Fuel cell humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier, comprising: a humidification module for humidifying a dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using moisture; a first cover coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover coupled to the other end of the humidification module, in which the humidification module includes: a cartridge including a bundle of hollow fiber membranes; an intermediate housing in which the cartridge is accommodated; and a flow path conversion unit provided between an inner surface of the intermediate housing and an outer surface of the cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier for supplying humidifying gas to a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Fuel cells have the following advantages: as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, fuel cells can generate electricity continuously, and because there is no heat loss, their efficiency is about twice that of internal combustion engines, unlike general chemical batteries such as dry cell batteries or storage batteries.

[0003] Furthermore, since the chemical energy generated through the coupling between hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, pollutant emissions are reduced. Therefore, fuel cells have the advantages of being environmentally friendly and reducing concerns about resource depletion due to increased energy consumption.

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

[0005] These fuel cells operate on essentially the same principle, but differ from one another in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte. Among fuel cells, PEMFCs are known to be the most promising not only for small-scale stationary power generation equipment but also for transportation systems because they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells and can be miniaturized due to their high output density.

[0006] One of the most important factors in improving the performance of PEMFCs is maintaining a certain level of moisture content by supplying a certain amount of water to the polymer electrolyte membrane (or proton exchange membrane: PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This is because power generation efficiency decreases rapidly when the polymer electrolyte membrane dries out.

[0007] Examples of methods for humidifying polymer electrolyte membranes include: 1) a bubbler humidification scheme for filling a pressure vessel with water and then passing a target gas through a diffuser to supply moisture; 2) a direct injection scheme for calculating the amount of moisture required for fuel cell reaction and supplying moisture directly to the gas flow line via a solenoid valve; and 3) a humidification membrane scheme for supplying moisture to a fluidized gas layer using a polymer separation membrane.

[0008] Among them, a membrane humidification scheme that humidifies the polymer electrolyte membrane by using a membrane that selectively allows only water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to pass through is advantageous because it can reduce the weight and size of the humidifier.

[0009] The selective permeation membrane used in membrane humidification schemes is preferably a hollow fiber membrane with a large permeation area per unit volume when formed into a module. That is, when using hollow fiber membranes to manufacture humidifiers, there are the following advantages: high integration of hollow fiber membranes with large contact surface areas is possible, enabling sufficient humidification of fuel cells even with small capacity; low-cost materials can be used; and moisture and heat contained in the exhaust gas emitted from the fuel cell at high temperatures can be recovered and reused by the humidifier.

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

[0011] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional membrane humidification humidifier 100 includes: a humidification module 110 in which moisture exchange occurs between externally supplied air and exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown); and a cover 120 connected to both ends of the humidification module 110.

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

[0013] The humidification module 110 includes: an intermediate housing 111 having an exhaust gas inlet 111a and an exhaust gas outlet 111b; and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 112 within the intermediate housing 111. The two ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112 are encapsulated to a fixing layer 113. The fixing layer 113 is typically formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process. The fixing layer 113 encapsulating the ends of the hollow fiber membranes 112, and a resin layer 114 between the fixing layer 113 and the intermediate housing 111, separate the internal space of the cover 120 from the internal space of the intermediate housing 111. Similar to the fixing layer 113, the resin layer 114 is typically formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process.

[0014] Externally supplied air flows along the hollow core of the hollow fiber membrane 112. The exhaust gas flowing into the intermediate shell 111 through the exhaust gas inlet 111a contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112 and then flows out from the intermediate shell 111 through the exhaust gas outlet 111b. When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane 112, the moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane 112, thereby humidifying the air flowing along the hollow core of the hollow fiber membrane 112.

[0015] In this situation, problems such as breakage, damage, and rupture typically occur in the hollow fiber membrane 112 due to the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing in through the exhaust gas inlet 111a. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and relates to providing a fuel cell humidifier that can reduce breakage, damage, rupture, etc. in hollow fiber membrane bundles caused by gas pressure, etc.

[0017] Technical solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention may include the following configuration.

[0018] The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention may include: a humidification module for humidifying dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using moisture; a first cover connected to one end of the humidification module; and a second cover connected to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include: a cylinder comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle; an intermediate shell housing the cylinder; and a flow path changer disposed between the inner surface of the intermediate shell and the outer surface of the cylinder. The intermediate shell may include an intermediate inlet for the inflow of a first gas and an intermediate outlet for the outflow of the first gas, separated from the intermediate inlet in a first axial direction. The cylinder may be disposed within the flow path changer.

[0019] In the fuel cell humidifier according to the invention, the flow path changer may include a blocking portion configured to block the passage of a first gas corresponding to an intermediate inlet, and a plurality of through holes formed at positions spaced apart from the blocking portion.

[0020] Beneficial effects The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention reduces the risk of breakage, damage, or rupture in the hollow fiber membrane bundle due to factors such as the pressure of the first gas. Therefore, the present invention can maintain humidification performance using a hollow fiber membrane bundle, and can reduce the operating cost of the fuel cell system by reducing the maintenance and repair costs of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, etc. Furthermore, since the maintenance and repair cycle of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, etc., can be extended, the present invention can help increase the operation rate of the fuel cell system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is along Figure 2 Schematic anatomical view of line II.

[0024] Figure 4 The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of line II.

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view of the cylinder of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is along Figure 4 A schematic regular sectional view of line II-II.

[0027] Figure 9 The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is along Figure 2 A schematic side sectional view of line III-III.

[0028] Figure 10 By along Figure 4 Line II-II is an enlarged schematic regular cross-sectional view of a portion of the flow path converter of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 By along Figure 4 Line II-II is an enlarged schematic regular cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 2 A schematic side sectional view of a variation of the flow path converter of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention, line III-III. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following, embodiments of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Meanwhile, in Figure 7 The cylinder located within the flow path changer is omitted in this translation. Figures 9 to 12 In the diagram, two parallel dotted lines form a broken line. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 In the image, the cylinder is simply shown using shading. Figure 11 In the image, hollow fiber membrane bundles are simply shown using shading.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 4The fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention uses moisture to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown). The moisture can be gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas can be fuel gas or air. The dry gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the moisture. The fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention includes a humidification module 2 for humidifying dry gas, a first cover 3 connected to one end of the humidification module 2, and a second cover 4 connected to the other end of the humidification module 2.

[0033] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The humidification module 2 humidifies the dry gas. A first cover 3 can be connected to one end of the humidification module 2. A second cover 4 can be connected to the other end of the humidification module 2. The humidification module 2 can use a first gas and a second gas to supply humidified dry gas to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is dry gas, the second gas can be wet gas. In this case, the first gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the second gas. When the first gas is wet gas, the second gas can be dry gas. In this case, the second gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the first gas.

[0034] The humidification module 2 includes an intermediate housing 21 and at least one cylinder 22.

[0035] The cylinder 22 is connected to the intermediate housing 21. The cylinder 22 can be accommodated within the intermediate housing 21. Both ends of the intermediate housing 21 are open. In this case, a receiving hole 211 can be formed in the intermediate housing 21. The receiving hole 211 can be formed to pass through the intermediate housing 21 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction). At least one cylinder 22 can be disposed in the receiving hole 211.

[0036] The intermediate housing 21 may include an intermediate body 210. The intermediate body 210 houses a cylinder 22. The cylinder 22 may be housed within the intermediate body 210 by being disposed within it. At least one cylinder 22 may be housed within the intermediate body 210. A receiving hole 211 may be formed to pass through the intermediate body 210 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0037] The intermediate housing 21 may include an intermediate inlet 212 and an intermediate outlet 213. The intermediate inlet 212 allows a first gas to flow into the intermediate body 210. The intermediate outlet 213 allows the first gas to flow out of the intermediate body 210. The intermediate outlet 213 and the intermediate inlet 212 may each protrude from the intermediate body 210. The intermediate outlet 213 and the intermediate inlet 212 may be separately disposed from each other in a first axial direction (X-axis direction). Alternatively, the intermediate outlet 213, the intermediate inlet 212, and the intermediate body 210 may be integrally formed.

[0038] The cylinder 22 is disposed within the intermediate housing 21. The cylinder 22 can be accommodated within the intermediate body 210. The cylinder 22 includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be connected to the cylinder 22 and modularized. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be installed within the intermediate housing 21 by connecting the cylinder 22 to the intermediate housing 21. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can improve the convenience of installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 may include multiple hollow fiber membranes. Each hollow fiber membrane may include a hollow portion for allowing a second gas to pass through.

[0039] The cylinder 22 may include an inner shell 222.

[0040] The inner housing 222 has openings at both ends, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 is placed therein. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be disposed within the inner housing 222 and modularly configured. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 may comprise a polymer membrane formed of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamide-imide resin, polyesterimide resin, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0041] The cylinder 22 may include a first fixing layer 223. The first fixing layer 223 fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The first fixing layer 223 may close an opening formed at one end of the inner shell 222. In this case, the first fixing layer 223 may be formed to not obstruct the hollowness of the hollow fiber membrane. The first fixing layer 223 may be formed by curing a liquid resin, such as liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting process. The first fixing layer 223 may have a portion located inside the inner shell 222 and another portion protruding outside the inner shell 222. The first fixing layer 223 can fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 to the inner shell 222.

[0042] The cylinder 22 may include a second fixing layer 224. The second fixing layer 224 fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The second fixing layer 224 may close the opening formed at the other end of the inner shell 222. In this case, the second fixing layer 224 may be formed to not obstruct the hollowness of the hollow fiber membrane. The second fixing layer 224 may be formed by curing a liquid resin, such as liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting process. The second fixing layer 224 may have a portion located inside the inner shell 222 and another portion protruding outside the inner shell 222. The second fixing layer 224 can fix the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and the inner shell 222. Since the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223 are formed to not obstruct the hollowness of the hollow fiber membrane, the second gas can be supplied to the hollowness of the hollow fiber membrane without being disturbed by the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223, and can flow out from the hollowness of the hollow fiber membrane without being disturbed by the second fixing layer 224 and the first fixing layer 223.

[0043] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The cylinder 22 may include an inner inlet 225 and an inner outlet 226.

[0044] An inner inlet 225 is formed in the inner housing 222. The inner inlet 225 may be formed in at least one side surface of the inner housing 222. The side surface of the inner housing 222 may be a surface configured to surround an inner bore formed to pass through the inner housing 222 to form openings at both ends of the inner housing 222. The inner bore may be formed to extend in a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and pass through the inner housing 222. The inner inlet 225 may be disposed toward at least one sidewall of the intermediate housing 21. The inner inlet 225 may allow a first gas to flow into the inner housing 222. The inner inlet 225 may be formed to pass through the inner housing 222. Figure 5 As shown, the inner inlet 225 can be implemented as a through-hole passing through the inner housing 222. Figure 6 As shown, the inner inlet 225 can be implemented as a plurality of through holes passing through the inner housing 222. In this case, the inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of inflow windows 2251 formed to pass through different portions of the inner housing 222. The inflow windows 2251 may be arranged in a matrix form by being spaced apart from each other in each of a first axial direction (X-axis direction) and a second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The second axial direction (Y-axis direction) and the first axial direction (X-axis direction) are axial directions arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0045] An internal outlet 226 is formed in the inner housing 222. The internal outlet 226 may be formed in at least one side surface of the inner housing 222. The internal outlet 226 allows a first gas to flow out from within the inner housing 222. The internal outlet 226 may be formed to pass through the inner housing 222. Figure 5As shown, the inner outlet 226 can be implemented as a through hole passing through the inner housing 222. Figure 6 As shown, the inner outlet 226 can be implemented as multiple through holes passing through the inner housing 222. In this case, the inner outlet 226 may include multiple outflow windows 2261 formed through different portions of the inner housing 222. The outflow windows 2261 can be arranged in a matrix form by being spaced apart from each other in each of the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The inner outlet 226 and the inner inlet 225 can be located at positions spaced apart from each other in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0046] When the first gas is humid, it can be supplied between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 through the intermediate inlet 212, and into the interior of the cylinder 22 through the inner inlet 225, where it can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. During this process, the moisture contained in the first gas can permeate through the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, thereby humidifying the second gas flowing along the hollow structure of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The humidified second gas can flow out from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and can then be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cover 3 or the second cover 4. After the second gas is humidified, the first gas can flow out between the outer surface of the cylinder 22 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 through the inner outlet 226, and can flow to the outside of the intermediate housing 21 through the intermediate outlet 213. In this case, the first gas can be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0047] When the first gas is a dry gas, it can be supplied between the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 through the intermediate inlet 212, and into the interior of the cylinder 22 through the inner inlet 225, where it can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. During this process, moisture from the second gas flowing along the hollow structure of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can permeate through the hollow fiber membrane, thereby humidifying the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22. The humidified first gas can flow out between the outer surface of the cylinder 22 and the inner surface of the intermediate shell 21 through the inner outlet 226, and can flow to the outside of the intermediate shell 21 through the intermediate outlet 213, and can then be supplied to the fuel cell stack. After the first gas is humidified, the second gas can flow out from the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and can then flow to the outside through the first cover 3 or the second cover 4. In this case, the second gas can be exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0048] The humidification module 2 may include a first seal 23.

[0049] The first seal 23 seals at one end of the intermediate housing 21 between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22. Therefore, the first seal 23 allows the first cover 3 to be in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Thus, the first seal 23 prevents direct mixing of the first gas and the second gas. The cylinder 22 can be inserted into a first insertion hole 231 formed in the first seal 23. The first seal 23 can contact each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and the first fixing layer 223. Through this contact, the first seal 23 can be hermetically connected to one end of the intermediate housing 21. In this case, the first seal 23 can also contact a portion of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and a portion of the first fixing layer 223.

[0050] The first seal 23 can be implemented using a first gasket. The first gasket can be hermetically attached to one end of the intermediate housing 21 by mechanical assembly. The first gasket can be formed of an elastic compressible material. For example, the first gasket can be formed of rubber. The first seal 23 can also be implemented using a resin layer. In this case, the resin layer can be formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process.

[0051] The humidification module 2 may include a second seal 24.

[0052] The second seal 24 seals at the other end of the intermediate housing 21 between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22. Therefore, the second seal 24 allows the second cover 4 to be in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Thus, the second seal 24 prevents direct mixing of the first and second gases. The cylinder 22 can be inserted into the second insertion hole 241 formed in the second seal 24. The second seal 24 can contact each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and the second fixing layer 224. Through this contact, the second seal 24 can be hermetically connected to the other end of the intermediate housing 21. In this case, the second seal 24 can also contact a portion of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cylinder 22, and a portion of the second fixing layer 224.

[0053] The second seal 24 can be implemented using a second gasket. The second gasket can be hermetically connected to the other end of the intermediate housing 21 via mechanical assembly. The second gasket can be formed of an elastic compressible material. For example, the second gasket can be formed of rubber. The second seal 24 can also be implemented using a resin layer. In this case, the resin layer can be formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting process.

[0054] Reference Figures 2 to 4The first cover 3 is connected to one end of the humidification module 2. The space between the first cover 3 and the cylinder 22 can be sealed relative to the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate housing 21 by the first seal 23. The first cover 3 may include a first port 31. The first port 31 is used to allow the flow of a second gas. The first port 31 can communicate with the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, during the flow of the second gas between the first cover 3 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, the second gas can flow in or out through the first port 31.

[0055] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The second cover 4 is connected to the other end of the humidification module 2. The second cover 4 can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the first cover 3 in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cover 4 and the cylinder 22 can be sealed relative to the space between the cylinder 22 and the intermediate housing 21 by the second seal 24. The second cover 4 may include a second port 41. The second port 41 is used to allow the flow of a second gas. The second port 41 can communicate with the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, during the flow of the second gas between the second cover 4 and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, the second gas can flow in or out through the second port 41. When the second gas flows in through the second port 41, the second gas can flow out through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the second cover 4, the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, and the first cover 3. When the second gas flows out through the second port 41, the second gas can flow in through the first port 31. In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while passing sequentially through the hollow fiber membrane of the first cover 3, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, and the second cover 4.

[0056] Here, when the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 immediately flows into the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 through the inner inlet 225 of the cylinder 22, there is a high risk of breakage, damage, or rupture in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 due to the pressure of the first gas, etc. To prevent this, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention may include a flow path changer 5 (such as... Figure 7 (As shown).

[0057] Reference Figures 2 to 10 The flow path changer 5 is disposed between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22. In this case, the flow path changer 5 can be disposed inside the intermediate housing 21. The cylinder 22 can be disposed inside the flow path changer 5.

[0058] A flow path changer 5 can be disposed between the intermediate inlet 212 and the cylinder 22 inside the intermediate housing 21, and can prevent the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 from immediately flowing into the cylinder 22. In this case, the flow path changer 5 can guide the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 to flow in a direction toward the outside of the cylinder 22, thereby changing the flow direction of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can reduce the risk of breakage, damage, rupture, etc., in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 due to the pressure of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can maintain humidification performance using the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, and can reduce the operating cost of the fuel cell system by reducing the maintenance and repair costs of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, etc. In addition, since the maintenance and repair cycle of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, etc. can be extended, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can help increase the operating rate of the fuel cell system.

[0059] Reference Figure 7 The flow path changer 5 may include a blocking part 50 and a plurality of through holes 51.

[0060] The blocking section 50 blocks the passage of the first gas. The blocking section 50 can be configured to correspond to the intermediate inlet 212. The blocking section 50 can be a portion of the flow path changer 5 belonging to the inflow region 212a corresponding to the intermediate inlet 212. Based on... Figure 8 The portion of the flow path changer 5 vertically disposed below the intermediate inlet 212 can correspond to the blocking portion 50. The blocking portion 50 can be disposed corresponding to the intermediate inlet 212 and can block the passage of the first gas, thereby reducing the risk of breakage, damage, rupture, etc. in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 due to the pressure of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212.

[0061] The blocking portion 50 can be formed without the through hole 51. Therefore, the blocking portion 50 is implemented to completely block the flow of the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22 through the intermediate inlet 212. Furthermore, the blocking portion 50 can thus guide the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22 in a direction away from the cylinder 22, thereby changing the flow direction of the first gas. For example, as... Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow, the blocking part 50 can guide the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 to flow in a direction toward the outside of the cylinder 22. Therefore, since the blocking part 50 can guide the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 to flow around and be delivered toward the cylinder 22 through the through hole 51, humidification using the first gas can occur smoothly inside the cylinder 22.

[0062] The orifice 51 can be formed to pass through the flow path changer 5. Therefore, the orifice 51 allows the first gas to pass through the cylinder 22. The orifice 51 can be formed at a position spaced apart from the blocking portion 50. Therefore, implementing the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention allows the blocking portion 50 to block the immediate delivery of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 towards the cylinder 22, and allows the first gas, whose flow direction has been changed by the blocking portion 50, to be delivered towards the cylinder through the orifice 51. The first gas, whose flow direction has been changed by the blocking portion 50, can flow through the orifice 51 into the flow path changer 5, and then into the cylinder 22. Therefore, humidification using both the first and second gases can be performed within the cylinder 22.

[0063] although Figure 7 The flow path changer 5 is shown to be formed with a hollow circular cross-section, but the invention is not limited to this, and the flow path changer 5 can be formed with various other cross-sectional shapes, as long as the blocking part 50 can be used to block the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 from being immediately conveyed toward the cylinder 22, and the first gas whose flow direction has been changed by the blocking part 50 can be conveyed toward the cylinder 22 through the hole 51. For example, the flow path changer 5 can be formed with various cross-sectional shapes, such as elliptical cross-section, trapezoidal cross-section, quadrilateral cross-section, pentagonal cross-section, polygonal cross-section with six or more sides, cross-section of a combination of flat sidewall and curved surface sidewall, etc. In this case, the cross-section of the flow path changer 5 can be in an axial direction perpendicular to the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0064] The flow path changer 5 will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on an embodiment in which the flow path changer 5 is formed with a quadrilateral cross-section. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments in which the flow path changer 5 is formed with cross-sections of various shapes, such as elliptical cross-sections, trapezoidal cross-sections, quadrilateral cross-sections, pentagonal cross-sections, polygonal cross-sections with six or more sides, cross-sections combining flat sidewalls and curved surface sidewalls, etc., can be derived from the description of the embodiment in which the flow path changer 5 is formed with a quadrilateral cross-section.

[0065] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The flow path exchanger 5 may include a barrier wall 52, a facing wall 53, a first side wall 54, and a second side wall 55.

[0066] The baffle wall 52 can be disposed toward the intermediate inlet 212. The baffle wall 52 can correspond to any one of the multiple sidewalls of the flow path changer 5. The flow path changer 5 can be disposed with sidewalls surrounding the outer side of the cylinder 22. The baffle wall 52 can be disposed between the intermediate inlet 212 and the cylinder 22, and can block the passage of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. In this case, the baffle wall 52 can guide the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 to flow in a direction toward the outside of the cylinder 22, thereby changing the flow direction of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. Therefore, the baffle wall 52 can reduce the risk of breakage, damage, rupture, etc., in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 due to the pressure of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. The baffle wall 52 can be implemented to include a blocking portion 50. In this case, the blocking portion 50 can be a portion of the baffle wall 52 belonging to the inflow region 212a corresponding to the intermediate inlet 212.

[0067] The barrier wall 52 can be formed without the through hole 51. Therefore, the barrier wall 52 is implemented to completely block the flow of the first gas into the cylinder 22 through the intermediate inlet 212. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As indicated by the arrows, the baffle wall 52 can guide the flow of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the first side wall 54, and between the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the second side wall 55. Therefore, since the baffle wall 52 can guide the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 to flow around and be conveyed toward the cylinder 22 through the through hole 51, humidification using the first gas can occur smoothly within the cylinder 22. The surface of the baffle wall 52 facing the intermediate inlet 212 can be formed as flat. The baffle wall 52 can also be formed as a plate overall.

[0068] The facing wall 53 can be configured to face the blocking wall 52. At least one cylinder 22 can be disposed between the facing wall 53 and the blocking wall 52. The facing wall 53 can correspond to the sidewall of the flow path changer 5 that is spaced the longest distance from the intermediate inlet 212. The facing wall 53 can be generally formed as a plate.

[0069] The first sidewall 54 can be connected to one side of each of the barrier wall 52 and the facing wall 53. Through the first sidewall 54, one side of the barrier wall 52 and the side of the facing wall 53 can be connected to each other. The first sidewall 54 can correspond to any one of the multiple sidewalls of the flow path changer 5. Based on... Figure 8 When the blocking wall 52 and the facing wall 53 are set horizontally, the first side wall 54 can be set vertically. The first side wall 54 can be formed as a plate.

[0070] The second sidewall 55 can be connected to the other side of each of the blocking wall 52 and the facing wall 53. The second sidewall 55 and the first sidewall 54 can be arranged to face each other. At least one cylinder 22 can be disposed between the second sidewall 55 and the first sidewall 54. The other side of the blocking wall 52 and the other side of the facing wall 53 can be connected to each other through the second sidewall 55. The second sidewall 55 can correspond to any one of the plurality of sidewalls of the flow path changer 5. Based on Figure 8 When the blocking wall 52 and the facing wall 53 are set horizontally, the second side wall 55 can be set vertically. The second side wall 55 can be formed as a plate.

[0071] Here, the through hole 51 can be formed to pass through at least one of the facing wall 53, the first side wall 54, and the second side wall 55. Therefore, the first gas, whose flow direction has been changed by the blocking wall 52, can flow into the flow path changer 5 through the through hole 51, and then into the cylinder 22. Thus, humidification of the first and second gases can be performed within the cylinder 22. In this case, since the through hole 51 is not formed in the blocking wall 52, the blocking wall 52 can block the passage of the first gas and change the flow direction of the first gas, causing the first gas to flow towards the through hole 51.

[0072] The facing through-hole 511 formed in the facing wall 53 can be formed to have a larger area than the first sidewall through-hole 512 formed in the first sidewall 54. That is, the inflow area of ​​the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the facing through-hole 511 can be implemented to be larger than the inflow area of ​​the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the first sidewall through-hole 512. For example, when the facing through-hole 511 and the first sidewall through-hole 512 are each formed in a circular shape, the diameter 511a of the facing through-hole 511 (e.g., Figure 10 (As shown) can be formed to be larger than the diameter 512a of the first sidewall through hole 512 (e.g.) Figure 10 (As shown).

[0073] Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention is implemented to further increase the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the facing through hole 511 in response to the longer distance between the facing wall 53 and the intermediate inlet 212. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can reduce the deviation between the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the facing wall 53 side and the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the first side wall 54 side. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance by improving the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the cylinder 22 in different directions relative to the cylinder 22.

[0074] Meanwhile, the facing through holes 511 can be formed as a plurality of facing through holes 511 in the facing wall 53. The facing through holes 511 can be arranged separately from each other and can be formed to pass through different parts of the facing wall 53. The first sidewall through holes 512 can be formed as a plurality of first sidewall through holes 512 in the first sidewall 54. The first sidewall through holes 512 can be arranged separately from each other and can be formed to pass through different parts of the first sidewall 54.

[0075] In the through hole 51, the second sidewall through hole 513 and the first sidewall through hole 512 formed in the second sidewall 55 can be formed to have equal areas. That is, the second sidewall through hole 513 and the first sidewall through hole 512 can be formed to achieve equal inflow areas. For example, when the second sidewall through hole 513 and the first sidewall through hole 512 are each formed in a circular shape, the diameter 513a of the second sidewall through hole 513 (e.g., ...) Figure 10 The diameter 512a of the first sidewall through hole 512 (as shown) and the first sidewall through hole 512 can be formed to be equal to each other. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can reduce the deviation between the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the second sidewall 55 side and the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the first sidewall 54 side. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance because the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the cylinder 22 in different directions relative to the cylinder 22 can be further improved. In this case, the second sidewall through hole 513 can be formed to have a smaller area than the facing through hole 511.

[0076] Meanwhile, the second sidewall through holes 513 can be formed as a plurality of second sidewall through holes 513 in the second sidewall 55. The second sidewall through holes 513 can be arranged separately from each other and can be formed to pass through different parts of the second sidewall 55. The second sidewall through holes 513 and the first sidewall through holes 512 can be arranged to face each other.

[0077] Here, the flow path changer 5 can be spaced apart from each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22. Therefore, in the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention, the flow path for the first gas flow can be fixed between the flow path changer 5 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21. A first diffusion space DS1 for the diffusion of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 can be provided between the flow path changer 5 and the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21. Furthermore, in the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention, the flow path for the first gas flow can be fixed between the flow path changer 5 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22. A second diffusion space DS2 for the diffusion of the first gas flowing in through the orifice 51 can be provided between the flow path changer 5 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22.

[0078] Therefore, a fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can be implemented such that after the first gas flows into the intermediate housing 21 through the intermediate inlet 212 and undergoes initial diffusion in the first diffusion space DS1, the first gas flows into the flow path changer 5 through the through hole 51 and then undergoes secondary diffusion in the second diffusion space DS2. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance because the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the cylinder 22 in different directions relative to the cylinder 22 can be further improved. In this case, all of the barrier wall 52, facing wall 53, first side wall 54, and second side wall 55 can be configured to be separate from each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown, the flow path changer 5 can be connected to the first seal 23. The flow path changer 5 can protrude from the first seal 23 toward the intermediate inlet 212 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the flow path changer 5 can be configured to block the passage of the first gas flowing into the intermediate inlet 212 using the baffle wall 52, and change the flow direction of the first gas flowing into the intermediate inlet 212. In this case, the flow path changer 5 can be kept separate from each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 by being supported by the first seal 23.

[0080] like Figure 9 As shown, the flow path changer 5 can also be connected to the partition wall 6 of the intermediate housing 21. The partition wall 6 is disposed inside the intermediate body 210 and divides the interior of the intermediate body 210 into an inflow space IS through which the first gas flows in and an outflow space OS through which the first gas flows out (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown). The cylinder 22 can be inserted into the partition wall 6 such that the inner inlet 225 is located in the inflow space IS, and the inner outlet 226 is located in the outflow space OS. The flow path changer 5 can protrude from the partition wall 6 toward the intermediate inlet 212 in a first axial direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the flow path changer 5 can be configured to block the passage of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 using the blocking wall 52, and change the flow direction of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212. In this case, the flow path changer 5 can be kept separate from each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing 21 and the outer surface of the cylinder 22 by being supported by the partition wall 6.

[0081] like Figure 9As shown, the flow path changer 5 can also be connected to each of the partition wall 6 and the first seal 23. Therefore, the flow path changer 5 can divide the entire inflow space IS into a first diffusion space DS1 and a second diffusion space DS2. Thus, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can further improve the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the cylinder 22 by using the first diffusion space DS1 and the second diffusion space DS2 to further increase the diffusion force of the first gas. Meanwhile, the flow path changer 5 can be provided only in the inflow space IS, and not in the outflow space OS.

[0082] Here, cylinder 22 can be implemented as follows to correspond to the flow path changer 5 as described above.

[0083] Reference Figures 2 to 11 The inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of first facing windows 225a formed to pass through the first facing surface 222a of the inner housing 222. The first facing surface 222a may correspond to a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces of the inner inlet 225 that faces the baffle wall 52 of the flow path exchanger 5. A portion of the first gas flowing into the flow path exchanger 5 through the orifice 51 may flow between the first facing surface 222a and the inner surface of the baffle wall 52, flow into the cylinder 22 through the first facing window 225a, and may be conveyed to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the cylinder 22 is configured such that the first gas can be conveyed through the first facing window 225a, and even conveyed to the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 near the baffle wall 52. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance because the proportion of the hollow fiber membrane involved in humidification in the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be increased. Meanwhile, the first face windows 225a can be set separately from each other and can be formed as different parts passing through the first face surface 222a.

[0084] The inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of second facing windows 225b formed to pass through the second facing surface 222b of the inner housing 222. The second facing surface 222b may correspond to a side surface of the plurality of side surfaces of the inner inlet 225 that is configured to face the first facing surface 222a. The second facing surface 222b may be disposed toward the facing wall 53 of the flow path changer 5. A portion of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the facing through-hole 511 may pass between the second facing surface 222b and the inner surface of the facing wall 53, flow into the cylinder 22 through the second facing windows 225b, and may be conveyed to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the cylinder 22 is configured such that the first gas can be conveyed through the second facing windows 225b to the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 disposed near the facing wall 53. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance because the proportion of the hollow fiber membrane involved in humidification in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be increased. Meanwhile, the second facing windows 225b can be set separately from each other and can be formed as different parts passing through the second facing surface 222b.

[0085] The second facing window 225b can be formed to have a smaller area than the first facing window 225a. In this case, the inflow area of ​​the first gas through the first facing window 225a into the cylinder 22 can be made larger than the inflow area of ​​the first gas through the second facing window 225b into the cylinder 22. For example, when the first facing window 225a and the second facing window 225b are each formed into a circular shape, the diameter of the first facing window 225a can be made larger than the diameter of the second facing window 225b. In this case, the facing through hole 511 can be formed to have a larger area than each of the first sidewall through hole 512 and the second sidewall through hole 513.

[0086] Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention is implemented such that, in response to a higher flow rate of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 from the side facing the wall 53 than from the side facing the barrier wall 52, the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22 through the first facing window 225a disposed closer to the barrier wall 52 is further increased. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can reduce the deviation between the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22 from the side facing the first facing surface 222a and the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the cylinder 22 from the side facing the second facing surface 222b. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can have higher humidification performance by improving the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 in different directions relative to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221.

[0087] The inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of first side windows 225c formed to pass through a first side surface 222c of the inner housing 222. The first side surface 222c may correspond to the side surface of the plurality of side surfaces of the inner inlet 225 that is disposed toward the first sidewall 54. A portion of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the first sidewall through the orifice 512 can pass between the first side surface 222c and the inner surface of the first sidewall 54, and can flow into the cylinder 22 through the first side window 225c, and can then be conveyed to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the cylinder 22 is configured such that the first gas can be conveyed through the first side window 225c to the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 disposed near the sidewall 54. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can increase the proportion of hollow fiber membrane involved in humidification in the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. At the same time, the first side windows 225c can be disposed separately from each other and can be formed to pass through different portions of the first side surface 222c.

[0088] The inner inlet 225 may include a plurality of second side windows 225d formed to pass through the second side surface 222d of the inner housing 222. The second side surface 222d may correspond to the side surface of the plurality of side surfaces of the inner inlet 225 that is disposed toward the second sidewall 55. The second side surface 222d and the first side surface 222c may be disposed facing each other. A portion of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the first sidewall through the orifice 512 may pass between the inner surfaces of the second side surface 222d and the second sidewall 55, flow into the cylinder 22 through the second side window 225d, and then be delivered to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the cylinder 22 is configured such that the first gas may be delivered through the second side window 225d to the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 disposed near the second sidewall 55. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the invention can increase the proportion of the hollow fiber membrane involved in humidification in the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Meanwhile, the second side windows 225d can be set separately from each other and can be formed as different parts passing through the second side surface 222d.

[0089] The second side window 225d and the first side window 225c can be formed to have equal areas. That is, the second side window 225d and the first side window 225c can be formed to achieve equal inflow areas. For example, when the second side window 225d and the first side window 225c are each formed into a circular shape, the diameter of the second side window 225d and the diameter of the first side window 225c can be formed to be equal. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can reduce the deviation between the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the second side surface 222d side and the flow rate of the first gas flowing in from the first side surface 222c side. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can have higher humidification performance because the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 in different directions relative to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be further improved.

[0090] Meanwhile, the second side window 225d and the first side window 225c can each be formed to have a larger area than the second facing window 225b. The second side window 225d and the first side window 225c can each be formed to have a smaller area than the first facing window 225a. In this case, the through hole 51 may not be formed in the barrier wall 52, and the first sidewall through hole 512 and the second sidewall through hole 513 can each be formed to have a smaller area than the facing through hole 511. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can further improve the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 in different directions relative to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, because the diffusion force of the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 and diffusing in the second diffusion space DS2 can be further increased.

[0091] Reference Figure 12 The flow path changer 5 according to a variant of the present invention may include a plurality of clearance holes 56.

[0092] The clearance hole 56 can be formed to pass through the barrier wall 52. The clearance hole 56 can be provided at a position spaced apart from the barrier portion 50. In this case, the clearance hole 56 can be formed to pass through the barrier wall 52 outside the inflow region 212a. Therefore, the clearance hole 56 can allow the first gas to pass through at a position spaced apart from the barrier portion 50. Therefore, the flow path changer 5 according to the variant of the invention can use the barrier portion 50 to prevent the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet 212 from being immediately conveyed toward the cylinder 22, and can use the clearance hole 56 to improve the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas conveyed toward the cylinder 22 in different directions relative to the cylinder 22. The clearance hole 56 can be formed to pass through the barrier wall 52 at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0093] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12The clearance hole 56 can be formed to have a smaller area than the facing through hole 511. Therefore, the inflow area of ​​the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the clearance hole 56 can be implemented to be smaller than the inflow area of ​​the first gas flowing into the flow path changer 5 through the facing through hole 511. For example, when both the clearance hole 56 and the facing through hole 511 are formed in a circular shape, the clearance hole 56 can be formed to have a smaller diameter than the facing through hole 511. The clearance hole 56 can also be formed to have a smaller area than the first sidewall through hole 512. In this case, the clearance hole 56, which is located closest to the central inlet 212, can be formed to have the smallest diameter. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can further improve the uniformity of the flow rate of the first gas delivered toward the cylinder 22 in different directions relative to the cylinder 22.

[0094] The invention described above is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the technical concept of the invention.

[0095] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Fuel cell humidifier 2: Humidification module 21: Intermediate housing 210: Intermediate main body 211: Receiving hole 212: Middle entrance 213: Middle exit 22: Tube 221: Hollow fiber membrane bundle 222: Inner shell; 222a: First surface facing outwards 222b: Second side surface; 222c: First side surface 222d: Second side surface; 223: First fixing layer 224: Second fixed layer; 225: Internal entrance 2251: Inflow window; 225a: First facing window 225b: Second side window; 225c: First side window 225d: Second side window; 226: Inner exit 2261: Outflow window 23: First seal 231: First insertion hole; 24: Second seal 241: Second insertion hole; 3: First cover 31: First port 4: Second cover 41: Second Port 5: Flow Path Converter 50: Blocking part; 51: Through hole 511: Facing the through hole; 511a: Facing the diameter of the through hole. 512: Through hole in the first sidewall; 512a: Diameter of through hole in the first sidewall. 513: Through hole in the second sidewall; 513a: Diameter of through hole in the second sidewall. 52: Barrier Wall 53: Facing Wall 54: First sidewall 55: Second sidewall 6: Separator DS1: First diffusion space DS2: Second diffusion space; IS: Inflow space OS: Outflow space 212a: Inflow area

Claims

1. A fuel cell humidifier, comprising: The humidification module uses moisture to humidify the dry gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack; The first cover is connected to one end of the humidification module; and The second cover is connected to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module includes: a cylinder comprising a hollow fiber membrane bundle; an intermediate shell in which the cylinder is housed; and a flow path changer disposed between the inner surface of the intermediate shell and the outer surface of the cylinder. The intermediate housing includes an intermediate inlet for the inflow of a first gas and an intermediate outlet for the outflow of the first gas, which is separately disposed from the intermediate inlet in a first axial direction. The cylinder is disposed within the flow path changer. The flow path changer includes a blocking portion configured to block the passage of the first gas corresponding to the intermediate inlet, and a plurality of through holes formed at positions spaced apart from the blocking portion.

2. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking portion is formed without the through hole and guides the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet to flow in a direction toward the outside of the cylinder.

3. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path changer is configured to be spaced apart from each of the inner surface of the intermediate housing and the outer surface of the cylinder.

4. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 3, wherein: A first diffusion space is provided between the flow path changer and the inner surface of the intermediate housing for the diffusion of the first gas flowing in through the intermediate inlet; A second diffusion space is provided between the flow path changer and the outer surface of the cylinder for diffusing the first gas flowing in through the through hole.

5. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate shell includes an intermediate body that houses the cylinder and a partition wall that divides the interior of the intermediate body into an inflow space for the first gas to flow in and an outflow space for the first gas to flow out. The flow path changer is connected to the partition wall to protrude from the partition wall toward the intermediate inlet in the first axial direction.

6. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1 or 5, wherein: The humidification module includes a first sealing element, which seals at one end of the intermediate housing between the inner surface of the intermediate housing and the outer surface of the cylinder. The flow path changer is coupled to the first seal and protrudes from the first seal toward the intermediate inlet in the first axial direction.

7. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path changer includes: A barrier wall, including the barrier portion, is disposed toward the intermediate inlet and blocks the passage of the first gas; Facing the wall, configured to face the aforementioned blocking wall; The first sidewall is connected to one side of each of the blocking wall and the facing wall; The second sidewall connects to the other side of each of the blocking wall and the facing wall. The through hole is formed to pass through at least one of the facing wall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall.

8. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 7, wherein, The through hole formed in the facing wall is configured to have a larger area than the first sidewall through hole formed in the first sidewall.

9. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 7, wherein, The first sidewall through hole formed in the first sidewall and the second sidewall through hole formed in the second sidewall are formed to have equal areas.

10. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 7, wherein: The cylinder includes an inner shell for housing the hollow fiber membrane bundle and an inner inlet formed in the inner shell for the inflow of a first gas; The inner inlet includes a plurality of first facing windows, which are formed as first facing surfaces that pass through the inner housing and face the barrier wall.

11. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 10, wherein, The inner entrance includes a plurality of second facing windows, which are formed to pass through a second facing surface configured to face the first facing surface.

12. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 7, wherein: The cylinder includes an inner shell for housing the hollow fiber membrane bundle and an inner inlet formed in the inner shell for the inflow of a first gas; The inner entrance includes a plurality of first side windows and a plurality of second side windows. The plurality of first side windows are formed as a first side surface that passes through the inner housing and faces the first side wall, and the plurality of second side windows are formed as a second side surface that passes through the inner housing and faces the second side wall.

13. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 7, wherein: The flow path changer includes a plurality of clearance holes formed to pass through the barrier wall; The clearance hole is located at a position spaced apart from the blocking part and allows the first gas to pass through.

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