Core-free shell humidifier
By combining a coreless shell structure with an enhanced hollow fiber membrane, the problems of increased weight and easy breakage of membrane fibers in traditional humidifiers are solved, achieving efficient humidification and weight reduction, thus meeting the needs of low-altitude aircraft.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG MOFANG NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing hydrogen fuel cell humidifiers for passenger vehicles cannot meet the weight requirements of low-altitude aircraft. The core shell structure of traditional humidifiers easily leads to increased weight, and the membrane fibers are easily broken by high-flow gas impact, with small membrane fiber filling area and low shell utilization.
It adopts a coreless shell structure, uses a plastic mesh bag to bind the reinforced hollow fiber membrane, and tightly installs the membrane fibers through linear array fixing holes on the fixing plate. The intercooler and humidifier are connected by a flange, reducing piping connections and reducing space occupancy.
It increases the membrane fiber filling area and shell utilization, avoids membrane fiber breakage, reduces overall weight, meets the weight requirements of low-altitude aircraft, and improves the stability and efficiency of the humidifier.
Smart Images

Figure CN224230219U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of humidifier technology, and in particular to a coreless humidifier. Background Technology
[0002] According to Chinese Patent No. CN215896463U, a humidifier includes a main body and further includes: an external support device for supporting the entire device; a port distribution component for allowing the entry and exit of dry and moist air and providing humidification; and a connecting component for fixing the various components together. This device optimizes the structure and position of the humidifier's wet testing interface, placing it near the bottom edge without affecting its performance. This minimizes the adverse effects of water accumulation and icing in cold conditions on humidifier performance and rapid cold start of the fuel cell. The optimized structure, with a four-sided symmetrical design, allows for different assembly methods for the top cover, main body, and bottom cover, enabling various humidifier shapes without affecting performance and adapting to the layout requirements of various fuel cell stacks.
[0003] Hydrogen-powered low-altitude aircraft are low-altitude flight devices that use hydrogen as an energy source. They mainly include drones and other types, and have a variety of advantages and different application scenarios. Hydrogen has a high energy density, and hydrogen fuel cells (including gas sources) of the same mass have a higher energy density than lithium batteries, which can significantly improve the range of aircraft. Weight optimization of hydrogen fuel cell components is crucial for improving the performance and efficiency of fuel cells and the range of aircraft.
[0004] The above-mentioned documents and existing technologies have the following technical problems: Currently, existing hydrogen fuel cell passenger car humidifiers generally cannot meet the weight requirements of hydrogen fuel cell low-altitude aircraft, and the core shell structure of traditional humidifiers is prone to weight increase. After removing the core shell, there are problems such as the membrane fibers being easily broken by the impact of high flow gas, the membrane fiber filling area being small, and the shell utilization rate being low. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a coreless humidifier.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a coreless shell humidifier, comprising an intercooler body and a humidifier body, wherein the humidifier body is provided on the side of the intercooler body, and a fixing plate is provided inside the humidifier body. Fixing holes are provided on the surface of the fixing plate, and the fixing holes are arranged in a linear array at equal intervals on the surface of the fixing plate. A hollow fiber membrane is provided on the surface of the fixing holes, and the shape and position of the hollow fiber membrane are adapted to the fixing holes.
[0007] Preferably, the intercooler body has a flange on its side, and the intercooler body and the humidifier body are connected by the flange.
[0008] Preferably, the intercooler body has a first air inlet pipe on its side and the humidifier body has a first air outlet pipe on its surface.
[0009] Preferably, the surface of the intercooler body is provided with a liquid inlet pipe, and the side of the intercooler body is provided with a liquid outlet pipe.
[0010] Preferably, the surface of the humidifier body is provided with a second air inlet pipe, and the surface of the humidifier body is provided with a second air outlet pipe.
[0011] Preferably, the second air inlet pipe is disposed on one side of the fixed plate, and the second air outlet pipe is disposed on the other side of the fixed plate.
[0012] Preferably, the shape of the fixing plate corresponds to the shape of the humidifier body, and the first air outlet pipe is located on the side close to the second air inlet pipe.
[0013] Beneficial effects
[0014] In this invention, a plastic mesh bag is used instead of a core shell to bind the hollow fiber membrane, shaping it into a circle and inserting it into the shell. Because the hollow fiber membrane is a reinforced polymer membrane, the internal braided tube significantly improves its mechanical properties, allowing it to remain stable under high-temperature, high-humidity, and high-velocity gas impact, preventing membrane fiber breakage and ensuring the normal operation of the humidifier. Simultaneously, the reinforced hollow fiber membrane, combined with the linearly arrayed equidistant fixing holes on the fixing plate, allows the membrane fibers to be tightly and orderly installed within the fixing holes, greatly increasing the membrane fiber filling area and thus increasing the number of membrane fibers, improving the shell utilization rate. Furthermore, the integrated structure, where the intercooler body and humidifier body are connected by a flange and the core shell is eliminated, reduces the overall weight, meeting the weight requirements of low-altitude hydrogen fuel cell vehicles while reducing piping connections and lowering space occupancy. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is an axonometric view of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 2 This is the right view of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 3 This is an internal front view of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the hollow fiber membrane of this utility model.
[0019] Legend:
[0020] 1. Intercooler body; 2. Humidifier body; 3. Flange; 4. First air inlet pipe; 5. First air outlet pipe; 6. Second air inlet pipe; 7. Second air outlet pipe; 8. Liquid inlet pipe; 9. Liquid outlet pipe; 10. Fixing plate; 11. Fixing hole; 12. Hollow fiber membrane. Detailed Implementation
[0021] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model is further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in the implementation plan without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0022] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific Implementation Example 1:
[0024] Reference Figure 1-4 A coreless shell humidifier includes an intercooler body 1 and a humidifier body 2. The intercooler body 1 has a flange 3 on its side, and the intercooler body 1 and humidifier body 2 are connected via the flange 3. The intercooler body 1 is the core component for cooling the incoming compressed air. Coolant is introduced and discharged through an inlet pipe 8 and an outlet pipe 9 on its surface. Based on the real-time temperature requirements of the fuel cell stack and the inlet air temperature, the flow rate and direction of the coolant are precisely adjusted to control the temperature of the compressed air, ensuring that the air entering the hydrogen fuel cell stack is within a suitable temperature range, thus improving the performance and stability of the fuel cell. The flange 3 on its side is used to connect to the humidifier body 2. A sealing ring reduces gas leakage, and the direct connection effectively reduces inlet resistance. The key to the connection of the entire integrated structure is to help achieve space optimization and weight reduction. The side of the intercooler body 1 is equipped with a humidifier body 2. The interior of the humidifier body 2 is equipped with a fixing plate 10. The shape of the fixing plate 10 corresponds to the shape of the humidifier body 2. Fixing holes 11 are opened on the surface of the fixing plate 10. The fixing holes 11 are arranged in a linear array at equal intervals on the surface of the fixing plate 10. The humidifier body 2 undertakes the important task of humidifying the dry air after it has been cooled by the intercooler. The internal fixing plate 10 and fixing holes 11, together with the hollow fiber membrane 12, provide a stable structural support for the humidification process, so that the membrane fibers are installed tightly and orderly in the fixing holes 11, increasing the membrane fiber filling area, increasing the number of membrane fibers, thereby improving the utilization rate of the shell and optimizing the humidification effect of the humidifier.
[0025] A hollow fiber membrane 12 is provided on the surface of the fixing hole 11. The shape and position of the hollow fiber membrane 12 are adapted to the fixing hole 11. As a key component for humidification, the hollow fiber membrane 12 utilizes its special structure and material properties to humidify dry air. The braided tube inside the reinforced polymer membrane greatly improves its mechanical properties, enabling it to remain stable under the impact of high temperature, high humidity, and high flow rate gas, preventing membrane fiber breakage. During the humidification process, dry air passes through the membrane fibers from one side and exchanges substances with the humid gas generated from the reaction of the fuel cell stack on the other side, allowing the dry air to acquire moisture and achieve humidification. This provides air with suitable humidity for the hydrogen fuel cell stack, ensuring the normal operation of the stack. A first air inlet pipe 4 is provided on the side of the intercooler body 1, and a first air outlet pipe 5 is provided on the surface of the humidifier body 2. The first air outlet pipe 5 is located on the side close to the second air inlet pipe 6. The first air inlet pipe 4 is the channel for compressed air to enter the intercooler body 1, guiding the compressed air into the intercooler body 1 for cooling treatment. The first air outlet pipe 5... The humidified air inside the humidifier body 2 is delivered to the hydrogen fuel cell stack, providing air with suitable humidity for the stack reaction. The surface of the intercooler body 1 is provided with a liquid inlet pipe 8, and the side of the intercooler body 1 is provided with a liquid outlet pipe 9. The liquid inlet pipe 8 is used to introduce coolant into the intercooler body 1, and the liquid outlet pipe 9 discharges the coolant after heat exchange. The two work together, in conjunction with the heat exchange structure inside the intercooler body 1, to achieve the function of cooling the compressed air. The surface of the humidifier body 2 is provided with a second air inlet pipe 6, and the surface of the humidifier body 2 is provided with a second air outlet pipe 7. The second air inlet pipe 6 is located on one side of the fixed plate 10, and the second air outlet pipe 7 is located on the other side of the fixed plate 10. The second air inlet pipe 6 introduces the gas containing water vapor generated by the hydrogen fuel cell stack reaction into the humidifier body 2, providing moisture for the humidification process and serving as the source channel for humidification. The second air outlet pipe 7 discharges the remaining gas after the humidification process is completed, maintaining the flow and pressure balance of the gas inside the humidifier and ensuring that the humidification process continues stably.
[0026] When using this device, compressed air first enters the intercooler body 1 through the first intake pipe 4. The intercooler body 1 introduces coolant through the liquid inlet pipe 8 according to the real-time temperature requirements and intake air temperature of the fuel cell stack, and then discharges it through the liquid outlet pipe 9. The flow rate and direction of the coolant are precisely adjusted to cool the compressed air. The cooled dry air enters the humidifier body 2. At the same time, the gas containing water vapor generated by the hydrogen fuel cell stack reaction enters the humidifier body 2 through the second intake pipe 6. Inside the humidifier body 2, the reinforced hollow fiber membrane 12, which is bound into a circle by a plastic mesh bag and inserted into the shell, is tightly and orderly installed in the fixing holes 11 of the fixing plate 10. The dry air passes through one side of the membrane fiber and exchanges matter with the humid gas on the other side to achieve humidification. The humidified air is transported to the hydrogen fuel cell stack through the first exhaust pipe 5 to participate in the stack reaction. After the humidification process is completed, the remaining gas is discharged through the second exhaust pipe 7 to maintain the flow and pressure balance of the gas inside the humidifier and ensure that the entire humidification process is continuous and stable.
[0027] In summary:
[0028] A plastic mesh bag is used instead of the core shell to bind the hollow fiber membrane 12, binding it into a circle and inserting it into the shell. Since the hollow fiber membrane 12 is a reinforced polymer membrane, the internal braided tube greatly improves the mechanical properties of the hollow fiber membrane 12, allowing it to remain stable under the impact of high temperature, high humidity, and high flow rate gas, avoiding membrane fiber breakage and ensuring the normal operation of the humidifier body 2. At the same time, the reinforced hollow fiber membrane 12, together with the fixing holes 11 arranged linearly and evenly on the fixing plate 10, allows the membrane fibers to be installed tightly and orderly in the fixing holes 11, greatly increasing the membrane fiber filling area, thereby increasing the number of membrane fibers and improving the shell utilization rate. In addition, the integrated structure of the intercooler body 1 and the humidifier body 2, which is connected by a flange 3 and eliminates the core shell, reduces the overall weight. While meeting the weight requirements of hydrogen fuel cell low-altitude aircraft, it reduces pipeline connections and lowers the space occupation.
[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0030] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A coreless humidifier, comprising an intercooler body (1) and a humidifier body (2), characterized in that: The side of the intercooler body (1) is provided with a humidifier body (2). The humidifier body (2) is provided with a fixing plate (10) inside. The surface of the fixing plate (10) is provided with fixing holes (11). The fixing holes (11) are arranged in a linear array at equal intervals on the surface of the fixing plate (10). The surface of the fixing holes (11) is provided with a hollow fiber membrane (12). The shape and position of the hollow fiber membrane (12) are adapted to the fixing holes (11).
2. A coreless humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intercooler body (1) has a flange (3) on its side, and the intercooler body (1) and the humidifier body (2) are connected by the flange (3).
3. A coreless humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intercooler body (1) has a first air inlet pipe (4) on its side, and the humidifier body (2) has a first air outlet pipe (5) on its surface.
4. A coreless humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the intercooler body (1) is provided with an inlet pipe (8), and the side of the intercooler body (1) is provided with an outlet pipe (9).
5. A coreless humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the humidifier body (2) is provided with a second air inlet pipe (6) and the surface of the humidifier body (2) is provided with a second air outlet pipe (7).
6. A coreless humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second air inlet pipe (6) is located on one side of the fixed plate (10), and the second air outlet pipe (7) is located on the other side of the fixed plate (10).
7. A coreless humidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shape of the fixing plate (10) corresponds to the shape of the humidifier body (2), and the first air outlet pipe (5) is located on the side close to the second air inlet pipe (6).