Packing part of humidifier for fuel cell and humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gasket part of a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising: a first gasket body that is air tightly coupled to one end of a midcase by mechanically assembling the first cap so that the first cap is fluidically connected only to a hollow fiber membrane; and a condensed water discharge part formed in the first gasket body, one end of the condensed water discharge part being fluidically connected to the interior of the first cap and the other end being fluidically connected to the interior of the midcase, thereby discharging condensed water located inside the first cap to the interior of the midcase.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell for supplying humidified gas to a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike conventional chemical batteries such as dry batteries and storage batteries, fuel cells can produce electricity continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and have the advantage of being about twice as efficient as internal combustion engines because there is no heat loss. In addition, because the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, fuel cells emit fewer pollutants, making them not only environmentally friendly, but also reducing concerns about resource depletion that come with increased energy consumption. Depending on the type of electrolyte used, such fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and alkaline fuel cells (AFCs). Although all of these fuel cells operate on the same fundamental principle, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, etc. Among them, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are known to be the most promising for use in small-scale stationary power generation devices as well as transportation systems, as they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells, have high power density, and can be made compact. One of the most important factors in improving the performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) is to maintain the moisture content by supplying a certain amount of moisture to the polymer electrolyte membrane (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane: PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (Membrane Electrode Assembly: MEA). If the polymer electrolyte membrane dries out, the power generation efficiency drops sharply. Methods for humidifying a polymer electrolyte membrane include 1) a bubbler humidification method in which a pressure-resistant container is filled with water and the target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply moisture, 2) a direct injection method in which the amount of moisture required for the fuel cell reaction is calculated and moisture is supplied directly to the gas flow tube through a solenoid valve, and 3) a humidification membrane method in which moisture is supplied to the gas flow layer using a polymer separation membrane.

[0003] Among these, the membrane humidification method, which uses a membrane that selectively allows only the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to pass through and provides water vapor to the air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane, is advantageous in that it allows the humidifier to be made lighter and smaller. The selectively permeable membrane used in the membrane humidification method is preferably a hollow fiber membrane, which has a large permeation area per unit volume when forming a module. In other words, when manufacturing a humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane, it is possible to highly integrate hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area, so that the fuel cell can be sufficiently humidified even with a small capacity, and low-cost materials can be used. In addition, the moisture and heat contained in the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell at high temperature can be recovered and reused through the humidifier. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical membrane humidification type humidifier (100) includes a humidification module (110) in which moisture is exchanged between air supplied from the outside and exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown), and caps (120) attached to both ends of the humidification module (110). One of the caps (120) transfers air supplied from the outside to the humidification module (110), and the other transfers air humidified by the humidification module (110) to the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (110) includes a mid-case (111) having an off-gas inlet (111a) and an off-gas outlet (111b), and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (112) in the mid-case (111). Both ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted into a stationary layer (113). The stationary layer (113) is generally formed by hardening a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting method. The stationary layer (113) to which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted and a resin layer (114) between the stationary layer (113) and the mid-case (111) isolate the internal space of the cap (120) from the internal space of the mid-case (111). Similar to the fixing layer (113), the resin layer (114) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting method.

[0004] Air supplied from the outside flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (112). The exhaust gas that flows into the midcase (111) through the exhaust gas wet gas inlet (111a) comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112) and then flows out of the midcase (111) through the exhaust gas wet gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112), moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates the hollow fiber membrane (112) to humidify the air that flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (112). The humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap (120) of the caps (120). In this case, the humidified air must be supplied to the fuel cell stack in a vapor state, but conventionally, condensed water generated during the process of humidifying the air accumulates inside the first cap (120), and the condensed water accumulated inside the first cap (120) may be supplied to the fuel cell stack together with the humidified air. This causes flooding, which may cause the condensed water to clog the flow passages of the separator plates of the fuel cell, thereby reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gasket part of a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell that can reduce the flow rate of condensed water supplied to a fuel cell stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention may include the following configurations. The packing part of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention is provided in a humidifier for fuel cells including a humidification module for humidifying dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas, a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module, and a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module, and may include a first packing body air tightly coupled to one end of a midcase of the humidification module by mechanically assembling the first cap so that the first cap is fluidically connected only to a hollow fiber membrane of the humidification module; and a condensed water discharge part formed in the first packing body. The condensed water discharge part may have one end fluidly connected to the inside of the first cap and the other end fluidly connected to the inside of the midcase, thereby discharging condensed water located inside the first cap to the inside of the midcase. The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention may include a humidification module for humidifying dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas; a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include a mid-case having both ends open; at least one cartridge including a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and a first packing part air tightly coupled to one end of the mid-case by mechanically assembling the first cap so that the first cap is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membranes. The first packing part may include a first packing body for sealing between the mid-case and the cartridge, and a condensed water discharge part formed in the first packing body. The condensed water discharge part may have one end fluidly connected to the inside of the first cap and the other end fluidly connected to the inside of the mid-case to discharge condensed water located inside the first cap to the inside of the mid-case. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present invention can use the condensed water discharge unit to discharge the condensed water located inside the first cap to the inside of the mid case, thereby reducing the flow rate of the condensed water accumulated inside the first cap. As a result, the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the condensed water supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the present invention can prevent flooding caused by condensed water, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. In the present invention, since the condensed water drain is formed in the first packing body, the condensed water drain can be installed simply by connecting the first packing body to one end of the mid case. Therefore, the present invention can improve the ease of installation of the condensed water drain. The present invention is realized by forming a condensed water discharge part in a first packing body having a strength higher than that of a potting layer formed through a casting process, and therefore, the present invention can reduce the flow rate of condensed water supplied to a fuel cell stack using the condensed water discharge part, and at the same time, reduce the risk of the first packing body being damaged or broken by the condensed water discharge part, thereby preventing direct mixing of the first gas and the second gas and improving humidification efficiency. The present invention can seal the gap between the mid case and the cartridge by mechanically assembling the first packing body without going through a casting process, and thus allows the installation of the condensed water drain to be performed. Therefore, the present invention can contribute to shortening the process time for manufacturing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention taken along line II in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention taken along line II in FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention taken along line II-II of FIG. 7; [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic front view of a packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10]4 is a schematic plan view of a packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 8 is a schematic assembled cross-sectional view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to a modified embodiment of the present invention taken along line II-II of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The packing part of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention may be included in the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention, so it will be described together with the embodiment of the humidifier for fuel cells according to the present invention. Meanwhile, in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, the cartridge is simply shown by hatching. 2 to 4, a humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses wet gas to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown). The wet gas may be exhausted from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas may be fuel gas or air. The dry gas may be humidified by the wet gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying dry gas, a first cap (3) coupled to one end of the humidification module (2), and a second cap (4) coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). 2 to 4, the humidification module (2) humidifies dry gas. The first cap (3) may be coupled to one end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) may be coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The humidification module (2) may supply dry gas humidified by using a first gas and a second gas to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is a dry gas, the second gas may be a wet gas. In this case, the first gas may be humidified by the second gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is a wet gas, the second gas may be a dry gas. In this case, the second gas may be humidified by the first gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (2) includes a mid-case (21) and at least one cartridge (22).

[0010] The mid case (21) is coupled to the cartridge (22). The cartridge (22) may be disposed inside the mid case (21). The mid case (21) is open at both ends. In this case, an accommodating hole (211) may be formed in the mid case (21). The accommodating hole (211) may be formed to penetrate the mid case (21) in a first axis direction (X-axis direction). At least one cartridge (22) may be disposed in the accommodating hole (211). The mid case (21) may include a mid body (210). The mid body (210) houses the cartridge (22). The cartridge (22) may be housed in the mid body (210) by being disposed inside the mid body (210). At least one cartridge (22) may be housed in the mid body (210). The housing hole (211) may be formed penetrating the mid body (210) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The mid case (21) may be formed with a first gas inlet (212) and a first gas outlet (213). The first gas inlet (212) may allow the first gas to flow into the mid case (21). The first gas outlet (213) may allow the first gas to flow out from the mid case (21). The first gas outlet (213) and the first gas inlet (212) may each protrude from the mid case (21). The cartridge (22) is disposed inside the midcase (21). The cartridge (22) includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (221). The hollow fiber membranes (221) may be coupled to the cartridge (22) to form a module. Thus, the hollow fiber membranes (221) may be installed inside the midcase (21) through a process of coupling the cartridge (22) to the midcase (21). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the ease of installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membranes (221).

[0011] The cartridge (22) may include an inner case (222). The inner case (222) has openings at both ends and contains the hollow fiber membrane (221). The hollow fiber membrane (221) may be modularized by being disposed inside the inner case (222). The hollow fiber membrane (221) may include a polymer membrane made of polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyesterimide resin, or a mixture of two or more of these. The cartridge (22) may include a first fixing layer (223). The first fixing layer (223) may fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane (221). The first fixing layer (223) may close an opening formed at one end of the inner case (222). In this case, the first fixing layer (223) may be formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221). The first fixing layer (223) may be formed by hardening a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the first fixing layer (223) may be located inside the inner case (222) and the other part may protrude outside the inner case (222). The first fixing layer (223) may fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane (221) to the inner case (222). The cartridge (22) may include a second fixing layer (224). The second fixing layer (224) fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane (221). The second fixing layer (224) may close an opening formed at the other end of the inner case (222). In this case, the second fixing layer (224) may be formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221). The second fixing layer (224) may be formed by hardening a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the second fixing layer (224) may be located inside the inner case (222) and the remaining part may protrude outside the inner case (222). The second fixing layer (224) may fix the other end of the hollow fiber membrane (221) to the inner case (222). Since the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223) are formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221), the second gas may be supplied to the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221) without being obstructed by the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223), and may flow out from the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221) without being obstructed by the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223).

[0012] Referring to Figures 2-6, the cartridge (22) may include a second gas inlet (225) and a second gas outlet (226). The second gas inlet (225) is formed in the inner case (222). The second gas inlet (225) may be formed on one side of the inner case (222). The one side of the inner case (222) may be disposed to face one of the side walls of the mid case (21). The second gas inlet (225) may allow the first gas to flow into the inner case (222). The second gas inlet (225) may be formed penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the second gas inlet (225) may be realized as one through hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the second gas inlet (225) may be realized as a plurality of through holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the second gas inlet (225) may include a plurality of inlet windows (225a) formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The inlet windows (225a) may be arranged in a matrix form spaced apart from each other along each of the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The second axis direction (Y-axis direction) is perpendicular to the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The second gas outlet (226) is formed in the inner case (222). The second gas outlet (226) may be formed on one side of the inner case (222). The second gas outlet (226) may allow the first gas to flow out from inside the inner case (222). The second gas outlet (226) may be formed penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the second gas outlet (226) may be realized as one through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the second gas outlet (226) may be realized as a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the second gas outlet (226) may include a plurality of outlet windows (226a) formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The outlet windows (226a) may be spaced apart from each other in a matrix along each of the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The second gas outlet (226) and the second gas inlet (225) may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). When the first gas is a wet gas, the first gas may be supplied between the inner surface of the midcase (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the first gas inlet (212), and may be supplied into the cartridge (22) through the second gas inlet (225) and may come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (221). During this process, moisture contained in the first gas may permeate the hollow fiber membrane (221) and humidify the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221). After flowing out of the hollow fiber membrane (221), the humidified second gas may be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap (3) or the second cap (4). The first gas after humidifying the second gas may flow between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21) through the second gas outlet (226) and may flow out of the mid-case (21) through the first gas outlet (213). In this case, the first gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0013] When the first gas is a dry gas, the first gas may be supplied between the inner surface of the midcase (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the first gas inlet (212), and may be supplied into the cartridge (22) through the second gas inlet (225) and come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (221). During this process, moisture in the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221) may permeate the hollow fiber membrane (221) and humidify the first gas that has flowed into the cartridge (22). The humidified first gas may flow out between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the midcase (21) through the second gas outlet (226), and may flow out to the outside of the midcase (21) through the first gas outlet (213), and then be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The second gas after humidifying the first gas may flow out of the hollow fiber membrane 221 and then be discharged to the outside through the first cap 3 or the second cap 4. In this case, the second gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (2) may include a first packing portion (23). The first packing part (23) is air tightly coupled to one end of the midcase (21) by mechanical assembly. As a result, the first packing part (23) can make the first cap (3) fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membrane (221). Therefore, the first packing part (23) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from directly mixing. The first packing part (23) may be disposed between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22) to seal the gap between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22). In this case, the cartridge (22) may be inserted into a first insertion hole (231) formed in the first packing part (23). The first packing part (23) may contact the inner surface of the midcase (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the first fixing layer (223). Due to such contact, the first packing portion (23) may be air-tightly coupled to one end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the first packing portion (23) may be in contact with a part of the inner surface of the mid-case (21), a part of the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and a part of the first fixing layer (223). The humidification module (2) may include a second packing portion (24).

[0014] The second packing part (24) is air tightly coupled to the other end of the midcase (21) by mechanical assembly. As a result, the second packing part (24) can make the second cap (4) fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membrane (221). Therefore, the second packing part (24) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from directly mixing. The second packing part (24) may be disposed between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22) to seal the gap between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22). In this case, the cartridge (22) may be inserted into a second insertion hole (241) formed in the second packing part (24). The second packing part (24) may contact the inner surface of the midcase (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the second fixing layer (224). Due to such contact, the second packing portion (24) may be air-tightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the second packing portion (24) may be in contact with a part of the inner surface of the mid-case (21), a part of the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and a part of the second fixing layer (224). 2 to 4, the first cap (3) is coupled to one end of the humidification module (2). A space between the first cap (3) and the cartridge (22) may be sealed from the space between the cartridge (22) and the midcase (21) by a first packing part (23). The first cap (3) may include a first port (31). The first port (31) is for the second gas to flow through. The first port (31) may be in communication with the hollow fiber membrane (221). Thus, in the process of the second gas flowing between the first cap (3) and the hollow fiber membrane (221), the second gas may flow in or out through the first port (31).

[0015] 2 to 4, the second cap (4) is coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) may be coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2) at a position spaced apart from the first cap (3) along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cap (4) and the cartridge (22) may be sealed from the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid case (21) by the second packing part (24). The second cap (4) may include a second port (41). The second port (41) is for the second gas to flow through. The second port (41) may be in communication with the hollow fiber membrane (221). In this way, during the process in which the second gas flows between the second cap (4) and the hollow fiber membrane (221), the second gas may flow in or out through the second port (41). When the second gas flows in through the second port (41), the second gas may flow out through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas may exchange moisture with the first gas while passing through the second cap (4), the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221), and the first cap (3) in sequence. When the second gas flows out through the second port (41), the second gas may flow in through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas may exchange moisture with the first gas while passing through the first cap (3), the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (221), and the second cap (4) in sequence. Here, in the humidifier for fuel cell (1) according to the present invention, condensed water generated in the process of generating humidified dry gas using the first gas and the second gas may accumulate inside the first cap (3). If the condensed water accumulated inside the first cap (3) is supplied to the fuel cell stack together with the humidified dry gas, flooding may occur and the condensed water may block the flow path of the separator plate of the fuel cell, thereby reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. To prevent this, in the humidifier for fuel cell (1) according to the present invention, the first packing part (23) may be realized as follows. In this case, the first packing part (23) may be realized as the packing part of the humidifier for fuel cell according to the present invention.

[0016] 2 to 8, the first packing part (23) may include a first packing body (232) and a condensed water discharge part (233). The first packing body (232) seals the gap between the mid case (21) and the cartridge (22). The first packing body (232) may be hermetically coupled to one end of the mid case by mechanical assembly. In this way, the first packing body (232) may allow the first cap (3) to be in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane (221). The first insertion hole (231) may be formed penetrating the first packing body (232). In this case, the cartridge (22) may be inserted into the first insertion hole (231) and disposed inside the first packing body (232). The first packing body (232) may be made of rubber. The condensed water discharge portion (233) is formed in the first packing body (232). One end of the condensed water discharge portion (233) may be fluidly connected to the interior of the first cap (3) and the other end may be fluidly connected to the interior of the mid-case (21). In this way, the condensed water discharge portion (233) may discharge the condensed water located inside the first cap (3) into the mid-case (21). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention may achieve the following effects. First, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may discharge the condensed water located inside the first cap (3) to the inside of the mid case (21) using the condensed water discharge part (233), thereby reducing the flow rate of the condensed water accumulated inside the first cap (3). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may reduce the flow rate of the condensed water supplied to the fuel cell stack. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may prevent flooding due to condensed water, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. Secondly, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, since the condensed water discharge part (233) is formed in the first packing body (232), the condensed water discharge part (233) can be installed simply by connecting the first packing body (232) to one end of the mid case (21). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the ease of installation of the condensed water discharge part (233). Thirdly, in the comparative example in which a first potting layer is used instead of the first packing part (23) to seal the gap between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22), the durability of the first potting layer may be weakened by inserting the condensed water discharge part (233) inside the first potting layer. This is because the first potting layer in the comparative example is formed by hardening a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. Therefore, in the comparative example, there is a high risk of damage or breakage, such as cracks occurring in the first potting layer, and as a result, the first gas and the second gas are directly mixed together, which may reduce the humidification efficiency.

[0017] In contrast, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention is realized such that the condensed water discharge part (233) is formed in a first packing body (232) having a strength higher than that of the first potting layer of the comparative example. As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of condensed water supplied to the fuel cell stack using the condensed water discharge part (233), and at the same time, the condensed water discharge part (233) reduces the risk of the first packing body (232) being damaged or broken, thereby preventing the first gas and the second gas from directly mixing with each other, thereby improving humidification efficiency. Fourth, in the case of the comparative example in which the first potting layer is used instead of the first packing portion (23), the casting process for forming the first potting layer takes a considerably long time, and therefore, the work of sealing the gap between the midcase (21) and the cartridge (22) and installing the condensed water drain portion (233) takes a considerably long time. In contrast, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can seal between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22) by mechanically assembling the first packing body (232) without a casting process, thereby realizing the operation of installing the condensed water discharge portion (233). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can contribute to shortening the process time for manufacturing. The condensed water discharge portion (233) and the first packing body (232) may be integrally formed. In this case, the condensed water discharge portion (233) and the first packing body (232) may be integrally formed through injection molding. A part of the condensed water discharge portion (233) may be realized through a hole formed inside the first packing body (232). Thus, by integrally forming the condensed water discharge portion (233) and the first packing body (232), the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can omit the operation for coupling the condensed water discharge portion (233) and the first packing body (232) to each other, and thus can contribute to further shortening the process time for manufacturing. The condensed water discharge portion (233) may include an inflow member (2331). The inflow member (2331) is in fluid communication with the inside of the first cap (3). The inflow member (2331) may function as a passage through which the condensed water located inside the first cap (3) flows in. The first packing body (232) may be arranged such that the inflow member (2331) faces the inside of the first cap (3). The inflow member (2331) may be disposed at a position where the distance from the bottom surface (21b, shown in FIG. 8) of the midcase (21) is shorter than the distance from the top surface (21a, shown in FIG. 8) of the midcase (21). That is, the inflow member (2311) may be disposed closer to the bottom surface (21b) of the midcase (21). As a result, the inflow member (2331) may be disposed on the lower side from the inside of the first cap (3), and may be disposed at a position where condensed water accumulated on the lower side from the inside of the first cap (3) can easily flow in. In addition, the inflow member (2331) can lower the water level of condensed water accumulated on the lower side from the inside of the first cap (3), and thus the flow rate of condensed water supplied to the fuel cell stack can be further reduced. Meanwhile, the top surface (21a) of the midcase (21) may be one of the side walls of the midcase (21) where the first gas inlet (212) is disposed. The bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) and the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21) may be disposed opposite to each other. The bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) and the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21) may be disposed apart from each other along the second axis direction (Y axis direction). The bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) and the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21) may be disposed apart from each other along an axis direction perpendicular to each of the first axis direction (X axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y axis direction).

[0018] The inflow member (2331) may be formed on the first packing body (232) to protrude into the inside of the first cap (3). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may increase the depth to which the inflow member (2331) is inserted into the inside of the first cap (3), thereby increasing the flow rate of condensed water accumulated inside the first cap (3) by using the inflow member (2331). The condensed water drain (233) may include a drain member (2332). The discharge member (2332) is in fluid communication with the interior of the mid-case (21). The discharge member (2332) may function as a passage for discharging condensed water into the interior of the mid-case (21). The first packing body (232) may be disposed such that the discharge member (2332) faces the inside of the mid-case (21). The discharge member (2332) may be disposed at a position that is closer to the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21) than to the bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21). That is, the discharge member (2332) may be disposed closer to the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may induce the condensed water discharged into the mid case (21) through the discharge member (2332) to flow toward the cartridge (22) by gravity. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may use the condensed water discharged through the discharge member (2332) for humidification, thereby contributing to further improving the efficiency of the fuel cell system by improving the humidification efficiency. The discharge member (2332) may be formed on the first packing body (232) to protrude into the midcase (21). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may increase the depth to which the discharge member (2332) is inserted into the midcase (21), thereby reducing the flow distance for the condensed water discharged through the discharge member (2332) to flow into the second gas inlet (225) of the cartridge (22). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may further increase the flow rate of the condensed water used for humidification among the condensed water discharged through the discharge member (2332).

[0019] The exhaust member (2332) may exhaust condensed water between the first gas inlet (212) and the cartridge (22). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may exhaust condensed water toward the first gas flowing into the midcase (21) through the first gas inlet (212), thereby increasing the humidity of the first gas and thereby further improving humidification efficiency. In this case, the first gas may correspond to a wet gas. The exhaust member (2332) may be formed in the first packing body (232) at a position where the condensed water can be exhausted between the first gas inlet (212) and the cartridge (22). The exhaust member (2332) may be formed to protrude from the first packing body (232) at a position corresponding to the position between the first gas inlet (212) and the cartridge (22). The condensate drain (233) may include a connection member (2333). The connection member (2333) is formed in the first packing body (232) to connect the inflow member (2331) and the discharge member (2332). The condensed water flowing in through the inflow member (2331) may flow along the connection member (2333) and then be discharged into the midcase (21) through the discharge member (2332). In this case, the condensed water may flow along the inflow member (2331), the connection member (2333), and the discharge member (2332) due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the first cap (3) and the internal pressure of the midcase (21), and may be discharged into the midcase (21). The connection member (2333) may be connected to each of the inflow member (2331) and the discharge member (2332) inside the first packing body (232). The connection member (2333) may include a connection hole (2334). The connection hole (2334) may extend in a direction in which the upper surface (21a) of the mid case (21) and the bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) are spaced apart from each other inside the first packing body (232). Thus, the discharge member (2333) disposed closer to the upper surface (21a) of the mid case (21) and the inlet member (2331) disposed closer to the bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) may be connected to each other through the connection hole (2334). The connection hole (2334) may be formed penetrating the connection member (2333). The connection member (2333) may correspond to a part of the first packing body (232). A lower portion of the connection hole (2334) may be connected to an inlet hole (2335) of the inlet member (2331). The inlet hole (2335) may be connected to the inside of the first cap (3) and the lower portion of the connection hole (2334). The inlet hole (2335) may be formed penetrating the inlet member (2331). An upper portion of the connection hole (2334) may be connected to a discharge hole (2336) of the discharge member (2332). The discharge hole (2336) may be connected to the inside of the mid case (21) and an upper portion of the connection hole (2334). The discharge hole (2336) may be formed by penetrating the discharge member (2332). The discharge hole (2336), the connection hole (2334), and the inlet hole (2335) may be connected to be in fluid communication with each other. Thus, condensed water may flow in through the inlet hole (2335), flow through the connection hole (2334) to the discharge hole (2336), and then be discharged to the inside of the mid case (21) through the discharge hole (2336).

[0020] 2 to 10, the first packing part (23) may include a plurality of the first insertion holes (231). The first insertion holes (231, 231') may be formed penetrating the first packing body (232). The first insertion holes (231, 231') may be formed penetrating the first packing body (232) at positions spaced apart from each other. The cartridges (22) may be inserted into each of the first insertion holes (231, 231'). Thus, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention is realized such that a plurality of cartridges (22) are housed in the mid case (21). The first packing body (232) may be brought into close contact with the cartridges (22) inserted into each of the first insertion holes (231, 231') to seal between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid case (21). When the first insertion holes (231, 231') are provided, the condensed water discharge part (233) may be disposed between the first insertion holes (231, 231'). Thus, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may realize the condensed water discharge part (233) using a part of the first packing body (232) that is left by disposing the first insertion holes (231, 231') apart from each other. Thus, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention is realized such that the condensed water discharge part (233) can be formed in the first packing body (232) without increasing the overall size of the first packing body (232) or by reducing the increase rate of the overall size of the first packing body (232). 9 shows the first packing body (232) having two first insertion holes (231, 231'), but is not limited thereto, and the first packing body (232) may have three or more first insertion holes (231). In this case, the condensed water discharge portion (233) may be disposed between the first insertion holes (231). The first packing body (232) may have two or more condensed water discharge portions (233). Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10, the exhaust member (2332) and the inlet member (2331) may protrude from the first packing body (232) by different lengths. The exhaust member (2332) and the inlet member (2331) may protrude in opposite directions from opposite sides of the first packing body (232). The exhaust member (2332) and the inlet member (2331) may extend parallel to the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The exhaust member (2332) may protrude by a length longer than the inlet member (2331). As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may further increase the flow rate of condensed water toward the first gas flowing in through the first gas inlet (212) by reducing the distance between the exhaust member (2332) and the first gas inlet (212). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention may further increase the humidity of the first gas by using the condensed water discharged through the discharge member (2332).

[0021] Meanwhile, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the condensed water discharge part (233) may be implemented such that the inflow member (2331) and the discharge member (2332) are disposed at the same height as each other, as shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the inflow member (2331) and the discharge member (2332) may be disposed at a position spaced the same distance from the bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21). The inflow member (2331) and the discharge member (2332) may be disposed at a position spaced a shorter distance from the bottom surface (21b) of the mid case (21) than from the top surface (21a) of the mid case (21). The inflow member (2331), the discharge member (2332), and the connection member (2333) may be disposed at the same height as each other. In this case, the connection member 2333 may extend in a direction in which the inlet member 2331 and the outlet member 2332 are spaced apart from each other. The inlet hole 2335, the connection hole 2334, and the outlet hole 2336 may be formed to be connected to each other at the same height. In this case, the inlet hole 2335, the connection hole 2334, and the outlet hole 2336 may be formed to be connected in a straight line in a direction in which the inlet member 2331 and the outlet member 2332 are spaced apart from each other. The present invention described above is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. The humidifier for a fuel cell includes a humidification module that uses wet gas to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, a first cap that is coupled to one end of the humidification module, and a second cap that is coupled to the other end of the humidification module, A first packing body that is mechanically assembled to one end of a midcase of the humidification module so that the first cap is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane of the humidification module, and is air tightly coupled to the one end of the midcase of the humidification module; and a condensate drain portion formed in the first packing body; The condensed water discharge portion has one end fluidly connected to the interior of the first cap and the other end fluidly connected to the interior of the mid-case, thereby discharging condensed water located inside the first cap to the interior of the mid-case.

2. The condensed water drain portion is an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap and receiving condensed water located within the first cap; A drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the midcase to drain condensed water into the interior of the midcase; and 2. The packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, further comprising a connection member formed on the first packing body to connect the inlet member and the outlet member.

3. the condensate drain includes an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap; The gasket part of the fuel cell humidifier described in claim 1, characterized in that the inflow member is positioned at a position where it is spaced shorter from the bottom surface of the midcase than from the top surface of the midcase.

4. the condensate drain includes an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap; 2. The packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the inflow member is formed on the first packing body so as to protrude toward the inside of the first cap.

5. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, 2. The gasket portion of the fuel cell humidifier as described in claim 1, characterized in that the exhaust member is positioned at a position closer to the top surface of the mid case than to the bottom surface of the mid case.

6. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, 2. The packing portion of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust member is formed on the first packing body so as to protrude toward the inside of the mid case.

7. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, The gasket part of the humidifier for a fuel cell described in claim 1, characterized in that the exhaust member exhausts condensed water between a first gas inlet for flowing a first gas into the inside of the midcase and a cartridge of the humidification module.

8. The connection member includes a connection hole extending in a direction in which the upper surface of the mid case and the bottom surface of the mid case are spaced apart from each other inside the first packing body, the inlet member includes an inlet hole connected to an inside of the first cap and a lower part of the connection hole, 3. The packing part of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust member includes exhaust holes respectively connected to the inside of the mid case and an upper portion of the connection hole.

9. a plurality of first insertion holes formed through the first packing body; A cartridge of the humidification module is inserted into each of the first insertion holes, 2. The packing part of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the condensed water discharge part is disposed between the first insertion holes.

10. 2. The packing portion of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the first packing body and the condensed water discharge portion are integrally formed.

11. a humidification module for humidifying the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack using the humidified gas; a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module; The humidification module includes: Midcase with open ends; At least one cartridge containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and a first packing part that is mechanically assembled to one end of the mid case and air tightly coupled thereto so that the first cap is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane; The first packing portion includes a first packing body that seals a gap between the mid case and the cartridge, and a condensed water discharge portion formed in the first packing body, The condensed water discharge section has one end fluidly connected to the inside of the first cap and the other end fluidly connected to the inside of the mid-case, thereby discharging condensed water located inside the first cap to the inside of the mid-case.

12. The condensed water drain portion is an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap and receiving condensed water located within the first cap; A drain member in fluid communication with the interior of the midcase for draining condensed water into the interior of the midcase; and 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, further comprising a connection member formed on the first packing body to connect the inlet member and the outlet member.

13. the condensate drain includes an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap; 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the inflow member is disposed at a position that is closer to the bottom surface of the mid-case than to the top surface of the mid-case.

14. the condensate drain includes an inlet member in fluid communication with an interior of the first cap; 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the inflow member is formed on the first packing body so as to protrude toward the inside of the first cap.

15. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the exhaust member is disposed at a position closer to the top surface of the mid-case than to the bottom surface of the mid-case.

16. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the exhaust member is formed on the first packing body so as to protrude toward the inside of the mid case.

17. The condensed water drain includes a drain member fluidly connected to an interior of the midcase, The midcase includes a first gas inlet for introducing a first gas, 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the exhaust member exhausts condensed water between the first gas inlet and the cartridge.

18. The connection member includes a connection hole extending in a direction in which the upper surface of the mid case and the bottom surface of the mid case are spaced apart from each other inside the first packing body, the inlet member includes an inlet hole connected to an inside of the first cap and a lower part of the connection hole, 13. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein the exhaust member includes exhaust holes respectively connected to the inside of the mid case and an upper portion of the connection hole.

19. The first packing portion includes a plurality of first insertion holes formed through the first packing body, The cartridge is inserted into each of the first insertion holes, 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the condensed water discharge portion is disposed between the first insertion holes.

20. 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the first packing body and the condensed water discharge portion are integrally formed.

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