Humidifier cartridge for fuel cell and humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier cartridge for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell, which is provided in a humidifier for a fuel cell that humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using a second gas, and includes an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained inside the inner case, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and is configured to satisfy at least one of a flow velocity condition in which the first gas flows at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s and a turbulent flow condition in which the first gas flows at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400.

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 ordinary chemical batteries such as dry batteries and storage batteries, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and have the advantage of not losing heat and being about twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. 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 comes with increased energy consumption. These fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), alkaline fuel cells (AFC), etc. depending on the type of electrolyte used. Although all of these fuel cells operate on the same fundamental principle, they differ in the type of fuel they use, 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 equipment as well as transportation systems, as they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells, have a high power density, and can be made smaller. One of the most important factors in improving the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is to maintain a certain level of moisture in the polymer electrolyte membrane (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane or Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). If the PEM 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 pipe through a solenoid valve; and 3) a humidification membrane method in which moisture is supplied to the gas flow bed using a polymer separation membrane.

[0003] Among these, the membrane humidification method, which uses a membrane that selectively allows only water vapor contained in exhaust gas to pass through and supplies 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. When forming a module, 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. That is, when manufacturing a humidifier using hollow fiber membranes, it is possible to highly integrate hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area, and sufficient humidification of fuel cells can be achieved even with a small capacity. It also has the advantages of being able to use low-cost materials and recovering moisture and heat contained in the off-gas discharged at high temperatures from the fuel cell and reusing it in the humidifier. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional fuel cell humidifier. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a typical membrane humidification type humidifier (100) includes a humidification module (110) in which moisture exchange occurs 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) 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 hardening a liquid polymer, such as a liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method. The fixing layer (113) to 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) isolate the interior space of the cap (120) from the interior 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 a liquid polyurethane resin using a casting method. Air supplied from the outside flows along the hollow fiber membrane (112). Exhaust gas flowing into the mid-case (111) through the wet exhaust gas inlet (111a) contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112) and then exits the mid-case (111) through the wet exhaust gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas contacts the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112), moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates the hollow fiber membrane (112), humidifying the air flowing along 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 humidification of 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 has traditionally led to problems such as flooding, which can clog the flow passages in the separator plates of the fuel cell, and thus reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fuel cell humidifier cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier that can reduce the flow rate of condensed water supplied to a fuel cell stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention can include the following configurations. The cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention is provided in a humidifier for a fuel cell that humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using a second gas, and may include an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained within the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and may be formed to satisfy at least one of a flow velocity condition in which the first gas flows at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s and a turbulent flow condition in which the first gas flows at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400. A humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may include a humidification module that humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack with a second 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 open ends and at least one cartridge housed within the mid-case. The cartridge may include an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed within the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and can cause the first gas to flow at a velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s. A humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may include a humidification module that humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack with a second 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 with open ends and at least one cartridge housed within the mid-case. The cartridge may include an inner case with openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed within the inner case. The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and allows the first gas to flow at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention is realized to reduce the flow rate of condensed water supplied to the fuel cell stack, thereby preventing flooding caused by condensed water and contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a conventional fuel cell humidifier. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; [Figure 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. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention taken along line II in FIG. 2; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic plan view of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The humidifier cartridge 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 will be described together with the embodiment of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. Meanwhile, in Figure 7, the solid arrows indicate the flow direction of a first gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane, and the dotted arrows indicate the flow direction of a second gas flowing from the outside of the hollow fiber membrane. 2 to 4, a fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown) using a second gas. In this case, the first gas may be a dry gas and the second gas may be a wet gas. The first gas may be exhausted from the fuel cell stack. The first gas may be a fuel gas or air. The first gas may be humidified by the second gas before being supplied to the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying the first 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 the first gas. The first cap (3) can be coupled to one end of the humidification module (2). 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 using the first gas and the second gas. When the first gas is dry gas and the second gas is wet gas, the first gas can be humidified by the second gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (2) includes a mid-case (21) and at least one cartridge (22).

[0009] The mid-case 21 is coupled to the cartridge 22. The cartridge 22 can be housed inside the mid-case 21. The mid-case 21 has open ends. 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 axis direction (X-axis direction). At least one cartridge 22 can be placed in the receiving hole 211. The mid-case 21 may include a mid-body 210. The mid-body 210 accommodates the cartridge 22. The cartridge 22 may be accommodated in the mid-body 210 by being disposed inside the mid-body 210. The mid-body 210 may accommodate at least one cartridge 22. The accommodation hole 211 may be formed to penetrate the mid-body 210 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The mid-case 21 may be formed with a mid-inlet 212 and a mid-outlet 213. The mid-inlet 212 may allow the second gas to flow into the mid-case 21. The mid-outlet 213 may allow the second gas to flow out from the mid-case 21. The mid-outlet 213 and the mid-inlet 212 may 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 modularized by being coupled to the cartridge 22. Thus, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be installed inside the mid-case 21 through the process of coupling the cartridge 22 to the mid-case 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 membrane bundle 221. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 2211. The cartridge (22) may include an inner case (222). The inner case 222 has openings at both ends and houses the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be modularized by being disposed inside the inner case 222. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 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.

[0010] The cartridge (22) may include a first fixing layer (223). The first fixing layer (223) fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The first fixing layer (223) may close an opening formed at one end of the inner case (222). In this case, the first fixing layer (223) may be formed so as not to block the hollow (2212, shown in FIG. 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (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 portion of the first fixing layer (223) may be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining portion may protrude outside the inner case (222). The first fixing layer (223) may fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (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 bundle (221). The second fixing layer (224) may close the 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 (2212, shown in FIG. 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (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 portion of the second fixing layer (224) may be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining portion may protrude outside the inner case (222). The second fixing layer (224) may fix the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (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 (2212, shown in Figure 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the first gas can be supplied to the hollow (2212, shown in Figure 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) without being obstructed by the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223), and can flow out of the hollow (2212, shown in Figure 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) without being obstructed by the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223). Referring to Figures 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) may be formed on one side of the inner case (222). One side of the inner case (222) may be disposed to face one of the side walls of the mid-case (21). The inner inlet (225) allows the second gas to flow into the inner case (222). The inner inlet (225) may be formed by penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the inner inlet (225) may be realized as a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the inner inlet (225) may be realized as a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner 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 the first axis (X-axis direction) and the second axis (Y-axis direction), where the second axis (Y-axis direction) and the first axis (X-axis direction) are perpendicular to each other. The inner outlet (226) is formed in the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) may be formed on one side of the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) allows the second gas to flow out from the inside of the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) may be formed by penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 5, the inner outlet (226) may be realized as a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in FIG. 6, the inner outlet (226) may be realized as a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner 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 along the first axis (X-axis direction) and the second axis (Y-axis direction) to form a matrix. The inner outlet 226 and the inner inlet 225 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis (X-axis direction).

[0012] When the first gas is dry gas and the second gas is wet gas, the second gas can be supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the mid inlet (212) and then into the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225) to come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). During this process, moisture contained in the second gas permeates the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and humidifies the first gas flowing through the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) (2212, shown in FIG. 7). After flowing out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the humidified first gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap (3) or the second cap (4). The second gas after humidifying the first gas may flow between the outer surface of the cartridge 22 and the inner surface of the mid-case 21 through the inner outlet 226 and may then flow out of the mid-case 21 through the mid outlet 213. 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 part (23). The first packing member 23 is airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case 21 through mechanical assembly. This allows the first cap 3 to be fluidly connected only to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the first packing member 23 prevents the first gas and the second gas from being directly mixed. The first packing member 23 is disposed between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22, thereby sealing the gap 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 member 23. The first packing member 23 can contact the inner surface of the mid-case 21, the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and the first fixing layer 223. This contact allows the first packing portion 23 to be airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case 21. In this case, the first packing portion 23 may also be in contact with a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and a portion of the first fixing layer 223.

[0013] The humidification module (2) may include a second packing portion (24). The second packing part 24 is airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case 21 through mechanical assembly. This allows the second packing part 24 to fluidly connect the second cap 4 only to the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. Therefore, the second packing part 24 prevents 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, thereby sealing the gap between the mid-case 21 and the cartridge 22. 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. This contact allows the second packing portion 24 to be airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case 21. In this case, the second packing portion 24 may also contact a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case 21, a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge 22, and a portion of the second fixing layer 224. 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 with 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 first gas to flow through. The first port (31) can be in communication with the hollow (2212, shown in FIG. 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, when the first gas flows between the first cap (3) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the first gas can flow in or out through the first port (31). 2 to 4, the second cap (4) is coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first cap (3) along the first axis (X-axis). The space between the second cap (4) and the cartridge (22) may be sealed with 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 first gas to flow through. The second port (41) may be in communication with the hollow (2212, shown in FIG. 7) of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, when the first gas flows between the second cap (4) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the first gas may flow in or out through the second port (41). When the first gas flows in through the second port (41), it can flow out through the first port (31). In this case, the first gas can exchange moisture with the second gas while passing through the second cap (4), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (2212, shown in FIG. 7), and the first cap (3) in that order. When the first gas flows out through the second port (41), it can flow in through the first port (31). In this case, the first gas can exchange moisture with the second gas while passing through the first cap (3), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (2212, shown in FIG. 7), and the second cap (4) in that order. Although not shown, resin layers can be formed on both ends of the mid-case (21) instead of the packing portions (23, 24). The resin layers can be formed by hardening a liquid polymer, such as a liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method. Here, condensed water may be generated during the process of generating humidified dry gas using the first gas and the second gas. For example, when a fuel cell system is applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, the amount of condensed water generated may increase while the vehicle is operating at low power. If the vehicle accelerates while condensed water is generated, the condensed water may be supplied to the fuel cell stack, causing flooding and clogging the flow passages in the separator plates of the fuel cell, thereby reducing the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. To prevent this, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) in the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention may be realized as follows.

[0014] 2 to 7, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to flow the first gas at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s using the hollow fiber membranes (2211). In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to satisfy a flow velocity condition of flowing the first gas at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s using the hollow fiber membranes (2211). If the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) flows the first gas at a flow velocity of less than 1 m / s, the amount of condensed water generated may increase. If the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) flows the first gas at a flow velocity exceeding 10 m / s, the amount of condensed water generated may be reduced, but the hollow fiber membranes (2211) may be damaged or broken due to an excessive increase in differential pressure. Taking this into consideration, the fuel cell humidifier (1) of the present invention uses the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) to cause the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less, thereby reducing the amount of condensed water produced and at the same time reducing the risk of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membrane (2211). This can be confirmed from the results of an experiment in which the amount of condensed water generated was measured for an example and a comparative example in which the first gas was flowed at different flow rates under the conditions of a flow rate of 500 sLPM (Standard Liter Per Minute), a temperature of 30°C, and a pressure of 1.05 bara. In this case, the flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the first gas were measured by supplying the first gas to the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) side of the first cap (3) and the second cap (4), using a flow meter, a thermo-hygrometer, a pressure meter, etc. The amount of condensed water generated can be obtained by measuring the weight of condensed water generated from the mid-case (21), the first cap (3), and the second cap (4) after the experiment. The amount of condensed water generated can also be obtained by calculating the difference between the weight before and after the experiment for each of the example and comparative example. Meanwhile, the above-mentioned experiment was conducted under the conditions that the flow rate of the second gas was 450 sLPM, the temperature of the second gas was 60°C, the relative humidity (RH) of the second gas was 100%, and the pressure of the second gas was 1.03 bara. First, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the comparative example, the first gas flowed at 0.8 m / s. As a result of the experiment on the comparative example, 13 g of condensed water was generated.

[0015] *Next, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the example, the first gas flowed at 2.0 m / s. As a result of the experiment for the example, 6 g of condensed water was generated. Next, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the example, the first gas flowed at 10.0 m / s. As a result of the experiment for the example, 2 g of condensed water was generated. From these experimental results, it can be seen that the Comparative Example generates approximately twice as much condensed water as the Example. Therefore, it can be seen that the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention can significantly reduce the amount of condensed water generated by using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) to flow the first gas at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s. Therefore, when the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle, the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention can reduce the amount of condensed water generated even when the vehicle is operating at low power, thereby preventing flooding due to condensed water and contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. As described above, in the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to flow the first gas at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s under the conditions that the flow rate of the first gas is 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas is 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas is 1.05 bara. In other words, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be formed to satisfy the above flow velocity conditions under the conditions that the flow rate of the first gas is 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas is 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas is 1.05 bara. Meanwhile, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can flow the first gas at a flow rate of 1 m / s to 10 m / s using the internal diameter (2213) of each hollow fiber membrane (2211) and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane (2211). The internal diameter (2213) may correspond to the diameter of the hollow (2212). Meanwhile, the flow rate of the first gas can be determined by the combination of the internal diameter (2213) and the total number of strands. In this case, even if the internal diameter (2213) is small, the flow rate of the first gas can be reduced if the total number of strands is increased. Even if the internal diameter (2213) is large, the flow rate of the first gas can be increased if the total number of strands is decreased. In this way, by using the inner diameter (2213) of each hollow fiber membrane (2211) and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane (2211), the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to allow the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less.

[0016] 2 to 7, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to flow the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400 using the hollow fiber membranes (2211). In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to satisfy the turbulent flow condition of flowing the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400 using the hollow fiber membranes (2211). If the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) flows the first gas at a Reynolds number less than 50, the amount of condensed water generated may increase. If the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) flows the first gas at a Reynolds number exceeding 400, the amount of condensed water generated may be reduced, but the pressure difference may increase excessively, which may damage or break the hollow fiber membranes (2211). In consideration of this, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) to flow the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less, thereby reducing the amount of condensed water generated and the risk of damage or breakage of the hollow fiber membrane (2211). Meanwhile, when the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the amount of condensed water generated even when the vehicle is operating at low power, thereby preventing flooding due to condensed water and contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. This can be confirmed from the results of an experiment in which the amount of condensed water generated was measured for an example and a comparative example in which the first gas was flowed at different Reynolds numbers under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara. Meanwhile, the above experiment was conducted under the conditions of a flow rate of the second gas of 450 sLPM, a temperature of the second gas of 60°C, a relative humidity of the second gas of 100%, and a pressure of the second gas of 1.03 bara. First, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the comparative example, the first gas flowed at a Reynolds number of 30. As a result of the experiment for the comparative example, 13 g of condensed water was generated. Next, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the example, the first gas flowed at a Reynolds number of 200. As a result of the experiment for the example, 5 g of condensed water was generated. Next, as described above, under the conditions of the flow rate of the first gas being 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas being 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas being 1.05 bara, according to the example, the first gas flowed at a Reynolds number of 400. As a result of the experiment for the example, 3 g of condensed water was generated.

[0017] From these experimental results, it can be seen that the Comparative Example generates approximately twice as much condensed water as the Example. Therefore, it can be seen that the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention can significantly reduce the amount of condensed water generated by using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) to flow the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400. Therefore, when the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle, the humidifier for a fuel cell (1) according to the present invention can reduce the amount of condensed water generated even when the vehicle is operating at low power, thereby preventing flooding due to condensed water and contributing to improving the efficiency and durability of the fuel cell system. As described above, in the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be configured to flow the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400 under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara. That is, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be configured to satisfy the turbulent flow condition under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara. The Reynolds number for the first gas can be determined by the combination of the inner diameter (2213) of each hollow fiber membrane (2211) and the total number of strands in the hollow fiber membrane (2211). In this case, even if the inner diameter (2213) is small, the Reynolds number for the first gas can be reduced if the total number of strands is increased. Even if the inner diameter (2213) is large, the Reynolds number for the first gas can be increased if the total number of strands is reduced. In this way, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be realized to flow the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less by using the inner diameter (2213) of each hollow fiber membrane (2211) and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane (2211). Meanwhile, in the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may be formed to satisfy at least one of the flow velocity condition and the turbulence condition. When the flow velocity condition is satisfied, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can cause the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s. When the turbulence condition is satisfied, the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can cause the first gas to flow at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400. The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can also cause the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s and a Reynolds number of 50 to 400.

[0018] The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those skilled 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 is provided in a fuel cell humidifier that humidifies a first gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using a second gas, An inner case having openings at both ends; and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained inside the inner case; The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and is formed to satisfy at least one of a flow velocity condition in which the first gas flows at a flow velocity of 1 m / s to 10 m / s, and a turbulent flow condition in which the first gas flows at a Reynolds number of 50 to 400.

2. 2. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow fiber membrane bundle causes the first gas to flow at a flow rate of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara.

3. 3. The cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle flows the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara.

4. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle allows the first gas to flow at a flow rate of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less using the internal diameter of each hollow fiber membrane and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane.

5. 2. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle flows the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara.

6. 2. The cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle allows the first gas to flow at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less, using the inner diameter of each hollow fiber membrane and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane.

7. a humidification module that humidifies the first gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using the second 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 a mid-case having both open ends and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case; The cartridge includes an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed inside the inner case, The humidifier for a fuel cell is characterized in that the hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and causes the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less.

8. 8. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle causes the first gas to flow at a flow rate of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less under the conditions of a flow rate of the first gas of 500 sLPM, a temperature of the first gas of 30°C, and a pressure of the first gas of 1.05 bara.

9. 8. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle allows the first gas to flow at a flow velocity of 1 m / s or more and 10 m / s or less using the internal diameter of each hollow fiber membrane and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane.

10. 8. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 7, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle causes the first gas to flow at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less using the hollow fiber membranes.

11. a humidification module that humidifies the first gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack using the second 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 a mid-case having both open ends and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case; The cartridge includes an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed inside the inner case, The hollow fiber membrane bundle includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and the first gas flows at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less.

12. 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle flows the first gas at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less under the conditions that the flow rate of the first gas is 500 sLPM, the temperature of the first gas is 30°C, and the pressure of the first gas is 1.05 bara.

13. 12. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 11, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle allows the first gas to flow at a Reynolds number of 50 or more and 400 or less using the internal diameter of each hollow fiber membrane and the total number of strands of the hollow fiber membrane.

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