel has an advantage of simplifying system configuration by connecting a plurality of humidification modules in parallel through connecting members composed of separate housings while having first coupling holes and second coupling holes without using separate hoses or pipes.

[0125] In addition, the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel has an advantage of being able to improve space utilization in a system by using a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by connecting members connecting a plurality of humidification modules and end caps coupled to the connecting members.

[0126] Further, the fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel has an advantage of being able to secure freedom of system design while using a plurality of humidification modules by using a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by connecting members connecting a plurality of humidification modules and end caps coupled to the connecting members.

[0127] Further, the fuel cell membrane humidifier according to the embodiment of the disclosure having a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel has an advantage of being able to apply the fuel cell membrane humidifier to a high-capacity fuel cell system by using a plurality of humidification modules connected in parallel by connecting members connecting a plurality of humidification modules and end caps coupled to the connecting members.

[0128] While the disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made thereto. Therefore, the true technical scope of the disclosure should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, the fuel cell membrane humidifier comprising: A first humidification module, comprising a first air inlet on one side, a first air outlet on the other side, and a first intermediate housing in which at least one humidification film is disposed; The second humidification module includes a second air inlet on one side, a second air outlet on the other side, and a second intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is disposed; as well as A connecting member, the connecting member including a first connecting hole into which the first humidifying module is inserted and a second connecting hole into which the second humidifying module is inserted.

2. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the first humidification module, including the first air inlet, is inserted into the first connecting hole of the connecting member, and one side of the second humidification module, including the second air inlet, is inserted into the second connecting hole of the connecting member.

3. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 2, further comprising an end cap, the end cap including an internal space and an air inlet communicating with the internal space and opening to the outside, wherein, The internal space of the end cap is connected to the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module, and the air introduced into the air inlet of the end cap passes through the internal space and is introduced into the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module.

4. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The other side of the first humidification module, including the first air outlet, is inserted into the first connection hole of the connecting member, and the other side of the second humidification module, including the second air outlet, is inserted into the second connection hole of the connecting member.

5. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 4, further comprising an end cap, the end cap including an internal space and an air outlet communicating with the internal space and opening to the outside, wherein, The internal space of the end cap is connected to the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module, and Air discharged from the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module passes through the internal space and is discharged through the air outlet of the end cap.

6. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The size of the first connecting hole in the connecting member is different from the size of the second connecting hole.

7. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first humidification module is inserted into the first connecting hole is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second humidification module is inserted into the second connecting hole.

8. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, A first sealing member is provided between the first connecting hole of the connecting member and the first humidifying module, and between the second connecting hole of the connecting member and the second humidifying module.

9. A fuel cell membrane humidifier having a plurality of humidification modules connected thereto, the fuel cell membrane humidifier comprising: The first humidification module includes a first humidified air inlet and a first humidified air outlet, and a first intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is disposed; The second humidification module includes a second humidified air inlet and a second humidified air outlet, and a second intermediate housing in which at least one humidification membrane is disposed; as well as A connecting member, the connecting member comprising a first connecting hole into which the first humid air inlet or the first humid air outlet is inserted and a second connecting hole into which the second humid air inlet or the second humid air outlet is inserted.

10. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 9, further comprising an end cap, the end cap including an internal space and a humid air inlet communicating with the internal space and opening to the outside, wherein, The first humid air inlet is inserted into the first connecting hole of the connecting member, and the second humid air inlet is inserted into the second connecting hole. The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first humid air inlet and the second humid air inlet, and the humid air introduced into the humid air inlet of the end cap passes through the internal space and is introduced into the first humid air inlet and the second humid air inlet.

11. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 9, further comprising an end cap, the end cap including an internal space and a humid air outlet communicating with the internal space and opening to the outside, wherein, The first humid air outlet is inserted into the first connecting hole of the connecting member, and the second humid air outlet is inserted into the second connecting hole. The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first humid air outlet and the second humid air outlet, and the air discharged from the first humid air outlet and the second humid air outlet passes through the internal space and is discharged through the humid air outlet of the end cap.

12. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 9, wherein, The size of the first connecting hole in the connecting member is different from the size of the second connecting hole in the connecting member.

13. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 9, wherein, The thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first connecting hole is provided is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second connecting hole is provided. The first humid air inlet or the first humid air outlet is inserted into the first connecting hole, and the second humid air inlet or the second humid air outlet is inserted into the second connecting hole.

14. The fuel cell membrane humidifier according to claim 9, wherein, A sealing member is provided between the first connecting hole and the first humid air inlet or between the first connecting hole and the first humid air outlet, and between the second connecting hole and the second humid air inlet or between the second connecting hole and the second humid air outlet.

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