Cartridge for fuel cell humidifier and fuel cell humidifier

Abstract

The present invention is provided in a fuel cell humidifier that humidifies dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using humid gas, and includes an inner case having openings at both ends, an inner inlet formed in the inner case for allowing a first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case, an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced apart along a first axial direction from the inner inlet for allowing the first gas to flow out of the interior of the inner case, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle stored in the interior of the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier including a plurality of intertwined hollow fiber membranes formed by intertwining at least two hollow fiber membranes, and relates to a fuel cell humidifier.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Unlike general chemical batteries such as batteries and storage batteries, a fuel cell can continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and since there is no heat loss, it has an advantage that its efficiency is about twice as high as that of an internal combustion engine. In addition, since the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, there is little emission of pollutants. Therefore, a fuel cell not only is environmentally friendly but also has an advantage that it can reduce the concern about resource depletion associated with the increase in energy consumption. Such fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and alkaline fuel cells (AFC) according to the type of electrolyte used. Each of these fuel cells operates on basically the same principle, but the types of fuels used, operating temperatures, catalysts, electrolytes, etc. are different from each other. Among these, the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is said to be the most promising not only for small-scale stationary power generation devices but also for transportation systems because it operates at a lower temperature compared to other fuel cells and has a large output density and can be miniaturized. One of the most important factors in improving the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) is to maintain the water content by supplying a certain amount of water or more to the polymer electrolyte membrane (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane: PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This is because when the polymer electrolyte membrane dries, the power generation efficiency drops sharply. As methods for humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane, there are 1) the bubbler humidification method in which water is filled in a pressure-resistant container and then the target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply moisture, 2) the direct injection method in which the amount of supply moisture required for the fuel cell reaction is calculated and moisture is directly supplied to the gas flow pipe through a solenoid valve, and 3) the humidification membrane method in which moisture is supplied to the gas flow layer using a polymer separation membrane. Among these, the membrane humidification method of humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane by providing water vapor to the air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane using a membrane that selectively permeates only the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas is advantageous in that the humidifier can be reduced in weight and size. The selective permeation membrane used in the membrane humidification method preferably has a hollow fiber membrane with a large permeation area per unit volume when forming a module. That is, when manufacturing a humidifier using a hollow fiber membrane, high integration of the hollow fiber membrane with a large contact surface area is possible, and even with a small capacity, the fuel cell can be sufficiently humidified. Also, a low-cost material can be used, and there is an advantage that the moisture and heat contained in the off-gas discharged from the fuel cell at a high temperature can be recovered and reused through the humidifier.

[0003] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a normal humidifier for a fuel cell. As shown in Figure 1, a normal humidifier (100) using the membrane humidification method includes a humidification module (110) in which moisture exchange is performed between the air supplied from the outside and the exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown), and caps (120) coupled to both ends of the humidification module (110). One of the caps (120) transmits externally supplied air to the humidification module (110), and the other transmits the 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) within the mid-case (111). Both ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted in a fixing layer (113). The fixing layer (113) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer such as a liquid polyurethane resin by a casting method. The fixing layer (113) in which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted and a resin layer (114) between the fixing layer (113) and the mid-case (111) block 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 usually formed by curing a liquid polymer such as a liquid polyurethane resin by a casting method. Externally supplied air flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membranes (112). The exhaust gas flowing into the mid-case (111) through the exhaust gas wet gas inlet (111a) contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (112) and then flows out of the mid-case (111) through the exhaust gas wet gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (112), the moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates through the hollow fiber membranes (112) to humidify the air flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membranes (112). The air humidified in this way is supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap (120) of the caps (120). In this case, conventionally, due to the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing in through the exhaust gas wet gas inlet (111a), the hollow fiber membrane (112) sways and vibrations occur. Due to such swaying, vibrations, etc., fatigue accumulates in the hollow fiber membrane (112), and conventionally, there are problems such as wire breakage occurring in the hollow fiber membrane (112), resulting in damage or breakage. Further, due to swaying, vibrations, etc., the hollow fiber membrane (112) repeatedly contacts the mid-case (111), and conventionally, there is a problem that damage such as scratches due to friction may occur in the hollow fiber membrane (112). Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention was devised to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier and a fuel cell humidifier that can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage of a hollow fiber membrane due to swaying, vibration, etc. Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention can include the following configurations. The cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is provided in a fuel cell humidifier that humidifies dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas, and includes an inner case having openings at both ends, an inner inlet formed in the inner case for flowing a first gas into the interior of the inner case, an inner outlet disposed at a position separated along a first axial direction from the inner inlet for flowing the first gas out of the interior of the inner case, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained in the interior of the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle can include a plurality of intertwined hollow fiber membranes formed by intertwining at least two hollow fiber membranes. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention can include a humidification module that humidifies dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using humid 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 can include a mid-case with both ends open and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case. The cartridge can include an inner case having openings at both ends, an inner inlet formed in the inner case for allowing a first gas to flow into the inner case, an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced along a first axial direction from the inner inlet for allowing the first gas to flow out of the inner case, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed inside the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle can include a plurality of intertwined hollow fiber membranes formed by intertwining at least two hollow fiber membranes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is realized by using an intertwined hollow fiber membrane so as to reduce the sway, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle by the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case. Thereby, the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage such as disconnection occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle by reducing the fatigue accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Therefore, since the present invention can extend the service life of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, it is possible to improve the operation rate and reduce the maintenance cost. By using the intertwined hollow fiber membrane, the present invention can reduce the number of times the hollow fiber membrane bundle contacts the inner case due to the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case. Thereby, the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage such as scratches due to friction occurring between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and the inner case. Therefore, the present invention can extend the service life not only of the hollow fiber membrane bundle but also of the inner case.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention can be included in the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, and thus will be described together while describing the embodiments of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the hollow fiber membrane is schematically shown by hatching. The hatching in FIGS. 8 to 12, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 is shown for distinguishing the constituent elements. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention humidifies the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack (not shown) using the wet gas. The wet gas may be the one discharged from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas may be a fuel gas or air. The dry gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the wet gas. The humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying the 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). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the humidification module (2) humidifies dry gas. One end of the humidification module (2) can be coupled with the first cap (3). The second cap (4) can be coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The humidification module (2) can supply humidified dry gas to the fuel cell stack by using the first gas and the second gas. When the first gas is dry gas, the second gas may be wet gas. In this case, after the first gas is humidified by the second gas, it can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is wet gas, the second gas may be dry gas. In this case, the second gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the first gas. The humidification module (2) includes a mid-case (21) and at least one cartridge (22). The mid-case (21) is where the cartridge (22) is coupled. The cartridge (22) can be housed inside the mid-case (21). Both ends of the mid-case (21) are open. In this case, a receiving hole (211) can be formed in the mid-case (21). The receiving hole (211) can be formed to penetrate the mid-case (21) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). At least one cartridge (22) can be arranged in the receiving hole (211). The mid-case (21) can include a mid-body (210). The mid-body (210) is for housing the cartridge (22). The cartridge (22) can be housed in the mid-body (210) by being disposed inside the mid-body (210). At least one cartridge (22) can be housed in the mid-body (210). The receiving hole (211) can be formed to penetrate the mid-body (210) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0009] The mid-case (21) can form a mid-inlet (212) and a mid-outlet (213). The mid-inlet (212) can allow the first gas to flow into the interior of the mid-case (21). The mid-outlet (213) can allow the first gas to flow out from the interior of the mid-case (21). The mid-outlet (213) and the mid-inlet (212) can each protrude from the mid-case (21). The cartridge (22) is disposed inside the mid-case (21). The cartridge (22) includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be coupled to the cartridge (22) to be modularized. Thus, through the step of coupling the cartridge (22) to the mid-case (21), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be installed inside the mid-case (21). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the ease of installation work, separation work, and replacement work of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The cartridge (22) can include an inner case (222). The inner case (222) has openings at both ends and contains the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be disposed inside the inner case (222) to be modularized. The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may include a polymer membrane formed 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.

[0010] The cartridge (22) can include a first fixing layer (223). The first fixing layer (223) fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The first fixing layer (223) can close an opening formed at one end of the inner case (222). In this case, the first fixing layer (223) can be formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The first fixing layer (223) can be formed by curing a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the first fixing layer (223) can be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining part can protrude outside the inner case (222). The first fixing layer (223) can also fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and the inner case (222). The cartridge (22) can include a second fixing layer (224). The second fixing layer (224) fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The second fixing layer (224) can close an opening formed at the other end of the inner case (222). In this case, the second fixing layer (224) can be formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The second fixing layer (224) can be formed by curing a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the second fixing layer (224) can be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining part can protrude outside the inner case (222). The second fixing layer (224) can also fix the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and the inner case (222). Since the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223) are formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas can be supplied to the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) without being obstructed by the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223), and can flow out from the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) without being obstructed by the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the cartridge (22) may include an inner inlet (225) and an inner outlet (226).

[0011] The inner inlet (225) is formed in the inner case (222). The inner inlet (225) can be formed on one side of the inner case (222). One side of the inner case (222) can be arranged to face any one of the side walls of the mid-case (21). The inner inlet (225) can allow the first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case (222). The inner inlet (225) can be formed to penetrate the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the inner inlet (225) can be realized by a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the inner inlet (225) can also be realized by a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner inlet (225) can include a plurality of inflow windows (225a) formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The inflow windows (225a) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) to form a matrix form. The second axial direction (Y-axis direction) and the first axial direction (X-axis direction) are axial directions arranged perpendicular to each other. The inner outlet (226) is formed in the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) can be formed on one side of the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) can allow the first gas to flow out from inside the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) can be formed to penetrate the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the inner outlet (226) can be realized by a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the inner outlet (226) can also be realized by a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner outlet (226) can include a plurality of outflow windows (226a) formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The outflow windows (226a) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) to form a matrix pattern. The inner outlet (226) and the inner inlet (225) can be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0012] When the first gas is a wet gas, the first gas is supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the mid-inlet (212), and is supplied into the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225), and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this process, the moisture contained in the first gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), so that the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be humidified. After the humidified second gas flows out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), it can 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 flows out between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21) through the inner outlet (226), and can flow out of the mid-case (21) through the mid-outlet (213). In this case, the first gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is a dry gas, the first gas is supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the mid-inlet (212), and is supplied into the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225), and can contact the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this process, the moisture of the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) permeates through the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), so that the first gas flowing into the interior of the cartridge (22) can be humidified. The humidified first gas flows out between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21) through the inner outlet (226), and after flowing out of the mid-case (21) through the mid-outlet (213), it can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The second gas after humidifying the first gas can be discharged to the outside through the first cap (3) or the second cap (4) after flowing out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this case, the second gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (2) can include a first packing part (23).

[0013] The first packing part (23) is air tightly coupled to one end of the mid-case (21) by mechanical assembly. Thereby, the first packing part (23) can be configured such that the first cap (3) is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Therefore, the first packing part (23) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from directly mixing. By being disposed between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22), the first packing part (23) can seal the space between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22). In this case, the cartridge (22) can be inserted into a first insertion hole (231) formed in the first packing part (23). The first packing part (23) can contact the inner surface of the mid-case (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the first fixing layer (223), respectively. By such contact, the first packing part (23) can be air tightly coupled to one end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the first packing part (23) can also contact 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), respectively. The humidification module (2) can include a second packing part (24). The second packing part (24) is air tightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case (21) by mechanical assembly. Thereby, the second packing part (24) can be configured such that the second cap (4) is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Therefore, the second packing part (24) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from directly mixing. The second packing part (24) is disposed between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22) so that the space between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22) can be sealed. In this case, the cartridge (22) can be inserted into a second insertion hole (241) formed in the second packing part (24). The second packing part (24) can contact the inner surface of the mid-case (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the second fixing layer (224) respectively. By such contact, the second packing part (24) can be air tightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the second packing part (24) can also contact 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) respectively.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the first cap (3) is coupled to one end of the humidification module (2). The space between the first cap (3) and the cartridge (22) can be sealed from the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid-case (21) by the first packing part (23). The first cap (3) can include a first port (31). The first port (31) is for the second gas to flow. The first port (31) can communicate with the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Thereby, in the process of the second gas flowing between the first cap (3) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas can flow in or out through the first port (31). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the second cap (4) is coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first cap (3) along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cap (4) and the cartridge (22) can be sealed by the second packing portion (24) with respect to the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid-case (21). The second cap (4) can include a second port (41). The second port (41) is for the flow of the second gas. The second port (41) can communicate with the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Thereby, in the process of the second gas flowing between the second cap (4) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas can flow in or out through the second port (41). When the second gas flows in through the second port (41), the second gas can flow out through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the second cap (4), the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and the first cap (3). When the second gas flows out through the second port (41), the second gas can flow in through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while sequentially passing through the first cap (3), the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and the second cap (4). Although not shown, instead of the packing portions (23, 24), resin layers may be formed at both ends of the mid-case (21). The resin layer can be formed by curing a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin by a casting method. Here, due to the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may sway, vibrate, etc., and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may be damaged or broken. In order to reduce the possibility of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211, shown in FIG. 8). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) is formed by intertwining at least two hollow fiber membranes (2211a, 2211b). Since each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) is formed by intertwining a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (2211a, 2211b), it can be realized to have stronger durability and strength compared to a single hollow fiber membrane (2211a). Thereby, the sway, vibration, etc. generated in the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be reduced by the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can achieve the following operational effects.

[0015] First, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) to reduce the sway, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222), thereby reducing the fatigue accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage or breakage such as disconnection occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can extend the service life of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and thus can improve the operation rate and reduce the maintenance cost. Second, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the number of times the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) contacts the inner case (222) by the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222) using the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211). Thereby, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of damage such as scratches due to friction occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and the inner case (222). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can extend the service life not only of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) but also of the inner case (222). FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) is formed by weaving a first hollow fiber membrane (2211a) and a second hollow fiber membrane (2211b), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) may be formed by weaving three or more hollow fiber membranes. Further, the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) may be formed by weaving the same type of hollow fiber membranes with each other, or may be formed by weaving different types of hollow fiber membranes with each other. Here, different types of hollow fiber membranes mean that at least one of the shape, diameter, material, etc. of the hollow fiber membranes is different. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 10, the entire hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized by the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can also be realized so as to include different types of hollow fiber membranes. A specific explanation thereof is as follows. First, referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212). The crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) is provided with crimps. Through the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the interwoven hollow fiber membrane (2211), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to include different types of hollow fiber membranes. The crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be realized as a curved hollow fiber membrane by being provided with crimps. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be formed in a wavy pattern. In this case, the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be formed in a meandering shape that passes through a reference line (2212a) multiple times so as to include a plurality of floors and a plurality of grooves. The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212). Since the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) is provided with crimps, it can have a higher porosity than a hollow fiber membrane without crimps. Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the dispersibility or diffusibility of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225) by using the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212), and thus can enhance the overall humidification performance. Further, since the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) is provided with crimps, a larger effective area involved in humidification can be realized than that of a hollow fiber membrane without crimps. Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the effective area by using the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212), and can further enhance the humidification performance through the increase in the effective area.

[0016] When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) and the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212), the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged closer to the inner inlet (225) than the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212). For example, the distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are separated from the inner inlet (225) can be made longer than the distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) arranged closest to the inner inlet (225) among the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are linearly separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) arranged closest to the inner inlet (225) among the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are linearly separated from the inner inlet (225). Thus, by being realized such that the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are arranged closer to the inner inlet (225) than the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212), the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can achieve the following operational effects. First, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, since the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) having higher durability and strength than the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are arranged closer to the inner inlet (225), it is possible to reduce the sway, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the fatigue accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225), so that the possibility of damage or breakage such as disconnection occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be reduced. Second, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, the number of times the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) contacts the inner case (222) can be reduced by the flow of the first gas flowing through the inner inlet (225). Even when contacting the inner case (222), damage generated in the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be reduced. When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of woven hollow fiber membranes (2211) and crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212), the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged in a first region (222a, shown in FIG. 7) adjacent to the inner inlet (225). The crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be arranged in a second region (222b, shown in FIG. 7) away from the inner inlet (225). Thereby, the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged relatively outside with respect to the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212). The crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be arranged relatively inside with respect to the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211). The first region (222a) can be arranged on the first direction (FD arrow direction, shown in FIG. 7) side with respect to the second region (222b). The first direction (FD arrow direction) is a direction from the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) toward the inner inlet (225) side.

[0017] When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) and the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212), the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged closer to the inner outlet (226) than the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212). For example, the distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are separated from the inner outlet (226) can be made longer than the distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner outlet (226). The distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are separated from the inner outlet (226) means the shortest distance by which the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) arranged closest to the inner outlet (226) among the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) are linearly separated from the inner outlet (226). The distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner outlet (226) means the shortest distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) arranged closest to the inner outlet (226) among the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are linearly separated from the inner outlet (226). In this way, by being realized such that the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are arranged closer to the inner outlet (226) than the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212), the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the shaking, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing out through the inner outlet (226). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the fatigue accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing out through the inner outlet (226), so that the possibility of damage or breakage such as disconnection occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be reduced. Further, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the number of times the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) contact the inner case (222) by the flow of the first gas flowing out through the inner outlet (226), and even if they contact the inner case (222), the damage generated in the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be reduced. On the one hand, when the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) is disposed in the first region (222a) and the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) is disposed in the second region (222b), the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed closer to both the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) than the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 9, each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can be crimped to have a wavelength (2212b) of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The wavelength (2212b) means the length at which the floors are separated from each other along the length direction of the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212). When the wavelength (222b) is less than 10 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22) may excessively increase due to the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212). When the wavelength (2212b) exceeds 20 mm, the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) cannot produce a significant difference in dispersion or diffusivity with respect to the first gas, effective area, etc., as compared with the hollow fiber membrane without crimping. In consideration of this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) crimped to have a wavelength (221b) of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, thereby reducing the risk of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) due to the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22), and enhancing the humidification performance through improvement of the dispersion or diffusivity with respect to the first gas and the effective area. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can be realized to have a wavelength (2212b) of a uniformly overall size. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can also be realized to have a wavelength (2212b) of a non-uniform overall size. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can be crimped so as to have an amplitude (2212c) of 0.1 mm or more. Here, the distance at which the floor is separated from the reference line (2212a) corresponds to the amplitude (2212c). The distance at which the goal is separated from the reference line (2212a) also corresponds to the amplitude (2212c). When the amplitude (2212c) is realized to be less than 0.1 mm, the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) cannot bring out a significant difference in terms of the dispersibility or diffusibility with respect to the first gas, the effective area, etc., as compared with a hollow fiber membrane without crimping. In consideration of this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) crimped so as to have an amplitude (2212c) of 0.1 mm or more, thereby enhancing the humidifying performance through improvement of the dispersibility or diffusibility with respect to the first gas and the effective area. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can be realized to have an amplitude (2212c) of uneven overall size. Although not shown, each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can also be realized to have an amplitude (2212c) of uniform overall size. Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 10, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213).

[0019] The non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) is one without crimping. Through the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) and the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to include different types of hollow fiber membranes. The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of the non-crimped hollow fiber membranes (2213). As shown in FIG. 10, each of the non-crimped hollow fiber membranes (2213) may be a linear hollow fiber membrane without crimping. When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) and the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213), the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged at a position closer to the inner inlet (225) than the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213). For example, the distance by which the non-crimp hollow fiber membrane (2213) is separated from the inner inlet (225) can be made longer than the distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the non-crimp hollow fiber membrane (2213) is separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the non-crimp hollow fiber membrane (2213) arranged closest to the inner inlet (225) among the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) is linearly separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) arranged closest to the inner inlet (225) among the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) is linearly separated from the inner inlet (225). In this way, by being realized such that the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are arranged closer to the inner inlet (225) than the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213), the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the shaking, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225). Further, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the number of times the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) contacts the inner case (222) due to the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225). When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) and the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213), the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged in the first region (222a). The non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) can be arranged in the second region (222b). Thereby, the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged relatively outside the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213). The non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) can be arranged relatively inside the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211).

[0020] When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes a plurality of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) and the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213), the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged at a position closer to the inner outlet (226) than the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213). For example, the distance at which the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) are separated from the inner outlet (226) can be made longer than the distance at which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner outlet (226). The distance at which the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) are separated from the inner outlet (226) means the shortest distance at which the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) arranged closest to the inner outlet (226) among the non-crimp hollow fiber membranes (2213) are linearly separated from the inner outlet (226). The distance at which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are separated from the inner outlet (226) means the shortest distance at which the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) arranged closest to the inner outlet (226) among the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) are linearly separated from the inner outlet (226). In this way, by realizing that the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) is arranged closer to the inner outlet (226) than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213), the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the shaking, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing out through the inner outlet (226). Further, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the number of times the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) contacts the inner case (222) by the flow of the first gas flowing out through the inner outlet (226). On the other hand, when the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) is arranged in the first region (222a) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) is arranged in the second region (222b), the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged closer to both the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include either the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) or the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) in addition to the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211). Further, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can also include both the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) in addition to the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211). In this way, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes at least one of the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) in addition to the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211), the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged closer to the inner inlet (225) than at least one of the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213). The woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged closer to the inner outlet (226) than at least one of the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213).

[0021] On the one hand, when the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes both the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) in addition to the interwoven hollow fiber membrane (2211), the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) can be arranged closer to the inner inlet (225) than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213). Thereby, in the humidifier (1) for fuel cells according to the present invention, since the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) having a higher porosity than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) is arranged closer to the inner inlet (225), the flow rate of the first gas flowing through the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212) and into the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213) can be increased. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for fuel cells according to the present invention can improve the dispersibility or diffusibility of the first gas by using the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212), and thus can enhance the overall humidification performance. In addition, the humidifier (1) for fuel cells according to the present invention can reduce the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) by using the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for fuel cells according to the present invention can reduce the risk of damage or breakage occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and can enhance the humidification performance through the reduction of the differential pressure. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 12, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). FIG. 12 schematically shows the interwoven hollow fiber membrane (2211). Each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) is provided with crimps. Each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can be provided with crimps so as to extend along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) while surrounding the outside of the reference line (2214a). Thereby, each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can be realized in a three-dimensional crimp form. For example, each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can be formed so as to surround the outside of the reference line (2214a) while forming a helical form. The reference line (2214a) can be realized as a straight line parallel to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). On the other hand, each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can be realized in a two-dimensional crimp form. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes (2212) can also be realized in a three-dimensional crimp form.

[0022] Each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can be spaced apart from the reference line (2214a) at non-uniform intervals while extending along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can also be spaced apart from the reference line (2214a) at uniform intervals while extending along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The reference line (2214a) can be disposed inside (2214b) each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214). One end of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) is fixed by the first fixing layer (223), and the other end of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) can be fixed by the second fixing layer (224). The three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) can increase the effective area by extending along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) while surrounding the outside of each reference line (2214a), but the strength may relatively decrease. As a result, due to the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222), shaking, vibration, etc. may occur in the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214). When excessive shaking, vibration, etc. occur in the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214), the three-dimensional crimped form imparted to each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) may disappear, entanglement may occur between the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214), and the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) may tilt to one side of the inner case (222), resulting in a possible decrease in humidification performance. To prevent this, each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) can be crimped so as to extend along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) while surrounding the outside of each of the woven hollow fiber membranes (2211). The woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can support each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) by being disposed inside (2214b) each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) so that the flowable distance of each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) is restricted. Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the effective area using the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) to improve the humidification performance, while using the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) to reduce the flowable distance of each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) due to the flow of the first gas flowing into and out of the inner case (222).

[0023] Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can maintain the effective area increased by using the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) by preventing the form of the three-dimensional crimps imparted to each of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) from disappearing. Further, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can prevent entanglement from occurring between the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214) by using the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211), thereby preventing damage or breakage of the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes (2214). Further, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can prevent the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) from tilting to one side of the inner case (222) by using the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211), so that the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) can be realized to have uniform humidification performance as a whole. On the one hand, since the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is also formed using a hollow fiber membrane, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can further increase the effective area by using the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) in addition to increasing the effective area using the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211), so that the humidification performance can be further enhanced. Each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) may be formed by intertwining the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212). Each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) may be formed by intertwining and meshing the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214). Each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) may be formed by intertwining the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213). Each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) may be formed by intertwining at least two of the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane (2213), the crimped hollow fiber membrane (2212), and the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214). The intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) can be arranged at intervals from each other. One end of the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be fixed by the first fixing layer (223), and the other end of the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be fixed by the second fixing layer (224). Since each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) is arranged inside the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) (2214b), the three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane (2214) can be formed so as to surround the outside of each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) while forming a helical form. The intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be arranged parallel to the reference line (2214a). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 15, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can include a plurality of composite hollow fiber membranes (2215). Each of the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) can be realized such that a crimp is partially imparted or different crimps are partially imparted to each other. In this regard, hereinafter, one composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) will be specifically described as a reference. The composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) can include a first clipping portion (22151) and a connecting portion (22152).

[0024] The first clipping portion (22151) is provided with crimps. The first clipping portion (22151) corresponds to a part of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). The first clipping portion (22151) can be formed to be curved by applying crimps. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first clipping portion (22151) can be formed in a wavy pattern. In this case, the first clipping portion (22151) can be formed in a meandering shape that passes through a reference line (2215a) multiple times so as to include a plurality of floors and a plurality of grooves. That is, the first clipping portion (22151) can be formed to have a wavelength (22151a) and an amplitude (22151b). The reference line (2215a) may be a virtual line parallel to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The wavelength (22151a) means the length by which the floors are separated from each other along the length direction of the first clipping portion (22151). The length direction of the first clipping portion (22151) may be a direction parallel to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The wavelength (22151a) of the first clipping portion (22151) can be formed to have a non-uniform length. The wavelength (22151a) of the first clipping portion (22151) can also be formed to have a uniform length. The amplitude (22151b) means the distance by which the floor of the first clipping portion (22151) is separated from the reference line (2215a). The amplitude (22151b) means the distance by which the groove of the first clipping portion (22151) is separated from the reference line (2215a). The amplitude (22151b) of the first clipping portion (22151) can be formed to have a non-uniform length. The amplitude (22151b) of the first clipping portion (22151) can also be formed to have a uniform length. The connecting part (22152) is formed by extending from the first clipping part (22151). The connecting part (22152) corresponds to a part of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). The connecting part (22152) can be formed to have an amplitude smaller than that of the first clipping part (22151). Thereby, the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) can be realized such that partial crimps are imparted through the first clipping part (2215) and the connecting part (2215), or partial different crimps are imparted to each other. When the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is realized such that partial crimps are imparted, the connecting part (22152) may not be imparted with crimps. In this case, the connecting part (22152) can be formed to be straight. The hollow of the connecting part (22152) and the reference line (2215a) can be arranged on the same line. When the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is realized such that partial different crimps are imparted to each other, the connecting part (22152) can be imparted with crimps so as to have an amplitude smaller than the amplitude (22151b) of the first clipping part (22151). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can achieve the following operational effects. First, since the first clipping part (22151) is imparted with crimps so as to have an amplitude (22151b) larger than that of the connecting part (22152), it can have a porosity higher than that of the connecting part (22152). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the flow rate of the first gas passing between the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) by using the first clipping part (22151). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the overall humidification performance by improving the dispersibility or diffusibility of the first gas flowing into the inner case (222).

[0025] Second, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the effective area of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) by using the first clipping part (2215) each of the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) has. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can enhance the humidification performance through the increase in the effective area of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). Third, when all of the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) are realized by the first clipping part (2215), the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) increases, and there is a high risk of damage or breakage occurring in the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215), and the humidification performance may decrease. In contrast, in the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention, since the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is realized by the combination of the first clipping part (2215) and the connecting part (2215), the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) can be decreased by using the connecting part (2215). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the risk of damage or breakage occurring in the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215), and can enhance the humidification performance through the decrease in the differential pressure. The first clipping part (22151) can be disposed at a position corresponding to either the inner inlet (225) or the inner outlet (226). When the first clipping part (22151) is arranged at a position corresponding to the inner inlet (225), the first gas can flow toward the first clipping part (22151) after flowing into the interior of the inner case (222) through the inner inlet (225). As a result, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the interior of the inner case (222) through the inner inlet (225) passing between the first clipping parts (2215) of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) can be increased. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can increase the proportion involved in humidification in the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) positioned relatively inside in the inner case (222). That is, the membrane contact area of the first gas can be increased. Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can enhance the overall humidification performance. The first clipping part (22151) can be arranged at a position facing the inner inlet (225). Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first clipping part (22151) can be arranged so as to overlap the inner inlet (225). In this case, the connecting part (22152) can be arranged at a position separated from the inner inlet (225) based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Thereby, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, by using the connecting part (22152), the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) can be reduced in the process of the first gas flowing toward the inner outlet (226) side. Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first clipping part (22151) can be arranged in the inflow region (222c, shown in FIG. 13) of the inner case (222). The inflow region (222c) is the inner region of the inner case (222) where the first gas flows into the inner case (222) through the inner inlet (225). Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the inflow region (222c) can include a distance separated by a predetermined distance on both sides with respect to the inner inlet (225). On the other hand, one end of the first clipping part (22151) can be fixed by the first fixing layer (223). In this case, the other end of the first clipping part (22151) can be connected to the connecting part (22152). The first clipping part (22151) and the connecting part (22152) can be integrally formed.

[0026] When the first clipping part (22151) is arranged at a position corresponding to the inner outlet (226), the first gas can flow toward the first clipping part (22151) in order to flow out from the inside of the inner case (222) through the inner outlet (226). Thereby, in the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention, by using the first clipping part (22151), it is realized that the first gas hardly flows toward the inner outlet (226) side, so that the residence time during which the first gas stays inside the inner case (222) can be increased. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can enhance the overall humidifying performance by increasing the residence time. The first clipping part (22151) can be arranged at a position facing the inner outlet (226). Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first clipping part (22151) can be arranged so as to overlap the inner outlet (226). In this case, the connecting part (22152) can be arranged at a position separated from the inner outlet (226) based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) by using the connecting part (22152) in the process of the first gas flowing toward the inner outlet (226) side. Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the first clipping part (22151) can be arranged in the outflow region (222d, shown in FIG. 13) of the inner case (222). The outflow region (222d) is an inner region of the inner case (222) where the first gas flows out from the inside of the inner case (222) through the inner outlet (226). Based on the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the outflow region (222d) can include a distance separated by a predetermined distance on both sides based on the inner outlet (226). On the other hand, one end of the first clipping part (22151) can be fixed by the second fixing layer (224). In this case, the other end of the first clipping part (22151) can be connected to the connecting part (22152). The first clipping part (22151) and the connecting part (22152) can be integrally formed. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 15, each of the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) can include a second clipping part (2215, shown in FIG. 15). The second crimping portion (22153) is provided with a crimp. The second crimping portion (22153) corresponds to a part of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). The second crimping portion (22153) can be formed to be curved by applying a crimp. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the second crimping portion (22153) can be formed in a wavy pattern. In this case, the second crimping portion (22153) can be formed in a meandering shape that passes through the reference line (2215a) multiple times so as to include a plurality of floors and a plurality of grooves. That is, the second crimping portion (22153) can be formed to have a wavelength (22153a) and an amplitude (22153b). The wavelength (22153a) means the length by which the floors are separated from each other along the length direction of the second crimping portion (22153). The wavelength (22153a) of the second crimping portion (22153) can be formed to have a non-uniform length. The wavelength (22153a) of the second crimping portion (22153) can also be formed to have a uniform length. The amplitude (22153b) means the distance by which the floor of the second crimping portion (22153) is separated from the reference line (2215a). The amplitude (22153b) means the distance by which the groove of the second crimping portion (22153) is separated from the reference line (2215a). The amplitude (22153b) of the second crimping portion (22153) can be formed to have a non-uniform length. The amplitude (22153b) of the second crimping portion (22153) can also be formed to have a uniform length.

[0027] When the second clipping part (22153) is provided, the connecting part (22152) can be arranged between the second clipping part (22153) and the first clipping part (22151) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The second clipping part (22153) can be fixed by the second fixing layer (224). The first clipping part (22151) can be fixed by the first fixing layer (223). When the second clipping part (22153) is provided, the second clipping part (22153) can be arranged at a position corresponding to the inner outlet (226). The first clipping part (22151) can be arranged at a position corresponding to the inner inlet (225). The connecting part (22152) can be arranged between the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can enhance the dispersibility or diffusibility of the first gas flowing into the inner case (222) by using the first clipping part (22151), and can increase the residence time of the first gas staying inside the inner case (222) by using the second clipping part (22153), and can reduce the differential pressure applied between both ends of the cartridge (22) by using the connecting part (22152). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can not only enhance the humidification performance, but also reduce the risk of damage or breakage of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) and extend the service life. In this case, the first clipping part (22151) can be arranged in the inflow region (222c), and the second clipping part (22153) can be arranged in the outflow region (222d). The connecting part (22152) can be arranged in the connection region (222e, shown in FIG. 13) of the inner case (222). The connection region (222e) is an inner region of the inner case (222) arranged between the inflow region (222c) and the outflow region (222d) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 15, the second clipping portion (22153) can be formed to have a wavelength shorter than that of the first clipping portion (22151). That is, the wavelength (22151a) of the first clipping portion (22151) can be made longer than the wavelength (22153a) of the second clipping portion (22153). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can further improve the diffusibility or dispersibility of the first gas using the first clipping portion (22151), and can increase the residence time of the first gas using the second clipping portion (22153).

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first clipping portion (22151) can be crimped to have a wavelength (22151a) of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. When the wavelength (22151a) is less than 10 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22) may excessively increase due to the first clipping portion (22151). When the wavelength (22151a) exceeds 20 mm, the first clipping portion (22151) cannot produce a significant difference in diffusibility or dispersibility, effective area, etc. with respect to the first gas as compared with the case where no crimp is applied. Considering this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes the first clipping portion (22151) crimped to have a wavelength (22151a) of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less, thereby reducing the risk of damage or breakage of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) due to the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22), and enhancing the humidification performance through the improvement of the diffusibility or dispersibility and the effective area with respect to the first gas. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first crimping portion (22151) can be crimped so as to have an amplitude (22151b) of 0.1 mm or more. When the amplitude (22151b) is realized to be less than 0.1 mm, the first crimping portion (22151) cannot bring out a significant difference in the dispersibility or diffusibility with respect to the first gas, the effective area, etc. as compared with the case where no crimping is applied. Considering this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes the first crimping portion (22151) crimped so as to have an amplitude (22151b) of 0.1 mm or more, thereby enhancing the humidifying performance through the improvement of the dispersibility or diffusibility with respect to the first gas and the effective area. The first crimping portion (22151) can be crimped so as to have an amplitude (22151b) of 5 mm or less. When the amplitude (22151b) is realized to exceed 5 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22) may excessively increase due to the first crimping portion (22151). Considering this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes the first crimping portion (22151) crimped so as to have an amplitude (22151b) of 5 mm or less, thereby reducing the risk that the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is damaged or broken by the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22), and improving the humidifying performance through the reduction of the differential pressure.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 15, the second crimping portion (22153) can be crimped to have a wavelength (22153a) of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. When the wavelength (22153a) is realized to be less than 5 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22) may excessively increase due to the second crimping portion (22153). When the wavelength (22153a) is realized to exceed 15 mm, the second crimping portion (22153) cannot draw a significant difference regarding the increase in the residence time of the first gas as compared with the case where no crimping is applied. Considering this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes the second crimping portion (22153) crimped to have a wavelength (22153a) of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less, thereby reducing the risk that the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is damaged or broken by the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22), and enhancing the humidification performance through an increase in the residence time of the first gas. As shown in FIG. 15, the second crimping portion (22153) can be crimped to have an amplitude (22153b) of 0.1 mm or more. When the amplitude (22153b) is realized to be less than 0.1 mm, the second crimping portion (22153) cannot draw a significant difference regarding the increase in the residence time of the first gas as compared with the case where no crimping is applied. Considering this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes the second crimping portion (22153) crimped to have an amplitude (22153b) of 0.1 mm or more, thereby enhancing the humidification performance through an increase in the residence time of the first gas. The second crimping portion (22153) can be crimped so as to have an amplitude (22153b) of 3 mm or less. When the amplitude (22153b) exceeds 3 mm, the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22) may excessively increase due to the second crimping portion (22153). Considering this, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention includes the second crimping portion (22153) crimped so as to have an amplitude (22153b) of 3 mm or less, thereby reducing the risk of damage or breakage of the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) due to the differential pressure applied to both ends of the cartridge (22), and improving the humidification performance through a decrease in the differential pressure. When the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) includes the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) and the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215), the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed closer to the inner inlet (225) than the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). For example, the distance by which the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is separated from the inner inlet (225) can be made longer than the distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) disposed closest to the inner inlet (225) among the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) is linearly separated from the inner inlet (225). The distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is separated from the inner inlet (225) means the shortest distance by which the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) disposed closest to the inner inlet (225) among the intertwined hollow fiber membranes (2211) is linearly separated from the inner inlet (225).

[0030] In this way, by being realized such that the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is disposed closer to the inner inlet (225) than the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215), the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can dispose the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) having durability and strength stronger than the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) at a position closer to the inner inlet (225). Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the sway, vibration, etc. generated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225). Thereby, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the fatigue accumulated in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225), so that the possibility of damage or breakage such as disconnection occurring in the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be reduced. Further, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the number of times the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) contacts the inner case (222) by the flow of the first gas flowing in through the inner inlet (225), and even if it contacts the inner case (222), the damage generated in the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be reduced. In this case, the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed in the first region (222a, shown in FIG. 7), and the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) can be disposed in the second region (222b, shown in FIG. 7). Thereby, the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed relatively outside with respect to the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). The composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) can be disposed relatively inside with respect to the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211). When the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) is disposed in the first region (222a) and the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215) is disposed in the second region (222b), the intertwined hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed at a position closer to both the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) than the composite hollow fiber membrane (2215). On the one hand, when each of the composite hollow fiber membranes (2215) includes the first clipping portion (22151) and the second clipping portion (22153), the woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed at a position closer to the inner inlet (225) than the first clipping portion (22151). The woven hollow fiber membrane (2211) can be disposed at a position closer to the inner outlet (226) than the second clipping portion (22153).

[0031] The present invention described above is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel cell humidifier for humidifying dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using humid gas, comprising: an inner case having openings at both ends; an inner inlet formed in the inner case for allowing a first gas to flow into the inner case; an inner outlet disposed at a position spaced along a first axial direction from the inner inlet for allowing the first gas to flow out of the inner case; a hollow fiber membrane bundle stored inside the inner case; The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of interwoven hollow fiber membranes formed by interweaving at least two hollow fiber membranes, and is a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier.

2. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of crimped hollow fiber membranes, The interwoven hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner inlet than the crimped hollow fiber membrane, and is a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to Claim 1.

3. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes is crimped to have a wavelength of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less and an amplitude of 0.1 mm or more, and is a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to Claim 2.

4. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of non-crimped hollow fiber membranes without crimps, The interwoven hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner inlet than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane, and is a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to Claim 1.

5. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes at least one of a plurality of crimped hollow fiber membranes and a plurality of non-crimped hollow fiber membranes without crimps, The interwoven hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner outlet than at least one of the crimped hollow fiber membrane and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane, and is a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to Claim 1.

6. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes. The three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane is characterized in that it is provided with crimps so as to extend along the first axial direction while surrounding the outside of each of the woven hollow fiber membranes. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1.

7. The three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane is formed so as to surround the outside of each of the woven hollow fiber membranes while forming a helical form. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 6.

8. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of composite hollow fiber membranes. Each of the composite hollow fiber membranes includes a first crimping portion provided with crimps, and a connecting portion extending from the first crimping portion and having an amplitude smaller than that of the first crimping portion. The woven hollow fiber membrane is disposed at a position closer to the inner inlet than the composite hollow fiber membrane. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1.

9. Each of the composite hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion provided with crimps. The first crimping portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner inlet. The second crimping portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner outlet. The connecting portion is disposed between the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion with respect to the first axial direction. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 8.

10. Each of the first crimping portions is formed to have a longer wavelength than each of the second crimping portions. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 9.

11. A humidifying module that humidifies the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack using the humid gas, A first cap coupled to one end of the humidifying module, A second cap coupled to the other end of the humidifying module. The humidifying module includes a mid-case with both ends open, and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case. The cartridge An inner case having openings at both ends. An inner inlet formed in the inner case for allowing a first gas to flow into the inner case, An inner outlet disposed at a position spaced from the inner inlet along a first axial direction for allowing the first gas to flow out of the inner case, A hollow fiber membrane bundle stored inside the inner case, and The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of intertwined hollow fiber membranes formed by intertwining at least two hollow fiber membranes. A humidifier for a fuel cell.

12. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of crimped hollow fiber membranes with crimps applied, The intertwined hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner inlet than the crimped hollow fiber membrane. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11.

13. Each of the crimped hollow fiber membranes is crimped so as to have a wavelength of 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less and an amplitude of 0.1 mm or more. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 12.

14. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of non-crimped hollow fiber membranes without crimps applied, The intertwined hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner inlet than the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11.

15. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes at least one of a plurality of crimped hollow fiber membranes with crimps applied and a plurality of non-crimped hollow fiber membranes without crimps applied, The crimped hollow fiber membrane is disposed closer to the inner outlet than at least one of the crimped hollow fiber membrane and the non-crimped hollow fiber membrane. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11.

16. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membranes, The three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane is crimped so as to surround the outside of each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes and extend along the first axial direction. The cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11.

17. The three-dimensional crimped hollow fiber membrane is formed so as to surround the outside of each of the intertwined hollow fiber membranes while forming a helical form. The cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 16.

18. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of composite hollow fiber membranes, each of the composite hollow fiber membranes includes a first crimping portion to which a crimp is imparted and a connecting portion formed to extend from the first crimping portion and having an amplitude smaller than that of the first crimping portion, The woven hollow fiber membrane is disposed at a position closer to the inner inlet than the composite hollow fiber membrane, and the cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 11 is characterized in that.

19. each of the composite hollow fiber membranes includes a second crimping portion to which a crimp is imparted, the first crimping portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner inlet, the second crimping portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the inner outlet, The connecting portion is disposed between the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion with reference to the first axial direction, and the cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 18 is characterized in that.

20. Each of the first crimping portions is formed to have a longer wavelength than each of the second crimping portions, and the cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 19 is characterized in that.

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