Hybrid hollow fiber size for improved humidifier performance

Abstract

A fluid transfer element is provided that can be used as a humidifier in fuel cell applications to transfer moisture from humid exhaust air to incoming dry air from the environment. The element comprises an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes, also referred to as hollow membrane fibers, having passages through the tubes and separate passages around the tubes through gaps between adjacent exteriors of the tubes. Arrangements of hollow membrane tubes include tubes having different flow cross-sectional areas arranged to provide different flow confinement characteristics, which may be provided by larger diameter tubes and smaller diameter tubes. The tube may be arranged to reduce the pressure drop and induce a flow of humid gas air into a smaller gap along the humid air flow path.

Description

Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 683,754, filed August 16, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 535,140, ​​filed August 29, 2023, the entire teachings and disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to fluid transfer devices that can be embodied, for example, as humidifiers, and more specifically to the mixed hollow fiber dimensions of such fluid transfer devices. Background Technology

[0003] Humidifiers play a crucial role in optimizing the performance of hydrogen PEM fuel cells. They help control the moisture content of the incoming reactant gases, such as hydrogen and air. By managing the humidity of the reactant gases, humidifiers ensure the fuel cell operates at its optimal efficiency. Maintaining appropriate moisture content facilitates ion transport processes in the fuel cell's electrolyte, promoting efficient electrochemical reactions. This ultimately leads to improved overall fuel cell performance, power output, and lifespan.

[0004] Duryea's WO2023028037, entitled "Fuel Cell Humidification Potting Adhesive Shroud," illustrates and describes a humidifier of a known type, featuring an annular filter filled with tubular membrane fibers. Duryea discloses a separation and / or humidification element employing a single annular fiber hollow membrane bundle, which can be used for water vapor transfer between different gas streams in fuel cell applications, such as for humidifying reaction gases. At least one, and typically two, composite end caps encapsulate the ends of the fiber hollow membrane bundle. Each composite end cap includes an adhesive (e.g., epoxy resin) and a preform such as a plastic annular sheath.

[0005] Kim's U.S. Patent No. 8,317,167, entitled "Humidifier For Fuel Cell," illustrates a different configuration of a humidifier with cylindrical tubular membrane fiber bundles. Kim's '167 patent discloses a humidifier for fuel cells in which multiple hollow fiber membranes of different diameters are arranged to control the flow direction of dry air introduced into the humidifier. However, the arrangement in Kim's '167 patent does not take into account the effects of the humid airflow, and in particular, the humid airflow appears to have more difficulty reaching the center of the cylindrical tubular membrane fiber bundles with smaller diameter tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application and its embodiments provide the possibility of enhancing humidity transfer at a low cost within overall constraints.

[0007] To improve humidity transfer when using hollow fiber membranes, it is necessary to increase the contact surface area for exchange between the dry and wet sides of the humidifier. This can be achieved by using a larger number of fibers or finer fibers for the same volumetric flow rate. Both approaches incur high costs in terms of pressure on either the fiber side (e.g., the dry airflow) or the shell side (e.g., the humid airflow) of the humidifier. The solution presented in this paper combines the fiber diameters used in the humidifier, thus enabling a significant gain in humidity transfer while only moderately increasing the overall pressure differential cost.

[0008] The following design allows for improved humidity transfer between the wet and dry sides of a humidifier, with minimal cost in terms of flow constraint. This design incorporates a mixture of hollow fiber diameters distributed throughout the humidifier to enhance humidification capacity.

[0009] The flow through the fiber side (e.g., a dry flow) has a pressure drop caused by the number of fibers and the inner diameter of the fibers. The flow traveling on the outer side (shell side, e.g., a humid air flow) has a pressure drop caused by the number of fibers and the outer diameter of the fibers. The number of fibers and the diameter of the fibers affect the available surface area for humidity exchange and the quality of humidity transfer. Instead of changing all the fiber diameters to increase the surface area (and thus increase humidity transfer), it is possible to appropriately mix the fiber diameters in the humidifier to achieve enhanced performance improvements.

[0010] In one embodiment, the humidifier includes a filter element (i.e., a fluid transfer element) having a large number of tubular fibers arranged in a ring-shaped configuration parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the humidifier. The tubular fibers have at least two different fiber diameters and may optionally include at least three different fiber diameters.

[0011] Tubular fibers can be arranged in a circumferential order of different fiber diameters, D1, D2, Dn... or in other groups.

[0012] The filling volume of a humidifier can be evenly divided between different fiber sizes. For example, if a humidifier has a filling rate of 32% (filling volume = % of the cross-section of the fiber) and has two fiber diameters, then it can have 16% D1 fiber and 16% D2 fiber.

[0013] In another embodiment, the fluid transfer element can be divided into different assemblies of hollow membrane tubes, which can be arranged in parallel fluid loops (e.g., fluid can flow through one assembly or another, without having to flow through both as in a series fluid loop). In this embodiment, the different assemblies have different average flow cross-sectional areas of the hollow membrane tubes.

[0014] In another embodiment, the fluid transfer element may be comprised of different assemblies of hollow membrane tubes from different packages that can be used together. In this embodiment, the different packages are sets of hollow membrane tubes with different average flow cross-sectional areas.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid transfer element is provided, comprising: an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes having: (a) a first flow path defined by the hollow membrane tubes; and (b) a second flow path separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tubes, the second flow path passing between an inlet region and an outlet region. The arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, these tubes being arranged to provide different flow constraint characteristics, wherein a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes. The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the second flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0016] The various features below (or above) may be used individually or in combination with the above aspects of the invention.

[0017] The characteristic is that the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is also arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0018] The feature is that the fluid transfer element is incorporated into an assembly, which further includes a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element. The housing further includes: a first pair of fluid ports, a first flow path arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; and a second pair of fluid ports, a second flow path arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with an inlet region and the second outlet communicating with an outlet region.

[0019] In such a component feature, the housing may include a housing body and a removable cover, which is removable to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

[0020] In such a component feature, the housing may include a rectangular box-like configuration having six sides defining a component cavity, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides; and / or a second inlet and a second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides. Preferably, each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

[0021] The fluid transfer element is characterized by being decomposable into separate packages, each package comprising a first package and a second package spaced apart. Each package may have a corresponding spaced-apart first cap and second cap, into which a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes is hermetically engaged. For example, the first package may comprise a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and the second package may comprise a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0022] A feature of the embodiment is that the arrangement of the hollow membrane tube surrounds a central open cavity. For example, the fluid transfer element may also include a pair of end caps at opposite ends of the arrangement, one of the end caps having an opening communicating with the central open cavity, and wherein a second flow passage extends radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement.

[0023] Among the above features, the arrangement structure of the hollow membrane may include a group of hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, wherein the group of hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas includes at least a first annular region and a second annular region.

[0024] In the above-described arrangement, the first annular region may be radially located inside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tube in the first annular region has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube in the second annular region. Optionally, the arrangement may also include a third annular region of hollow membrane tubes located radially outside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tubes in the third annular region have a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tubes in the second annular region.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid transfer element is provided, comprising: an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes having: (a) a first flow path defined by the hollow membrane tubes; and (b) a second flow path separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tubes, the second flow path passing between an inlet region and an outlet region. Furthermore, the fluid transfer element may be provided from a plurality of packages comprising a first package and a second package spaced apart. Each package has a correspondingly spaced first cap and a second cap, a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being hermetically engaged in the first cap and the second cap. The first package comprises a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and the second package comprises a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0026] The various features below (or above) may be used individually or in combination with the above aspects of the invention.

[0027] In the above aspects, preferably, all hollow membrane tubes of the first package have a common size, and / or all hollow membrane tubes of the second package have a common size, but alternatively, a mixture of fibers of different sizes may be used in the package.

[0028] In the above aspects, the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is further arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0029] In the above aspects, each bag is characterized by having a sidewall that has a window in the vicinity of each end cap communicating through it with a second passage.

[0030] In the above aspects, the feature is that the plurality of packages further includes a third package spaced apart from the first and second packages, the second package being disposed between the first and third packages. The third package includes a third assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the third assembly of hollow membrane tubes has an average flow cross-sectional area larger than that of the first and second assemblies of hollow membrane tubes.

[0031] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element can be incorporated into an assembly, the assembly further including a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element. The housing may include: a first pair of fluid ports, a first flow path arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; and a second pair of fluid ports, a second flow path arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with an inlet region and the second outlet communicating with an outlet region.

[0032] In such a component feature, the housing may include a housing body and a removable cover, which is removable to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

[0033] In such a component feature, the housing may include a rectangular box-like configuration having six sides defining a component cavity, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides; and / or a second inlet and a second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides. Preferably, each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid transfer element is provided, comprising: an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes having: (a) a first flow path defined by the hollow membrane tubes; and (b) a second flow path separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tubes, the second flow path passing between an inlet region and an outlet region. Furthermore, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, having a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and further, the first assembly and the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes are arranged as parallel fluid loops along the second flow path.

[0035] The various features below (or above) may be used individually or in combination with the above aspects of the invention.

[0036] In the above aspects, the feature is that at least one partition wall is located between the first and second sets of hollow membrane tubes.

[0037] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element is characterized by being provided by a plurality of packages, the plurality of packages including a first package and a second package. Each package has a correspondingly spaced first cap and a second cap, a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being hermetically engaged in the first cap and the second cap, the first package including a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and the second package including a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0038] In the above aspects, the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is further arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0039] In the above aspects, the feature is that the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes is arranged further downstream along the second flow path relative to the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0040] In the above aspects, the feature is that a third assembly of hollow membrane tubes is provided. The third assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than both the first and second assemblies of hollow membrane tubes.

[0041] Among the above features, the third set can be arranged as a parallel fluid loop with the first set and the second set.

[0042] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element can be incorporated into an assembly, the assembly further including a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element. The housing may include: a first pair of fluid ports, a first flow path arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; and a second pair of fluid ports, a second flow path arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with an inlet region and the second outlet communicating with an outlet region.

[0043] In such a component feature, the housing may include a housing body and a removable cover, which is removable to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

[0044] In such a component feature, the housing may include a rectangular box-like configuration having six sides defining a component cavity, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides; and / or a second inlet and a second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides. Preferably, each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid transfer element is provided, comprising: an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes having: (a) a first flow path defined by the hollow membrane tubes; and (b) a second flow path separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tubes, the second flow path passing between an inlet region and an outlet region. Furthermore, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, having a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes having a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes being closer to the inlet region of the second flow path than the second assembly.

[0046] The various features below (or above) may be used individually or in combination with the above aspects of the invention.

[0047] In the above aspects, the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is characterized by being arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0048] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element can be incorporated into an assembly that further includes a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element. The housing may include: a first pair of fluid ports, a first flow path arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; and a second pair of fluid ports, a second flow path arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with an inlet region and the second outlet communicating with an outlet region.

[0049] In such a component feature, the housing may include a housing body and a removable cover, which is removable to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

[0050] In such a component feature, the housing may include a rectangular box-like configuration having six sides defining a component cavity, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides; and / or a second inlet and a second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides. Preferably, each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

[0051] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element is characterized by being decomposed into separate packages, said separate packages comprising a first package and a second package spaced apart. Each package may have a corresponding spaced-apart first cap and second cap, into which a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes is hermetically engaged. The first package may include a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and the second package may include a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0052] In the above aspects, a characteristic is that the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes surrounds a central open cavity. The fluid transfer element may also include a pair of end caps located at opposite ends of the arrangement, one of which has an opening communicating with the central open cavity. A second flow passage may extend radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement. The arrangement of the hollow membrane includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, the tubes having different flow cross-sectional areas including at least a first annular region and a second annular region.

[0053] Among the above features, the first annular region may be located radially inside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tube of the first annular region has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube of the second annular region.

[0054] In either or both of the above two features, the third annular region of the hollow membrane tube may be located radially outside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tube in the third annular region has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube in the second annular region.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid transfer element includes an arrangement of hollow membrane tubes in an annular configuration surrounding a central open cavity, with a pair of end caps at opposite ends of the arrangement. One of the end caps has an opening communicating with the central open cavity. A first flow path is defined by the hollow membrane tube; and a second flow path is separate from the first flow path and defined by a gap between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube. The second flow path flows radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement. Furthermore, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes also includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas.

[0056] The various features below (or above) may be used individually or in combination with the above aspects of the invention.

[0057] The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tubes includes a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0058] In the above aspects, the feature is that the arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube includes a first annular region of the hollow membrane tube having an average flow cross-sectional area different from that of the second annular region of the hollow membrane tube.

[0059] In the above features, the first annular region may be located radially inside the second annular region, and the first annular region has a first average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is greater than the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube in the second annular region.

[0060] The above features may also include a third annular region of the hollow membrane tube, which is radially outside the second annular region. The third annular region may have a third average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is larger than the second average flow cross-sectional area.

[0061] Furthermore, the above features may include a fourth annular region of the hollow membrane tube, which is radially outer of the third annular region. This fourth annular region may have a fourth average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is smaller than the third average flow cross-sectional area.

[0062] In the above aspects, the first annular region is characterized by providing an innermost region immediately adjacent to the central cavity, and optionally providing a tubular support cage within the central cavity.

[0063] In the above aspects, the fluid transfer element is characterized by being incorporated into an assembly that further includes a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element. The housing further includes: a first pair of fluid ports, a first flow passage arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; and a second pair of fluid ports, a second flow passage arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet communicates with an inlet region of the fluid transfer element, and the second outlet communicates with an outlet region of the fluid transfer element. The inlet region is an annular chamber surrounding the outer periphery of the outermost annular region of the hollow membrane tube, or is provided by a central open cavity.

[0064] Another aspect of the invention that may employ one or more of the above aspects and / or features is the following aspect: a humidifier for a fuel cell, wherein the humidifier includes a filter element (also referred to as a fluid transfer element) having a large number of tubular fibers (e.g., hollow membrane tubes) arranged parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the humidifier, the tubular fibers having at least two different fiber diameters.

[0065] In the humidifiers mentioned above, tubular fibers may include at least three different fiber diameters.

[0066] In the humidifiers mentioned above, the tubular fibers can be arranged in a circumferential order of different fiber diameters, D1, D2, Dn...

[0067] In the above-mentioned humidifiers, humidifiers typically consist of a large number of tubular fibers in a ring shape.

[0068] In the above humidifiers, tubular fibers have at least two different inner fiber diameters.

[0069] In the above humidifiers, the tubular fibers have at least two different outer fiber diameters.

[0070] Additional features that can be used in various aspects of the invention The following (or above) additional features may be used individually or in combination in any of the various inventive aspects and features mentioned above.

[0071] The fluid transfer element further includes a first cap and a second cap, into which the hollow membrane tube is hermetically joined. Furthermore, the intermediate portion of the hollow membrane tube between the first and second caps is exposed to a second flow passage.

[0072] The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is characterized by having a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

[0073] The hollow membrane tubes are characterized by having an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second set of hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first set of hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

[0074] The feature is that the hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

[0075] The feature is that, preferably, each of the hollow membrane tubes in the first set has a first common size, and each of the hollow membrane tubes in the second set has a second common size. Alternatively, hollow membrane tubes of different sizes may be mixed for each set, wherein the inner diameter / width of such sets is considered to be the average of such mixtures.

[0076] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0077] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of a fuel cell circuit including a humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a humidifier in the form of an embodiment of the present invention, which can be used Figure 1 Isometric view of the fluid transfer components in a fuel cell circuit; Figure 3 Such as Figure 2 The cross-section of the humidifier shown is intended to illustrate, in an embodiment having a fluid transfer element comprising two packs, a flow of humid air entering the humidifier along a second flow path, the two packs providing two sets of hollow membrane tubes with different fiber sizes; Figure 4 Such as Figure 2 The cross-section of the humidifier shown is to illustrate its use. Figure 3 In one embodiment of the fluid transfer element, a stream of humid air (now partially dried) exits from the humidifier along a second flow path; Figure 5 Such as Figure 2The cross-section of the humidifier shown is used to illustrate another similar humidifier. Figure 3 However, in embodiments with a fluid transfer element comprising three packs, the humid airflow enters the humidifier along a second flow path, the three packs providing three assemblies of hollow membrane tubes with different fiber sizes; Figure 6 This is a cross-section of the humidifier to show its use. Figure 5 In one embodiment of the fluid transfer element, a stream of humid air (now partially dried) exits from the humidifier along a second flow path; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows almost the entire schematic cross-section of the humidifier to illustrate the fluid flow through it; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Almost all schematic cross-sectional diagrams of the humidifier illustrations; Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional illustration of a fluid transfer element having two hollow fiber membrane bundles and a feed package; Figure 10 This is an isometric view of a fluid transfer element comprising an assembly of hollow membrane tubes of different sizes arranged in a ring configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 End view of the fluid transfer element shown; Figure 12 It is as if it is installed in the housing to provide usability Figure 1 The humidifier assembly in the fuel cell circuit Figure 10 A partial schematic diagram of the cross-section of the fluid transfer element shown; Figure 13 Isometric view of a portion of the assembly of larger hollow membrane fiber tubes that can be used in any of the embodiments 1-12; and Figure 14 This is a diagram of a portion of a collection of smaller hollow membrane fiber tubes that can be used in any of the embodiments 1-12.

[0078] Although the invention will be described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0079] refer to Figure 1According to an embodiment of the invention, an example of an operating environment is provided in the form of a hollow membrane fiber humidifier 10 in a fuel cell system 12. The fuel cell system 12 includes an air supply section for the humidifier 10, wherein dry air (e.g., ambient air) is delivered from the external environment via a blower 14, and an exhaust gas containing humid air is discharged via a fuel cell 16. The humid air discharged by the fuel cell 16 passes through the humidifier 10, whereby the dry inlet air for the fuel cell 10 is humidified by water contained in the fuel cell exhaust gas (i.e., the humid air) as it passes through the hollow membrane fiber tube of the humidifier 10 (shown in later figures).

[0080] Go to Figure 2 (as well as Figure 3-8 An embodiment of the fluid transfer assembly 20 is illustrated, which includes a fluid transfer element 24 (i.e., such as...). Figure 9 The housing 22 (shown as an assembly of assembled hollow membrane tubes) defines an element cavity 24, which may optionally be divided by a partition such as a tube sheet 28 with a package opening 30. Regardless, the element cavity 24 receives the fluid transfer element 24.

[0081] The fluid transfer component 20 can be used as such Figure 1 The humidifier 10 shown increases the humidity of the air introduced to the fuel cell 16. However, it is understood that the fluid transfer assembly 20 can also be used in other applications, such as to transfer water and / or other selected gases or other fluids between different fluid flows.

[0082] Back Figure 2 (as well as Figure 3-8 The housing 20 includes a first pair of fluid ports 32, 34, and a first passage 36 is arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports. Specifically, the ports include an inlet port 32, which is used, for example, for... Figure 1 The dry air introduced from the surroundings (environment) is shown; and the outlet port 34 is used, for example, for... Figure 1 The dry air, now humidified, can be input into the fuel cell via the port shown.

[0083] Furthermore, the housing includes a second pair of fluid ports 38, 40, and a second flow passage 42 is arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports. Specifically, the ports include an inlet port 38, which is used, for example, for flow from... Figure 1 The fuel cell 16 shown receives humid exhaust gas; and an outlet port 40, which is used, for example, to discharge the humid exhaust gas that has passed through the housing 20 (with reduced water vapor due to the humidification of dry air).

[0084] Although the fluid transfer element 24 may be permanently mounted in the housing 22 (e.g., permanently bonded directly to the housing 22 using an adhesive), more preferably, the fluid transfer element 22 is replaceable so that if the porosity of the fluid transfer element becomes more constrained due to contaminants, the housing can be reused and the fluid transfer element 22 can be replaced.

[0085] To achieve this, housing 22 may include housing body 44 and a removable cover 46. Cover 46 is removable (e.g., by means of fasteners 48 such as screwing or clamping to housing body 44) to allow for replacement of fluid transfer element 24.

[0086] At the other end of the housing body 44, there is an end cover 50, which may optionally be removable.

[0087] In this embodiment, the fluid transfer element 22 can be decomposed into separate packages 52, 54, 56, which can be arranged in a spaced-apart relationship as shown, with gaps between them, and each package is adapted to one of the openings of the separator 28.

[0088] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 There are two material packs, 52 and 54, in the middle. Figure 5 and Figure 6 There are three material packs 52, 54, and 56. Additionally or alternatively, each individual material pack can be divided into side-by-side separate material packs adapted to a single opening (e.g., if there are dividers in a single material pack 52 to actually create multiple material packs within such a material pack 52).

[0089] Each package 52, 54, 56 has a correspondingly spaced first cap 58 and second cap 60, into which a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes 62 is sealingly joined. For example, each end cap 58, 60 may comprise polyurethane or epoxy resin, into which the ends of the hollow membrane tubes 62 are potted / molded, wherein the ends are cut, and optionally have a protective retainer, a process further discussed and illustrated, for example, in Duryea's WO2023 / 028037, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0090] For example, the hollow membrane tube 62 may comprise hollow polymer fibers with a length between 3 inches and 3 feet (corresponding to the length of element 10). Suitable hollow membrane tubes 62 (e.g., hollow membrane fibers) that can be used in any of the foregoing embodiments are commonly known in the art, as exemplified by the following document: Lee's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0190093, which discloses a hollow fiber membrane having a tubular first hydrophilic polymer membrane and a second hydrophilic polymer membrane coated on the inner surface of the tubular first hydrophilic polymer membrane, the tubular first hydrophilic polymer membrane having a hollow center (e.g., Lee's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0190093 discloses that the tube may have one or two membranes (preferably two membranes) and include fibers). Fiber membrane materials, wherein the fiber membrane material may be made of polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polysulfone or polyethersulfone, perfluorosulfonic acid copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polyacrylonitrile (PAN); and / or U.S. Publication No. 2008 / 0067700 by Korytnikov et al., which discloses hollow fibers having a water-permeable and microporous structure and made of polysulfone, polycarbonate, polyamide, etc., suitable for exchanging humidity between two fluid flows, namely gas and gas or liquid and gas (the water permeability of the membrane is not higher than 10 ml / hr / mmHg to minimize leakage of the water carrier (deionized water, moisture) into the humidified gas flow); and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,181,943 by Leister et al. and / or Vaperma Siftek Technology (see https: / / www.greencarcongress.com / 2009 / 03 / uop--to-offer-vahtml Those commercially available as indicated in Cranford et al. / Vaperma, Inc. (EP 1,651,332). Accordingly, the entire contents of the patent publications in this paragraph are incorporated by reference because the membrane materials disclosed therein can be used in the embodiments of the hollow membrane tube 62 of this disclosure.

[0091] Suitable adhesives for the end caps 58, 60 in any of the foregoing embodiments include, but are not limited to, various epoxy resins, including two-component epoxy resins, and various types of polyurethanes or other such adhesives that can be applied in a flowable viscous liquid form and cured in situ. The end cap adhesive, applied in a flowable viscous liquid form, will generally fill the gap between adjacent tubes 62 to facilitate the flow of fluid through all or most of the opposite open ends of the hollow membrane tubes 62, sufficient to produce the desired moisture separation effect and exchange purpose. Once the adhesive on the end caps 58, 60 has cured, the ends can be cut to expose the open ends of the hollow membrane tubes 62 so that fluid can travel through the tubes.

[0092] In these embodiments, the first package 52 includes a first set 64 of hollow membrane tubes 62, and the second package 54 includes a second set 68 of hollow membrane tubes 62, and an optional third package 56 (if used) provides a third set 66 of hollow membrane tubes 62.

[0093] like Figure 3-9 As shown, the fluid transfer element 20 provides an arrangement of a hollow membrane tube 62 having a first flow path 70 defined by the hollow membrane tube 62; and a gap 73 (in) separate from the first flow path 70 and defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube 62. Figure 13-14 (Best shown in the diagram) Defined second flow path 72. Second flow path 72 generally passes between inlet region 74 and outlet region 76.

[0094] When installed in an application, such as housing 22, a first flow passage 70 may be inserted along housing inlet flow passage 36 and form a portion of said housing inlet flow passage (e.g., for humidifying dry air), and a second flow passage 72 may be inserted along housing outlet flow passage 42 and form a portion of said housing outlet flow passage (e.g., for collecting moisture from humid air). The inlet region 74 and outlet region 76 of the fluid transfer element 20, when in housing 22, are in fluid communication with the humid inlet port 38 and humid outlet port 40, respectively, as shown.

[0095] To promote the second moisture flow pathway 72, and as in Figure 9 As best shown, packages 52, 54, and 56 each include a sidewall 90 (sidewall 90 in...) Figure 3 The numbers also indicate the fit to the package opening 30 in the separator 28. (e.g.) Figure 9 As shown, the sidewall 90 provides a central segment for the package, which is preferably impermeable, and the sidewall facilitates a relatively moist airflow through the hollow membrane tube 62 for approximately the entire length. The sidewall 90 provides a moist inlet opening 92 near one end cap 58 and a moist outlet opening 94 near the other end cap 60.

[0096] like Figure 9As shown, the wet inlet opening 92 may be provided by a single window (e.g., an annular gap between the sidewall 90 and the end cap 58) extending around the entire periphery of the corresponding bag. However, the sidewall 90 may also extend into and be embedded in the end cap 58, and the wet inlet opening 92 may be provided by one or more windows formed into the sidewall that do not extend the entire periphery; for example, two window openings may be provided on opposite front / rear sides, or two window openings may be provided on opposite lateral sides, or four window openings may be provided, for example, one window on each of the four sides of the bag. Similarly, at the outlet side, as Figure 9 As shown, the wet outlet opening 94 may be provided by a single window (e.g., an annular gap between the sidewall 90 and the end cap 60) extending around the entire periphery of the respective bag. However, the sidewall 90 may also extend into and be embedded in the end cap 60, and the wet outlet opening 94 may be provided by one or more windows formed into the sidewall that do not extend the entire periphery; for example, two window openings may be provided on opposite front / rear sides, or two window openings may be provided on opposite lateral sides, or four window openings may be provided, for example, one window on each of the four sides of the bag.

[0097] As also shown, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes 62 includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, which are arranged to provide different flow constraint characteristics. This includes a first set 64 of hollow membrane tubes having an average flow cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second set 68 of hollow membrane tubes. And, as shown for some embodiments, there may optionally be more sets, such as a third set 66 of membrane tubes having an average flow cross-sectional area different from that of the first or second set 68.

[0098] Different average flow cross-sectional areas can be easily achieved by grouping hollow membrane tubes 62 with different widths / diameters, as shown, for example using small-diameter tubes 62A, large-diameter tubes 62C, and optionally intermediate-diameter tubes 62B; or alternatively, such sets and groups can also be achieved by mixing different numbers of such hollow membrane tubes 62 with different widths / diameters (e.g., one set may have a mixture of 20% larger fiber tubes 62C and 80% smaller fiber tubes 62A; while another set may have a mixture of 80% larger fiber tubes 62C and 20% smaller fiber tubes 62A). In these types of hollow membrane tubes, it is assumed in the art that the tubes are generally circular and therefore have an average diameter (or average width). Even if not perfectly cylindrical, such hollow membrane tubes 62 are considered to have a diameter, as will be understood in the art (and also referred to as width).

[0099] For example, Figure 13-14This is illustrative, showing the inner width / diameter and outer width / diameter dimensions IW and OW for the hollow membrane tube fiber 62, respectively. Typically, for various sizes of hollow membrane tubes 62 (62A, 62B, 62C), the inner diameter IW of the individual hollow membrane tube 62 will be less than 2 mm and preferably and more typically between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm.

[0100] Typically, the wall thickness of an individual hollow membrane tube 62 (regardless of size) is relatively thin and does not exceed 0.2 mm, and in embodiments is typically 0.1 mm for most tubes (e.g., wall thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm), but the range of wall thickness can preferably be selected between 0.15 mm and 1.5 mm. This wall thickness can affect the gas interaction between flow passages 70, 72 to allow water vapor to have residence time within the fibers of the hollow membrane tube 62 for transfer between passages. Thus, for example, if the wall thickness is 0.1 mm, the outer diameter / width OW minus the inner diameter / width IW is calculated to be 0.2 mm. The inner diameter / width IW is referenced more often than the outer diameter / width OW herein because the inner diameter / width IW determines the available cross-sectional area flow rate.

[0101] The hollow membrane tube 62 can be selected to have different flow cross-sectional areas, comprising smaller and larger tubes, with the larger tube 62C having an inner diameter / width IW at least 0.1 mm larger than that of the smaller tube 62A. Essentially, the larger tube 62C has an inner diameter / width IW at least 0.2-0.8 mm larger than that of the smaller tube 62A. If used, the intermediate tube 62B may have a moderate inner diameter / width IW (and preferably differ from both the smaller and larger tubes by 0.1-0.4 mm).

[0102] For example, in different embodiments, the smaller tube 62A to be used may be selected to have an inner diameter / width IW between 0.4 and 0.7 mm, while the larger tube 62C may have an inner diameter / width IW between 0.7 and 1.3 mm, and even higher than 1.7 mm in some examples. Furthermore, an intermediate membrane tube 62B, with a size between the smaller and larger tubes, may be used. Moreover, although a uniform set of tubes with the same common size for different sets is shown, it is also optional to make a mixture of different sizes for different sets. In this respect, the set of hollow membrane tubes can be described as the average cross-sectional area of ​​all the large and small tubes in a given configuration.

[0103] Selectively using pipes of different sizes (whether a uniform set or a set with selectively different sizes) can result in significantly different cross-sectional flow rates and thus different constraint and pressure drop characteristics at different locations. The following table shows more typical pipe sizes that can be used in the embodiments.

[0104] Table 1 — Typical sizes of tubes to be selected from the collection of tubes

[0105] The table above shows the available flow area through the hollow region of the tube (fourth column), and the ability of different flow paths to interact within the fiber thickness of the tube (i.e., the thickness of the fiber membrane), which affects the humidity transfer efficiency between the wet flow path 70 and the dry flow path 72. However, for the embodiments, it is conceivable that the wall thickness may also vary, as shown, for example, in Table 2 below. Furthermore, different fiber groups may employ different wall thicknesses. In any case, the outer width / diameter OW is quite closely related to the inner width / diameter IW by the wall thickness; therefore, referring to the inner width / diameter IW is a useful parameter considering both resistance / pressure drop along the wet and dry paths 70 and 72.

[0106] Table 2 — Variation in fiber thickness

[0107] Taking into account these possibilities and depending on which tube is selected for the minimum or maximum inner diameter (IW), and as shown by the flow area in the above figures, the first set 64 of hollow membrane tubes 62a typically has a first average flow cross-sectional area (shown in column 4, “Fiber Tube Flow Cross-sectional Area”, in Table 1), which is typically between 5% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second set 68 of hollow membrane tubes 62c, and even more typically between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second set 68 of hollow membrane tubes 62c. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a set of tubes with common dimensions, a mixture of tubes of different sizes may be used for the first set 64 with a smaller average flow cross-sectional area, and a mixture of tubes of different sizes may be used for the second set 68 with a larger average flow cross-sectional area, but generally still within the range of these flow cross-sectional areas.

[0108] As discussed above and as... Figure 3-9As shown, sets 64, 66, and 68 can be arranged in different spaced-apart packages 52, 54, and 56, each package having a tube with a common diameter / width as shown. Alternatively, and not shown, the different sets 64, 66, and 68 can also be combined rather than separated, for example, by using dividers placed in one or more of the packages 52, 54, and 56, and wherein they can form another package within one or more of the illustrated packages.

[0109] Preferably, as shown, each of the tubes 62A in the first set 64 has a first common size, and each of the tubes 62B in the second set 66 has a second common size, and if adopted, each of the tubes 62C in the third set 68 has a third common size.

[0110] Hollow membrane tubes 62 of different sizes can be used in different configurations (e.g., in...). Figure 2-9 In the current embodiment and in other embodiments, for example Figure 10-12 Several advantages arise from the configuration configuration shown. This provides for several different features, as will be discussed in the following paragraphs, which can be implemented individually in one embodiment and / or in combination with one or more features in other embodiments.

[0111] One achievable feature is that mixing fiber sizes can increase the pressure drop across the shell (e.g., second passage 42) and the fibers (e.g., first passage 36), but such mixing and arrangement can create a way to optimize fiber size to achieve greater improvements in humidity transfer efficiency at a smaller pressure differential cost. This application also takes into account the pressure drop and fluid flow of the humid flow to achieve the feature in embodiments where smaller fibers withstand a larger flow or are positioned in conjunction with a larger pressure differential for the increased flow. In other words, smaller fibers can be positioned where the humid airflow is expected to have a higher velocity (high pressure drop potential), and preferably also where the dry airflow is expected to have a higher velocity and / or a higher pressure drop potential.

[0112] Therefore, the smaller hollow membrane tubes 62A, group 64 (e.g., having a smaller average cross-sectional flow area) are arranged to withstand greater wet flow along the second flow path 72 (e.g., between the gaps 73) than any or both of the other groups 66, 68 of the larger hollow membrane tubes 62B, 62C. Figure 13-14 The pressure drop.

[0113] Another further feature is that the first assembly 60 of the smaller hollow membrane tubes 62A is also arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path 70 (e.g., the dry flow through the tube to be humidified) than any or both of the other assemblies 66, 68 of the larger hollow membrane tubes 62B, 62C.

[0114] Another feature is that two or more of the assemblies 64, 66, and 68 of the hollow membrane tubes 62 are arranged in parallel fluid loops along the second flow path 72 (e.g., between the gaps between the fibers), such as in Figure 3-9 As shown in (see also) Figure 13-14 (This shows the gap 73 for the second flow path 72). Through parallel fluid loops, fluid can alternatively flow through the gaps of one or the other of sets 64, 66, 68, but is not forced to flow sequentially through the gaps of different sets.

[0115] To further elaborate on the above-mentioned parallel fluid arrangement structural features, these features can avoid pressure drop and increased constraint, and through... Figure 3-9 The embodiments are illustrated (but such features are not used for) Figure 10-12 (As illustrated in the embodiment). For example, if the humid airflow must travel through Figure 2-9 The gaps between multiple sets in the hollow membrane tubes would result in constrained stacking, producing a larger pressure drop and lower velocity. This is avoided, and allows designers more options for selecting the grouping of fibers and fiber sizes for efficiency, flow rate, and pressure differential (and can affect factors such as the energy input used to generate the fluid flow or energy availability). Furthermore, two or more of the sets 64, 66, and 68 of the hollow membrane tubes 62 are also arranged in parallel fluid loops along the first flow path 70, for example in... Figure 3-9 As shown, the fluid flow through the pipes also forms a parallel fluid loop (e.g., the incoming dry air flow may flow through only one of the pipes rather than through multiple pipes in series).

[0116] Figure 2-9 Another feature illustrated is that the elements are provided by a plurality (e.g., two or more) packages 52, 54, 56 spaced apart. Different packages 52, 54, 56 allow for different configurations to be implemented because each package may include a collection of different membrane tubes 62 with different average flow cross-sectional areas. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first collection 64 of hollow membrane tubes 62A has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than a second collection 68 of hollow membrane tubes 62C, and optionally, a collection 64 of one or more medium-sized hollow membrane tubes 62B may be used.

[0117] A configuration feature is provided in which different sets of membrane tubes can be arranged in areas where higher flow rates and / or higher pressure differentials are expected. For example, a first set 64 (e.g., having smaller tubes 64A) may be arranged closer to the inlet region 74 of a second flow path 72 (e.g., for wet flow) than a second set 68 (e.g., having larger tubes 62C).

[0118] Return to About Figure 2-9Based on the illustrated embodiments and further observations, in these embodiments, the housing 22 preferably comprises a rectangular box-like configuration with six sides 80-85 defining the element cavity 26. In this embodiment, the dry inlet port 32 and the dry outlet port 34 are along a single common side 80 of the six sides. Furthermore, the wet inlet port 38 and the wet outlet port 40 may also be along a single common side 80, which may be the same side as the dry inlet port 32 and the dry outlet port 34. This provides all connections in one location, although in other embodiments, the port connections may also be along other walls and / or divided between different walls.

[0119] To illustrate that fiber arrangement structures of different sizes can be adopted in other arrangement structures and can also achieve one or more of the above features (except for the parallel loop feature for wet / secondary channels). Figure 10-12 Another embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0120] refer to Figure 10-12 The fluid transfer element 110 is illustrated according to another embodiment, comprising an arrangement of a hollow membrane tube 112 in an annular configuration surrounding a central open cavity 114. A pair of end caps (e.g., an open end cap 116 and a closed end cap 118) are located at opposite ends of the arrangement of the hollow membrane tube 112, at least one of the end caps 116 having an opening 120 for transferring fluid into the central open cavity 114.

[0121] Furthermore, the first flow path 122 (e.g., for use as...) Figure 1 The dry airflow to be humidified is defined by the hollow membrane tube 112; and the second flow path 124 is separate from the first flow path 122 and is defined by gaps defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube 112 (in other words, around the outside / periphery of the tube). In this embodiment, the second flow path 124 flows radially between the central open cavity 114 and the outer periphery 126 (e.g., an outer peripheral annular chamber) around the arrangement. Furthermore, as shown, this arrangement of the hollow membrane tube 112 includes tubes 112A and 112B with different flow cross-sectional areas.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes 112 includes a first set 128 of smaller hollow membrane tubes 112A and a second set 130 of larger hollow membrane tubes 112B. In this way, this embodiment achieves the characteristic that the first set 128 of hollow membrane tubes 112 has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second set 130 of hollow membrane tubes 112.

[0123] Furthermore, this embodiment may similarly have the characteristics of a third set 132 of smaller tubes 112A and / or a fourth set 134 of larger tubes 112B.

[0124] In the fluid transfer element 110, the arrangement of the hollow membrane tube 112 includes an innermost annular region 136 of the hollow membrane tube, which has a different average flow cross-sectional area than the annular regions 138 of different hollow membrane tubes. Multiple annular regions may be provided, including additional intermediate annular regions 140 and an outermost region 140. The arrangement of these regions according to size for the tube may depend on whether the wet fluid flow is radially outward or radially inward.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, assuming radial outward flow (i.e., from cavity 114 to outer peripheral chamber 126), the innermost annular region 136 has a first average flow cross-sectional area of ​​hollow membrane tube 112, which is greater than the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​hollow membrane tube 112 of another surrounding region 138.

[0126] In this arrangement, the adjacent flow area of ​​the adjacent cavity 114 is limited and there is a large gap at this location, which should facilitate the flow to the surrounding area 138, where the humidity transfer efficiency should be higher due to the higher surface fiber area.

[0127] Additional regions can be provided in a layered manner, as shown, to limit the effects of constraints and provide a larger area to allow for the release of moisture flow. Therefore, a third intermediate annular region 140 of the hollow membrane tube 112 is located radially outside the second annular region 138. As shown, the third annular region 140 has a third average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is larger than the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second annular region 138.

[0128] The design also attempts to achieve more efficient transfer, with a large number of gaps in the outermost region, thereby forming the fourth annular outermost region 142 of the hollow membrane tube 112. The fourth annular region 142 is radially outside the third annular region 140, and has a fourth average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is smaller than the third average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the third annular region 140.

[0129] Optionally, the tubular support cage 144 is located within the central cavity 114, and optionally, the outer tubular support cage 146 surrounds the hollow membrane tube 112.

[0130] For the dimensional parameters and material type of the fiber and end cap, please refer to the specific... Figure 2-9 The same as described in the first embodiment.

[0131] The fluid transfer element 110 can be incorporated into the assembly 148, which can serve as... Figure 1 The humidifier is shown in the diagram. Assembly 148 also includes a housing 150 that defines an element cavity 152 for receiving the fluid transfer element 110.

[0132] The housing 150 also includes a first pair of fluid ports 154, 156, with a first flow passage 122 arranged for flow between the first pair of fluid ports. For example, in this embodiment, port 154 is an inlet for dry air, and port 156 is an outlet for dry air (now at least partially humidified, through which air has been passed). The housing also includes a second pair of fluid ports 158, 160, with a second flow passage 124 arranged for flow between the second pair of fluid ports. For example, in this embodiment, port 158 ​​is an inlet for humid exhaust gas, and port 160 is an outlet for humid air to be discharged to the external environment.

[0133] The wet inlet port 158 ​​communicates with the inlet region 162 of the fluid transfer element 110, and the wet outlet port 160 communicates with the outlet region 164 of the fluid transfer element 110. In this embodiment, the inlet region 162 corresponds to the central open cavity 114. However, as previously stated, depending on whether the design is for radially inward or radially outward flow, the inlet region 163 may be an annular chamber 126 surrounding the outer periphery of the outermost annular region 142 of the hollow membrane tube 112, or alternatively provided by the central open cavity 114 as shown.

[0134] All references cited in this article, including publications, patent applications and patents, are hereby incorporated by reference as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and to fully elaborate in this article.

[0135] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms “a,” “this,” “the,” and similar designations should be interpreted as encompassing both the singular and plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”), unless otherwise stated. References to numerical ranges herein are intended only as a simplified way of referring individually to each individual value falling within that range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were separately described herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention, unless otherwise required. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0136] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only for distinction, solely to differentiate or identify components or groups of components; and therefore, for example, these terms do not imply any order limitation, any sequence limitation, or any numerical limitation. For example, if embodiments set forth and describe a first set, a second set, and a third set, then references in the claims such as the claimed first set and the claimed second set may be satisfied by the described first set and the described second set, the described first set and the described third set, and / or the described second set and the described third set.

[0137] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to adopt such variations as appropriate, and the inventors also intend for the invention to be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer element, comprising: The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube has the following characteristics: (a) A first flow path defined by a hollow membrane tube; (b) A second flow path that flows separately from the first flow path and through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube, the second flow path flowing between the inlet region and the outlet region; The hollow membrane tube arrangement includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, which are arranged to provide different flow constraint characteristics. A first assembly of the hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes. The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the second flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

2. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is also arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

3. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, further comprising a first cap and a second cap, wherein the hollow membrane tube is hermetically joined to the first cap and the second cap, wherein, The middle portion of the hollow membrane tube between the first end cap and the second end cap is exposed to the second flow passage.

4. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

5. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes are defined with an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second set of hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first set of hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

6. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, Hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

7. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 1 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow path arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a housing body and a removable cover that can be removed to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The fluid transfer element is broken down into separate packages, each package comprising a first package and a second package spaced apart, each package having a corresponding spaced first cap and a second cap, and a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being sealed into the first cap and the second cap, wherein the first package comprises a first assembly of the hollow membrane tubes, and the second package comprises a second assembly of the hollow membrane tubes.

10. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the cavity of the element, wherein a first inlet and a first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

11. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the cavity of the element, wherein a second inlet and a second outlet are located along a single common side of the six sides.

12. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the cavity of the element, wherein each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

13. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, The arrangement of the hollow membrane tubes surrounds a central open cavity and includes a pair of end caps at opposite ends of the arrangement, one of the end caps having an opening communicating with the central open cavity, and wherein a second flow passage extends radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement, and wherein the arrangement of the hollow membranes includes a group of hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, the group of hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas including at least a first annular region and a second annular region.

14. The fluid transfer element according to claim 13, wherein, The first annular region is radially inside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tube of the first annular region has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube of the second annular region.

15. The fluid transfer element of claim 14, further comprising a third annular region of a hollow membrane tube radially outside the second annular region, the hollow membrane tube of the third annular region having a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube of the second annular region.

16. The fluid transfer element according to claim 1, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes in the first set each have a first common size, and the hollow membrane tubes in the second set each have a second common size.

17. A fluid transfer element, comprising: The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube has the following characteristics: (a) A first flow path defined by a hollow membrane tube; (b) A second flow path, separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube, the second flow path passing between the inlet region and the outlet region; The hollow membrane tube arrangement includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas; and The fluid transfer element is provided by a plurality of packages, the plurality of packages including a first package and a second package spaced apart, each package having a corresponding spaced first cap and a second cap, and a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being sealed into the first cap and the second cap, wherein the first package includes a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and the second package includes a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

18. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, All hollow membrane tubes in the first material package have the same dimensions, and / or all hollow membrane tubes in the second material package have the same dimensions.

19. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is also arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

20. The fluid transfer element of claim 17, further comprising a first cap and a second cap, wherein the hollow membrane tube is hermetically engaged in the first cap and the second cap, wherein, The middle portion of the hollow membrane tube, located between the first end cap and the second end cap, is exposed to the second flow passage.

21. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, Each pack has a sidewall, which has a window near each end cap communicating with the second passage therethrough.

22. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

23. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes are defined with an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second assembly of the hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first assembly of the hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

24. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, Hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

25. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes in the first set each have a first common size, and the hollow membrane tubes in the second set each have a second common size.

26. The fluid transfer element according to claim 17, wherein, The plurality of material packages also includes a third material package spaced apart from the first and second material packages. The second material package is inserted between the first and third material packages. The third material package includes a third assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the third assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the first and second assemblies of hollow membrane tubes.

27. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 1 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow path arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region.

28. The component of claim 27, wherein, The housing includes a housing body and a removable cover that allows for the replacement of the fluid transfer element with a pack.

29. The component of claim 27, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the component cavity, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

30. The component of claim 27, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the element cavity, wherein the second inlet and the second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

31. A fluid transfer element, comprising: The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube has the following characteristics: (a) A first flow path defined by a hollow membrane tube; (b) A second flow path, separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube, the second flow path passing between the inlet region and the outlet region; The hollow membrane tube arrangement includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas; and The first assembly and the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and wherein the first assembly and the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes are arranged in parallel fluid loops along the second flow path.

32. The fluid transfer element of claim 31, further comprising at least one partition wall between the first assembly and the second assembly.

33. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, The fluid transfer element is provided by a plurality of packages, the plurality of packages including a first package and a second package, each package having a corresponding spaced-apart first cap and second cap, and a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being hermetically engaged in the first cap and the second cap, wherein the first package includes a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and the second package includes a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

34. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, All hollow membrane tubes in the first set have a common size, and / or all hollow membrane tubes in the set have a common size.

35. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is also arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

36. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, The second assembly of the hollow membrane tubes is arranged further downstream along the second flow path relative to the first assembly of the hollow membrane tubes.

37. The fluid transfer element of claim 31, further comprising a first cap and a second cap, wherein the hollow membrane tube is hermetically engaged in the first cap and the second cap, wherein, The middle portion of the hollow membrane tube, located between the first end cap and the second end cap, is exposed to the second flow passage.

38. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

39. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes are defined with an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second set of hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first set of hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

40. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, wherein, Hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

41. The fluid transfer element according to claim 31, further comprising a third assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein, The third set of hollow membrane tubes has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the first and second sets of hollow membrane tubes.

42. The fluid transfer element according to claim 41, wherein, The third set is arranged in parallel fluid loop with the first set and the second set.

43. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 31 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow path arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region.

44. The component of claim 43, wherein, The housing includes a housing body and a removable cover, which can be removed to allow for replacement of the first and second sets of fluid transfer elements.

45. The component of claim 44, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the component cavity, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

46. ​​The component of claim 44, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the element cavity, wherein the second inlet and the second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

47. A fluid transfer element, comprising: The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube has the following characteristics: (a) A first flow path defined by a hollow membrane tube; (b) A second flow path, separate from the first flow path and passing through a gap defined between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube, the second flow path passing from the inlet region to the outlet region; and The hollow membrane tube arrangement structure includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas. The tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include a first set of hollow membrane tubes and a second set of hollow membrane tubes. The first set of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second set of hollow membrane tubes. The first set of hollow membrane tubes is closer to the inlet region of the second flow path than the second set.

48. The fluid transfer element according to claim 47, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes is arranged to withstand a greater pressure drop along the first flow path than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

49. The fluid transfer element of claim 47, further comprising a first cap and a second cap, wherein the hollow membrane tube is hermetically joined to the first cap and the second cap, wherein, The middle portion of the hollow membrane tube, located between the first end cap and the second end cap, is exposed to the second flow passage.

50. The fluid transfer element according to claim 47, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

51. The fluid transfer element according to claim 47, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes are defined with an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second assembly of the hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first assembly of the hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

52. The fluid transfer element according to claim 47, wherein, Hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

53. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 47 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow path arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region.

54. The component of claim 53, wherein, The housing includes a housing body and a removable cover that can be removed to allow for replacement of the fluid transfer element.

55. The component of claim 54, wherein, The fluid transfer element is broken down into separate packages, each package comprising a first package and a second package spaced apart, each package having a corresponding spaced first cap and a second cap, and a corresponding assembly of hollow membrane tubes being sealed into the first cap and the second cap, wherein the first package comprises a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and the second package comprises a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

56. The component of claim 53, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the component cavity, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

57. The component of claim 53, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the element cavity, wherein the second inlet and the second outlet are along a single common side of the six sides.

58. The component according to claim 53, wherein, The housing includes a rectangular box-shaped configuration having six sides defining the cavity of the element, wherein each of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet is along a single common side of the six sides.

59. The fluid transfer element according to claim 47, wherein, The hollow membrane tube arrangement surrounds a central open cavity and includes a pair of end caps at opposite ends of the arrangement, one of the end caps having an opening communicating with the central open cavity, wherein the second flow passage extends radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement, and wherein the hollow membrane arrangement includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas, the tubes having different flow cross-sectional areas including at least a first annular region and a second annular region.

60. The fluid transfer element according to claim 59, wherein, The first annular region is radially inside the second annular region, and the hollow membrane tube of the first annular region has a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube of the second annular region.

61. The fluid transfer element of claim 60 further includes a third annular region of the hollow membrane tube radially outside the second annular region, the hollow membrane tube in the third annular region having a larger average flow cross-sectional area than the hollow membrane tube in the second annular region.

62. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 60 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow passage arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region, wherein the inlet region is an annular chamber surrounding the outer periphery of the outermost annular region of the hollow membrane tube, or provided by the central open cavity.

63. A fluid transfer element, comprising: A hollow membrane tube arrangement structure forming a ring-shaped configuration surrounding a central open cavity. At opposite ends of the arrangement, there are a pair of end caps, one of which has an opening communicating with the central open cavity. The first flow path is defined by the hollow membrane tube; A second flow path, separate from the first flow path and defined by a gap between adjacent members of the hollow membrane tube, flows radially between the central open cavity and the outer periphery of the arrangement. and The hollow membrane tube arrangement structure includes tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas.

64. The fluid transfer element according to claim 63, wherein, The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tubes includes a first assembly of hollow membrane tubes and a second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, wherein the first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a smaller average flow cross-sectional area than the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

65. The fluid transfer element according to claim 63, wherein, The arrangement structure of the hollow membrane tube includes a first annular region of the hollow membrane tube, the first annular region having an average flow cross-sectional area different from that of the second annular region of the hollow membrane tube.

66. The fluid transfer element according to claim 65, wherein, The first annular region is radially inside the second annular region, and the first annular region has a first average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, which is greater than the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube in the second annular region.

67. The fluid transfer element according to claim 66 further includes a third annular region of the hollow membrane tube, the third annular region being radially outside the second annular region, the third annular region having a third average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, the third average flow cross-sectional area being greater than the second average flow cross-sectional area.

68. The fluid transfer element according to claim 67 further includes a fourth annular region of a hollow membrane tube, the fourth annular region being radially outside the third annular region, the fourth annular region having a fourth average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow membrane tube, the fourth average flow cross-sectional area being smaller than the third average flow cross-sectional area.

69. The fluid transfer element according to claim 65, wherein, The first annular region provides an innermost region immediately adjacent to the central cavity, and optionally a tubular support cage within the central cavity.

70. The fluid transfer element according to claim 63, wherein, The first assembly of hollow membrane tubes has a first average flow cross-sectional area, which is between 10% and 80% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes, and more preferably between 20% and 50% of the second average flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second assembly of hollow membrane tubes.

71. The fluid transfer element according to claim 63, wherein, The hollow membrane tubes are defined with an inner diameter / width of less than 2 mm and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, and wherein the inner diameter / width of the second set of hollow membrane tubes is at least 0.1 mm larger than the inner diameter / width of the first set of hollow membrane tubes and preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm larger.

72. The fluid transfer element according to claim 63, wherein, Hollow membrane tubes with different flow cross-sectional areas include at least three different sizes of hollow membrane tubes.

73. An assembly comprising a fluid transfer element according to claim 63 and further comprising a housing defining an element cavity for receiving the fluid transfer element, the housing further comprising: A first pair of fluid ports, the first flow passage being arranged to flow between the first pair of fluid ports, the first pair of fluid ports including a first inlet and a first outlet; The second pair of fluid ports, the second flow passage arranged to flow between the second pair of fluid ports, the second pair of fluid ports including a second inlet and a second outlet, the second inlet communicating with the inlet region of the fluid transfer element, and the second outlet communicating with the outlet region of the fluid transfer element, wherein the inlet region is an annular chamber surrounding the outer periphery of the outermost annular region of the hollow membrane tube, or provided by the central open cavity.

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