Mid-case of humidifier for fuel cell and humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mid-case for a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell, the mid-case including: a mid body accommodating at least one cartridge including a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a mid inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid body; a mid outlet disposed apart from the mid inlet along a first axial direction and for discharging the first gas from the mid body; a partition wall disposed inside the mid body and dividing the mid body into an inlet space into which the first gas flows and an outlet space from which the first gas flows; and an additional partition wall disposed inside the mid body and between the mid inlet and the partition wall in the first axial direction; wherein the partition wall is disposed at a position where it is spaced apart from the mid outlet port less than it is spaced apart from the mid inlet in the first axial direction, and the additional partition wall has a passage hole formed therein for passing the first gas.

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. Therefore, fuel cells are not only environmentally friendly, but also have the advantage of reducing concerns about resource depletion due to 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 each of these fuel cells operates on the same fundamental principle, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, etc. Among them, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are known to be the most promising for use in small-scale stationary power generation 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 shown 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 of the hollow fiber membrane (112). The exhaust gas that flows into the mid-case (111) through the wet exhaust gas inlet (111a) comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112) and then flows out of the mid-case (111) through the wet exhaust gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112), moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates the hollow fiber membrane (112), humidifying the air that flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (112).

[0004] In this case, conventionally, in the portion of the hollow fiber membrane (112) disposed between the wet exhaust gas inlet (111a) and the wet exhaust gas outlet (111b), the humidification efficiency decreases as the wetness of the exhaust gas decreases, resulting in a problem of a decrease in the overall humidification performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mid-case of a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell that can improve humidification efficiency using a hollow fiber membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention can include the following configurations. The mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is provided in a fuel cell humidifier that humidifies dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack with wet gas, and may include: a mid-case housing at least one cartridge including a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a mid-inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid-case; a mid-outlet disposed along a first axis and spaced apart from the mid-inlet and for discharging the first gas from the mid-case; a partition wall disposed within the mid-case and dividing the mid-case into an inlet space for the first gas to enter and an outlet space for the first gas to exit; and an additional partition wall disposed within the mid-case and between the mid-inlet and the partition wall in the first axis direction. The partition wall may be disposed at a position closer to the mid-outlet than to the mid-inlet in the first axis direction. The additional partition wall may have a through hole formed therein for allowing the first gas to pass through. A humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention may include a humidification module that humidifies dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas; a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include a mid-case having open ends and at least one cartridge housed within the mid-case. The mid-case may include a mid-body that houses the cartridge; a mid-inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid-body; a mid-outlet disposed apart from the mid-inlet along a first axis direction and for discharging the first gas from the mid-body; a partition wall disposed within the mid-body that divides the mid-body into an inlet space through which the first gas flows and an outlet space through which the first gas flows; and an additional partition wall disposed within the mid-body between the mid-inlet and the partition wall in the first axis direction. The partition wall may be disposed at a position where a distance from the mid outlet is shorter than a distance from the mid inlet in the first axial direction. A passage hole for passing a first gas may be formed in the additional partition wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention realizes that the partition wall is positioned closer to the mid-outlet side, thereby increasing the distance that the first gas flowing in through the mid-inlet can flow toward the partition wall. As a result, the present invention realizes that the first gas, which has not yet exchanged moisture with the second gas, can be supplied to the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle positioned between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet. Therefore, the present invention improves the humidification efficiency using the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle positioned between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet, thereby providing improved humidification performance. The present invention is realized by using an additional partition disposed between the mid inlet and the partition and a passage hole formed in the additional partition to reduce the flow rate of the first gas flowing between the additional partition and the partition. As a result, the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas that flows into the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle disposed between the mid inlet and the mid outlet and has a relatively short residence time inside the cartridge. Therefore, the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle disposed between the mid inlet and the mid outlet, and can further improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle by taking into account the residence time inside the cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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] 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of part A in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional side view of part B in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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 mid-case 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 therefore will be described together with the embodiment of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. 2 to 4, a humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses wet gas to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown). The wet gas may be exhausted from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas may be fuel gas or air. The dry gas may be humidified by the wet gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying 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). 2 to 4, the humidification module (2) humidifies dry 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 a first gas and a second gas. When the first gas is a dry gas, the second gas may be a wet gas. In this case, the first gas can be humidified by the second gas before being supplied to the fuel cell stack. When the first gas is a wet gas, the second gas may be a dry gas. In this case, the second gas can be humidified by the first gas before being supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (2) includes a mid-case (21) and at least one cartridge (22). The mid-case 21 is coupled to the cartridge 22. The cartridge 22 can be accommodated 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).

[0010] The mid-case 21 may include a mid inlet 212 and a mid outlet 213. The mid inlet 212 may allow the first gas to flow into the mid body 210. The mid outlet 213 may allow the first gas to flow out from the mid body 210. The mid outlet 213 and the mid inlet 212 may protrude from the mid body 210. The mid outlet 213 and the mid inlet 212 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The mid outlet 213, the mid inlet 212, and the mid body 210 may be integrally formed. The cartridge 22 is disposed inside the mid-case 21. The cartridge 22 can be housed in the mid-body 210. The cartridge 22 includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be coupled to the cartridge 22 to form a module. 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. Each hollow fiber membrane includes a hollow through which the second gas passes. 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.

[0011] 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 fiber membranes. 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 fiber membranes. 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). The second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223) are formed so as not to block the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane, and therefore the second gas can be supplied to the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane without being obstructed by the second fixed layer (224) and the first fixed layer (223), and can flow out of the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane 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).

[0012] 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 first 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 first 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 arranged in a matrix form, spaced apart from each other along the first axis (X-axis direction) and the second axis (Y-axis direction). The inner outlet 226 and the inner inlet 225 may be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along the first axis (X-axis direction).

[0013] 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 then supplied into the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225) to come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). During this process, moisture contained in the first gas permeates the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby humidifying the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The humidified second gas flows out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and 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 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 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 then supplied into the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225) to come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). During this process, moisture from the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) permeates the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby humidifying the first gas that has flowed into the cartridge (22). The humidified first gas then flows between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21) through the inner outlet (226), and then flows out of the mid-case (21) through the mid outlet (213) to be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The second gas obtained by humidifying the first gas may flow out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and then be discharged to the outside through the first cap 3 or the second cap 4. In this case, the second gas may be off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0014] 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. 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.

[0015] 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 through. The first port (31) can be in communication with the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, during 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). 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 direction). The space between the second cap (4) and the cartridge (22) may be sealed from the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid-case (21) by the second packing part (24). The second cap (4) may include a second port (41). The second port (41) is for the second gas to flow through. The second port (41) may be in communication with the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, during the process of the second gas flowing between the second cap (4) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas may flow in or out through the second port (41). When the second gas flows in through the second port (41), it can flow out through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while passing through the second cap (4), the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and the first cap (3) in that order. When the second gas flows out through the second port (41), it can flow in through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas while passing through the first cap (3), the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), 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 liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method.

[0016] Here, the humidifier for fuel cells 1 according to the present invention is realized so that the area where the first gas flows into the mid-body 210 through the mid-inlet 212 and then into the cartridge 22 can be expanded along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the mid-case 21 can be realized as follows. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the mid-case (21) may include a partition (5). The partition wall 5 is disposed inside the mid body 210. The partition wall 5 may divide the interior of the mid body 210 into an inlet space (IS) and an outlet space (OS). The inlet space (IS) is a space through which the first gas flows into the mid body 210. The inlet space (IS) may be connected to the mid inlet 212 so as to communicate with each other. This allows the first gas to flow into the inlet space (IS) through the mid inlet 212. The outlet space (OS) is a space through which the first gas flows out of the mid body 210. The outlet space (OS) may be connected to the mid outlet 213 so as to communicate with each other. This allows the first gas to flow out of the outlet space (OS) through the mid outlet 213. The outlet space (OS) and the inlet space (IS) may be spatially separated by the partition wall 5. In this case, the partition wall 5 may be coupled to the mid-body 210 so as to contact the entire inner surface 210a of the mid-body 210. As a result, the first gas flowing into the inlet space IS can flow to the outlet space OS only through the inside of the cartridge 22. In this case, moisture exchange between the first gas and the second gas can occur while the first gas flows along the inside of the cartridge 22. The partition wall portion (5) can be disposed at a shorter distance (5b) from the mid outlet (213) than the distance (5a) from the mid inlet (212) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). That is, the partition wall portion (5) can be disposed at a longer distance from the mid inlet (212) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the partition wall portion (5) can further increase the length of the inflow space (IS) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance over which the first gas flowing through the mid inlet (212) can flow toward the partition wall portion (5) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can achieve the following effects.

[0017] First, when the first gas is wet gas, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance over which wet gas not in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can flow toward the partition wall (5) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). This allows the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention to supply wet gas that has not yet undergone moisture exchange to the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) located between the mid inlet (212) and the mid outlet (213) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction) (hereinafter referred to as the "middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221)"). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply wet gas with sufficient humidity to the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby further improving the humidification efficiency using the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). This allows the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention to have improved humidification performance. Next, when the first gas is dry gas, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance that the dry gas not in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can flow toward the partition wall (5) based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply dry gas that has not yet undergone moisture exchange, even to the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply dry gas with sufficient dryness to the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby further improving the humidification efficiency using the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can have improved humidification performance. The cartridge 22 can be inserted into the partition 5. In this case, the partition 5 may have a through-hole formed therein for the cartridge 22 to be inserted therein. When a plurality of cartridges 22 are accommodated in the mid-case 21, a plurality of through-holes may be formed in the partition 5. The partition 5 and the mid-body 210 may be integrally formed.

[0018] The mid-case (21) may include an additional bulkhead (6). The additional partition wall (6) is disposed inside the mid-body (210). With reference to the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the additional partition wall (6) can be disposed between the mid-inlet (212) and the partition wall portion (5). As a result, the additional partition wall (6) can partition the inside of the mid-body (210) so that an additional inlet space (AIS) is provided in the inlet space (IS). The additional partition wall 6 may have a passage hole 60 formed therein. The passage hole 60 may penetrate the additional partition wall 6. The passage hole 60 allows the first gas to pass through. Thus, the first gas flowing in through the mid inlet 212 can flow into the additional inlet space (AIS) through the passage hole 60. Compared to a comparative example that does not have the additional partition wall 6 having the through hole 60 formed therein, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the additional inlet space (AIS) by using the additional partition wall 6 having the through hole 60 formed therein. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, thereby reducing the flow rate of the first gas that flows into the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and thus has a relatively short residence time inside the cartridge 22. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, and at the same time, can improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221, taking into account the residence time inside the cartridge 22. The additional partition 6 may be partially spaced apart from the inner surface 210a of the mid body 210 due to the through hole 60. In this case, the through hole 60 may be disposed between the inner surface 210a of the mid body 210 and the additional partition 6. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the upper part of the additional partition 6 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 210a of the mid body 210, and the through hole 60 may be disposed between the upper surface of the additional partition 6 and the inner surface 210a of the mid body 210.

[0019] The cartridge 22 can be inserted into the additional partition 6. In this case, the additional partition 6 may have a through-hole formed therein for inserting the cartridge 22. When a plurality of cartridges 22 are accommodated in the mid-case 21, the additional partition 6 may have a plurality of through-holes formed therein. The additional partition 6 and the mid-body 210 may be integrally formed. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the mid-case (21) may include a plurality of the additional partition walls (6). The additional partitions 6 may be spaced apart from one another along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Each of the additional partitions 6 may have the through hole 60 formed therein. The additional partitions 6 may partition the additional inlet space (AIS) into a plurality of spaces, and the spaces may be connected to communicate with one another through the through holes 60 formed in the additional partitions 6. The first additional partition wall 61 of the additional partition walls 6 may be disposed at a greater distance from the partition wall portion 5 than the second additional partition wall 62 of the additional partition walls 6. That is, the first additional partition wall 61 may be disposed closer to the mid inlet 212 than the second additional partition wall 62. In this case, the first through hole 611 formed in the first additional partition wall 61 may be formed to have a larger area than the second through hole 621 formed in the second additional partition wall 62. That is, the second through hole 621 may be formed to have a smaller area than the first through hole 611. As a result, the second through hole 621 may be realized to pass a first gas at a smaller flow rate than the first through hole 611. Therefore, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas passing through the second passage hole (621) more than the flow rate of the first gas passing through the first passage hole (611). This is because the residence time of the first gas passing through the second passage hole (621) inside the cartridge (22) is shortened. As a result, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the middle part of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and at the same time, can improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by taking into account the residence time inside the cartridge (22). 7 shows the mid-case 21 as including two additional partition walls 6, and FIG. 9 shows the mid-case 21 as including three additional partition walls 6, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the mid-case 21 may also include four or more additional partition walls 6. The through holes 60 may be formed in each of the additional partition walls 6. The through holes 60 may be formed so that the closer the through holes 60 are to the partition wall portion 5 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the smaller the area of ​​the through holes 60. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221. At the same time, the flow rate of the first gas passing through the through holes 60 can be varied in consideration of the residence time inside the cartridge 22, thereby improving the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221.

[0020] On the other hand, when the mid-case (21) is provided with the additional partition (6), the cartridge (22) may include an additional inlet (227). The additional inlet (227) is formed in the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) may be formed on one side of the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) allows the first gas to flow into the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) may be formed by penetrating one side of the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) is disposed between the additional partition wall (6) and the partition wall portion (5) in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and allows the first gas to flow into the inner case (222). As a result, the first gas that has flowed into the additional inlet space (AIS) through the passage hole (60) formed in the additional partition wall (6) can flow into the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) through the additional inlet (227). Therefore, the first gas that has not exchanged moisture with the second gas flows into the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby improving the humidification efficiency using the middle portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The additional inlet (227) may be implemented as a plurality of through-holes penetrating one side of the inner case (222). In this case, the additional inlet (227) may include a plurality of additional windows formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The additional windows may be spaced apart from one another along the second axis (Y-axis) direction. The additional windows may be spaced apart from one another along the first axis (X-axis) direction and the second axis (Y-axis) direction to form a matrix. Although not shown, the additional inlet (227) may be implemented as a single through-hole penetrating one side of the inner case (222). Meanwhile, in FIG. 7, the additional inlet (227) is illustrated as facing the second side wall of the mid body (210) rather than the first side wall where the mid inlet (212) is disposed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the additional inlet (227) may also be disposed to face the first side wall. The additional inlet (227) may be arranged to face a third side wall opposite to the first side wall or a fourth side wall opposite to the second side wall. The additional inlet (227) may be arranged to face at least one of the first to fourth side walls.

[0021] On the other hand, when the mid-case (21) has a plurality of the additional partitions (6), the cartridge (22) may include a plurality of the additional inlets (227). The additional inlets 227 may be spaced apart from one another along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The additional inlets 227 may be arranged between the additional partition walls 6 along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). For example, a first additional inlet (227a) of the additional inlets (227) may be disposed between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62). A portion of the first gas that passes through the first through hole (611) and flows between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62) may flow into the cartridge (22) through the first additional inlet (227a). A remaining portion of the first gas that passes through the first through hole (611) and flows between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62) may pass through the second through hole (621) and flow between the second additional partition (62) and the partition portion (5). In this case, a second additional inlet (227b) of the additional inlets (227) may be disposed between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62). As a result, part or all of the first gas that passes through the second through hole (621) and flows into the space between the second additional partition (62) and the partition portion (5) can flow into the inside of the cartridge (22) through the second additional inlet (227b). In this way, the humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention can have improved humidification performance by improving the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) using the additional partition (6), the through hole (60) and the additional inlet (227). The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and 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 dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas, a mid-body housing at least one cartridge containing a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a mid inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid body; a mid-outlet disposed apart from the mid-inlet along a first axis direction, for discharging a first gas from inside the mid-body; a partition wall disposed inside the mid-body and dividing the interior of the mid-body into an inflow space into which the first gas flows and an outflow space from which the first gas flows; and an additional partition disposed inside the mid body and between the mid inlet and the partition portion with respect to the first axis direction; the partition wall is disposed at a position where a distance from the mid outlet is shorter than a distance from the mid inlet based on the first axial direction, The mid-case of the humidifier for a fuel cell is characterized in that the additional partition wall has a passage hole formed therein for allowing a first gas to pass therethrough.

2. A plurality of the additional partition walls are disposed inside the mid-body, 2. The mid-case of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the additional partition walls are spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction.

3. a first additional partition wall among the additional partition walls is disposed at a greater distance from the partition wall portion than a second additional partition wall among the additional partition walls based on the first axis direction; 3. The mid-case of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the first through-hole formed in the first additional partition has an area larger than that of the second through-hole formed in the second additional partition.

4. Each of the additional partition walls has a passage hole formed therein for allowing a first gas to pass therethrough; 3. The mid-case of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein the through holes are formed to have smaller areas as they are disposed closer to the partition wall portion in the first axial direction.

5. a humidification module that uses the wet gas to humidify the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack; 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 mid-case is a mid-body housing the cartridge; a mid inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid body; a mid-outlet disposed apart from the mid-inlet along a first axis direction, for discharging a first gas from inside the mid-body; a partition wall disposed inside the mid-body and dividing the interior of the mid-body into an inflow space into which the first gas flows and an outflow space from which the first gas flows; and an additional partition disposed inside the mid body and between the mid inlet and the partition portion with respect to the first axis direction; the partition wall is disposed at a position where a distance from the mid outlet is shorter than a distance from the mid inlet based on the first axial direction, The humidifier for a fuel cell is characterized in that the additional partition wall has a passage hole formed therein for allowing a first gas to pass therethrough.

6. A plurality of the additional partition walls are disposed inside the mid-body, 6. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 5, wherein the additional partition walls are spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction.

7. a first additional partition wall among the additional partition walls is disposed at a greater distance from the partition wall portion than a second additional partition wall among the additional partition walls based on the first axis direction; 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the first through hole formed in the first additional partition is formed to have a larger area than the second through hole formed in the second additional partition.

8. Each of the additional partition walls has a passage hole formed therein for allowing a first gas to pass therethrough; 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the through holes are formed so that the closer the through holes are to the partition wall in the first axial direction, the smaller the area of ​​the through holes.

9. The cartridge comprises: An inner case having openings at both ends; an inner inlet for allowing a first gas to flow into the inner case; an inner outlet disposed apart from the inner inlet along the first axis and configured to allow a first gas to flow out from inside the inner case; and 6. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 5, further comprising an additional inlet disposed between the additional partition wall and the partition wall portion based on the first axial direction, for allowing a first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case.

10. A plurality of the additional partition walls are disposed inside the mid-body, The additional partitions are spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction, the cartridge includes a plurality of the additional inlets; The additional inlets are spaced apart from one another along the first axial direction, 10. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the additional inlets are disposed between the additional partition walls in the first axial direction.

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