Humidifier cartridge for fuel cell and humidifier for fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell, the cartridge comprising: an inner case having openings at both ends; and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained inside the inner case; the inner case including: a first variable case having an inner inlet for the inflow of a first gas; a second variable case spaced apart from the first variable case along a first axial direction and having an inner outlet for the outflow of the first gas; and a central case to which at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case is movably connected.

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 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 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). In recent years, as fuel cells are used in a variety of applications, humidifiers for fuel cells are also required to have various humidifying capabilities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a humidifier for fuel cells that can provide the various humidifying capabilities required by fuel cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been devised to address the above-mentioned needs, and aims to provide a fuel cell humidifier cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier that can provide the various humidification performance required by fuel cells. [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 dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack using wet gas, and may include an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained within the inner case. The inner case may include a first variable case having an inner inlet for the inflow of a first gas, a second variable case spaced apart from the first variable case along a first axial direction and having an inner outlet for the outflow of the first gas, and a central case to which at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case is movably connected. 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 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 inner case may include a first variable case having an inner inlet for the inflow of a first gas; a second variable case spaced apart from the first variable case along a first axis and having an inner outlet for the outflow of the first gas; and a center case to which at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case is movably connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention can be realized to have various humidifying capabilities depending on the residence time of gas inside the inner case, thereby improving the versatility of the present invention, which can be applied to fuel cells used for various purposes. According to the present invention, even if the humidification performance required for an application is changed, it is not necessary to newly develop or manufacture molds for manufacturing the central case, first variable case, and second variable case, and the humidification performance corresponding to the application can be provided by changing the relative coupling position of at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case with respect to the central case. In other words, the present invention can be realized so that the central case, first variable case, and second variable case can be used in common for various applications. Therefore, the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention can be realized so as to provide the humidification performance required for the application while reducing manufacturing costs. [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] 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a process of adjusting the humidifying performance of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a process of adjusting the humidifying performance of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a process of adjusting the humidifying performance of a cartridge of a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a first limiting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part A of FIG. 7 enlarged. [Figure 11] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a first limiting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part A of FIG. 7 enlarged. [Figure 12] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a first limiting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part A of FIG. 7 enlarged. [Figure 13] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a second restricting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part B of FIG. 7 enlarged. [Figure 14] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a second restricting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part B of FIG. 7 enlarged. [Figure 15] 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a second restricting portion of the cartridge of the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 7, with part B of FIG. 7 enlarged. 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 cartridge for a 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 will be described together with the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention. Meanwhile, in Figures 7 to 9, two parallel dashed lines are omission lines. In Figures 10 to 15, the hollow fiber membrane bundle is simply represented by dot hatching. 2 to 4, a humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention uses wet gas to humidify dry gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown). The wet gas may be exhausted from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas may be fuel gas or air. The dry gas may be humidified by the wet gas and then supplied to the fuel cell stack. The humidifier (1) for a fuel cell according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying 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).

[0009] 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). 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 of the hollow fiber membranes 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.

[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 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). 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.

[0011] 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 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). 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.

[0012] 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 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. The inner case 222 of the cartridge 22 can be manufactured using a mold. In this case, if the humidification performance required for a particular application is changed, the size of the inner case 222 must also be changed. This requires that a new mold be developed and manufactured to manufacture the inner case 222, which can result in excessively high manufacturing costs. In order to reduce manufacturing costs while still providing the humidification performance required for a particular application, the cartridge 22 in the fuel cell humidifier 1 of the present invention can be realized as follows.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the inner case (222) may include a central case (5), a first variable case (6), and a second variable case (7). The central case (5) can accommodate the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The central case (5) can be disposed between the first variable case (6) and the second variable case (7) based on the first axis direction (X-axis). In this case, based on the first axis direction (X-axis), one side of the central case (5) and the first variable case (6) can be disposed so as to partially overlap with each other. Based on the first axis direction (X-axis), the other side of the central case (5) and the second variable case (7) can be disposed so as to partially overlap with each other. The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be disposed so as to protrude from both sides of the central case (5). One side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) protruding from one side of the central case (5) can be accommodated in the first variable case (6). The other side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) protruding from the other side of the central case (5) can be accommodated in the second variable case (7). The inner inlet 225 may be formed in the first variable case 6. When the inner inlet 225 includes the inlet window 225a, the inlet window 225a may be formed to penetrate different portions of the first variable case 6. The first gas may be introduced into the first variable case 6 through the inner inlet 225. The second variable case 7 may have the inner outlet 226. When the inner outlet 226 includes the outlet window 226a, the outlet window 226a may be formed to penetrate different portions of the second variable case 7. The first gas may be discharged from the inside of the second variable case 7 through the inner outlet 226. At least one of the second variable case 7 and the first variable case 6 can be movably coupled to the central case 5. This allows the distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction) to be changeable. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can be realized to have various humidification performances.

[0015] For example, compared to the first embodiment in which the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) are spaced apart by a first distance SD1 as shown in FIG. 7, the second embodiment in which the inner inlet (225) and the inner outlet (226) are spaced apart by a second distance SD2, which is longer than the first distance SD1, as shown in FIG. 8, increases the distance the first gas must travel from the time it enters the inner case (222) through the inner inlet (225) until it exits the inner case (222) through the inner outlet (226). This increases the retention time of the first gas within the inner case (222), thereby improving the humidifying performance of the cartridge (22). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can achieve the required humidifying performance suitable for fuel cells used in high-performance applications. For example, compared to the first embodiment in which the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 are spaced apart by the first distance SD1 as shown in FIG. 7, the third embodiment in which the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 are spaced apart by a third distance SD3, which is shorter than the first distance SD1, as shown in FIG. 9, reduces the distance the first gas must travel from the time it enters the inner case 222 through the inner inlet 225 until it exits the inner case 222 through the inner outlet 226. This reduces the time the first gas remains inside the inner case 222, thereby enabling the humidification performance of the cartridge 22 to be tailored to the humidification performance required for the intended application. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier 1 according to the present invention can be designed to provide humidification performance suited to the fuel cell used in the intended application. In this way, the cartridge 22 can change the separation distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 by changing the coupling position of at least one of the second variable case 7 and the first variable case 6 relative to the central case 5, thereby achieving various humidification performances according to the residence time of the first gas. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present invention can be improved in versatility and can be applied to fuel cells used in various applications. Furthermore, even if the humidification performance required for a particular application changes, the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present invention can achieve humidification performance corresponding to the required humidification performance by changing the relative coupling position of at least one of the first variable case 6 and the second variable case 7 relative to the central case 5 without the need to newly develop or fabricate molds for manufacturing the central case 5, the first variable case 6, and the second variable case 7. That is, the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present invention can be realized so that the central case, the first variable case, and the second variable case can be used interchangeably for various applications. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can be realized so as to have the humidifying performance required for the intended use while being able to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0016] Meanwhile, when the coupling position of at least one of the second movable case 7 and the first movable case 6 relative to the center case 5 is changed, the overall length of the inner case 222 is changed based on the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Correspondingly, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 and the mid-case 21 can be manufactured to a length corresponding to the changed length of the inner case 222. In this case, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 221 can be manufactured to a length corresponding to the changed length of the inner case 222, and then positioned so that both ends protrude from the center case 5. After the first variable case (6) and the second variable case (7) are connected to the central case (5) and the connection position is fixed, one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be fixed to the first variable case (6) by the first fixing layer (223), and the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be fixed to the second variable case (7) by the second fixing layer (224). The cartridge 22 may be implemented so that humidification performance is determined according to the distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the cartridge 22 may be implemented so that the inlet area through which the first gas flows in through the inner inlet 225 and the outlet area through which the first gas flows out through the inner outlet 226 are the same. As a result, the humidifier 1 for a fuel cell according to the present invention can further improve the ease and accuracy of adjusting humidification performance according to the distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 in the first axis direction (X-axis direction). In this case, when the inner inlet 225 includes a plurality of inner inlets 225a and the inner outlet 226 includes a plurality of inner outlets 226a, the inner inlets 225a and the inner outlets 226a may be formed to have the same area and the same number. Meanwhile, the cartridge 22 may be realized such that the inlet area and the outlet area are different from each other. Referring to Figures 2 to 12, when the first variable case (6) is movably coupled to one side of the central case (5), the cartridge (22) may include a first limiting portion (8). The first limiting portion 8 can limit the movement of the first variable case 6. Since the movement of the first variable case 6 is limited by the first limiting portion 8, the humidifier for fuel cells 1 according to the present invention can prevent the first variable case 6 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces generated by vibration, shaking, etc. Therefore, the humidifier for fuel cells 1 according to the present invention can firmly maintain the distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 in an adjusted state, and can maintain humidification performance suitable for the fuel cell used in the application. Referring to FIG. 10, the first limiting portion (8) may include a first limiting protrusion (81) and a plurality of first limiting grooves (82).

[0017] The first limiting protrusion (81) may protrude from the first variable case (6). At the portion where the first variable case (6) and the central case (5) overlap, the first limiting protrusion (81) may protrude from the inner surface of the first variable case (6) toward the central case (5). The first limiting protrusion 81 can limit the movement of the first variable case 6 by being inserted into one of the first limiting grooves 82. As a result, the first limiting portion 8 can prevent the first variable case 6 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces generated by vibration, shaking, etc. The first limiting protrusion 81 can be formed in a shape that decreases in size as it protrudes from the first variable case 6. For example, the first limiting protrusion 81 can be formed to have a circular cross section that decreases in size as it protrudes from the first variable case 6. The first limiting protrusion 81 can also be formed to have a polygonal cross section, such as a triangle or trapezoid, that decreases in size as it protrudes from the first variable case 6. The first limiting grooves 82 may be formed in the central case 5. The first limiting grooves 82 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the first limiting groove 82 into which the first limiting protrusion 81 is inserted can be changed as the first variable case 6 moves. Each of the first limiting grooves 82 may be formed in a shape complementary to the first limiting protrusion 81. The first limiting grooves 82 may be formed on the outer surface of the central case 5. When the central case 5 is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped with both ends open in the first axis direction (X-axis direction), the first limiting groove 82 may be formed on at least one of the four side surfaces of the central case 5. In this case, the first limiting protrusion 81 may be formed on the inner surface of the first variable case 6 facing the side surface of the central case 5 in which the first limiting groove 82 is formed. In the above, an embodiment has been described in which the first limiting protrusion 81 is formed on the first variable case 6 and the first limiting groove 82 is formed on the central case 5. However, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of first limiting protrusions 81 may be formed on the central case 5, and at least one first limiting groove 82 may be formed on the first variable case 6. In this case, the first limiting protrusions 81 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the central case 5. The first limiting protrusions 81 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The first limiting groove 82 may be formed on the inner surface of the first variable case 6 facing the central case 5, at the overlapping portion of the first variable case 6 and the central case 5.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 12, the first limiting portion (8) may include the first limiting groove (82), a first limiting hole (83), and a first limiting member (84). The first limiting grooves 82 may be formed in the central case 5. The first limiting grooves 82 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The first limiting grooves 82 may be formed on the outer surface of the central case 5. The first limiting hole (83) may be formed in the first variable case (6). The first limiting hole (83) may be formed to penetrate the first variable case (6). The first limiting hole (83) may be formed to penetrate the first variable case (6) at a portion where the first variable case (6) and the center case (5) overlap. As the first variable case (6) moves, the first limiting hole (83) may be connected to one of the first limiting grooves (82). In this case, the first limiting groove (82) connected to the first limiting hole (83) may be changed depending on the relative position of the first variable case (6) with respect to the center case (5). The first limiting member 84 can be detachably coupled to the first variable case 6 and the central case 5. When the first limiting hole 83 is connected to one of the first limiting grooves 82, the first limiting member 84 can be inserted into the first variable case 6 and the central case 5 through the connected first limiting hole 83 and first limiting groove 82, thereby limiting the movement of the first variable case 6. The first limiting member 84 can also be inserted into the first variable case 6 and the central case 5 through the connected first limiting hole 83 and first limiting groove 82 by interference fit. The first limiting member 84 may be fastened to the first variable case 6 and the central case 5 by screw fastening to limit the movement of the first variable case 6. In this case, threads may be formed on the outer surface of the first limiting member 84 inserted into the first limiting hole 83 and the first limiting groove 82. The first limiting groove 82 may be formed with threads corresponding to the threads formed on the outer surface of the first limiting member 84. The first limiting hole 83 may also be formed with threads corresponding to the threads formed on the outer surface of the first limiting member 84. When either the first limiting hole 83 or the first limiting groove 82 is connected to each other due to the movement of the first variable case 6, the first limiting member 84 may be fastened to the first variable case 6 and the central case 5 to limit the movement of the first variable case 6.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 15, when the second variable case (7) is movably coupled to one side of the central case (5), the cartridge (22) may include a second limiting portion (9). The second limiting portion 9 can limit the movement of the second variable case 7. Since the movement of the second variable case 7 is limited by the second limiting portion 9, the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present invention can prevent the second variable case 7 from moving arbitrarily due to external forces generated by vibration, shaking, etc. Therefore, the humidifier 1 for fuel cells according to the present invention can firmly maintain the distance between the inner inlet 225 and the inner outlet 226 in an adjusted state, thereby maintaining humidification performance suitable for the fuel cell used in the application. Referring to FIG. 13, the second limiting portion (9) may include a second limiting protrusion (91) and a plurality of second limiting grooves (92). The second limiting protrusion (91) may protrude from the second variable case (7). At the overlapping portion between the second variable case (7) and the central case (5), the second limiting protrusion (91) may protrude from the inner surface of the second variable case (7) facing the central case (5). The second limiting protrusion (91) can limit the movement of the second variable case (7) by being inserted into one of the second limiting grooves (92). As a result, the second limiting portion (9) can prevent the second variable case (7) from moving arbitrarily due to external forces generated by vibration, shaking, etc. The second limiting protrusion (91) can be formed in a shape that decreases in size as it protrudes from the second variable case (7). For example, the second limiting protrusion (91) can be formed to have a circular cross section that decreases in size as it protrudes from the second variable case (7). The second limiting protrusion (91) can also be formed to have a polygonal cross section, such as a triangle or trapezoid, that decreases in size as it protrudes from the second variable case (7). The second limiting grooves 92 may be formed in the central case 5. The second limiting grooves 92 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis (X-axis). Therefore, the second limiting groove 92 into which the second limiting protrusion 91 is inserted can be changed as the second variable case 7 moves. The second limiting grooves 92 may be formed in a shape complementary to the second limiting protrusion 91. The second limiting grooves 92 may be formed on the outer surface of the central case 5. When the central case 5 is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped with both ends open in the first axis (X-axis) direction, the second limiting groove 92 may be formed on at least one of the four side surfaces of the central case 5. In this case, the second limiting protrusion 91 may be formed on the inner surface of the second variable case 7 facing the side of the central case 5 in which the second limiting groove 92 is formed. In the above, an embodiment has been described in which the second limiting protrusion (91) is formed on the second variable case (7) and the second limiting groove (92) is formed on the central case (5). However, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of second limiting protrusions (91) may be formed on the central case (5) and at least one second limiting groove (92) may be formed on the second variable case (7). In this case, the second limiting protrusions (91) may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the central case (5). The second limiting protrusions (91) may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis). The second limiting groove (92) may be formed on the inner surface of the second variable case (7) facing the central case (5) at the overlapping portion of the second variable case (7) and the central case (5).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 15, the second limiting portion (9) may include the second limiting groove (92), the second limiting hole (93), and the second limiting member (94). The second limiting grooves 92 may be formed in the central case 5. The second limiting grooves 92 may be spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction). The second limiting grooves 92 may be formed on the outer surface of the central case 5. The second limiting hole (93) may be formed in the second variable case (7). The second limiting hole (93) may be formed to penetrate the second variable case (7). The second limiting hole (93) may be formed to penetrate the second variable case (7) at a portion where the second variable case (7) and the central case (5) overlap. As the second variable case (7) moves, the second limiting hole (93) may be connected to one of the second limiting grooves (92). In this case, the second limiting groove (92) connected to the second limiting hole (93) may be changed depending on the relative position of the second variable case (7) with respect to the central case (5). The second limiting member 94 can be detachably coupled to the second variable case 7 and the central case 5. When the second limiting hole 93 is connected to one of the second limiting grooves 92, the second limiting member 94 can be inserted into the second variable case 7 and the central case 5 through the connected second limiting hole 93 and second limiting groove 92, thereby limiting the movement of the second variable case 7. The second limiting member 94 can also be inserted into the second variable case 7 and the central case 5 through the connected second limiting hole 93 and second limiting groove 92 by interference fit. The second limiting member (94) may be fastened to the second variable case (7) and the central case (5) by screw fastening, thereby limiting the movement of the second variable case (7). In this case, threads may be formed on the outer surface of the second limiting member (94) inserted into the second limiting hole (93) and the second limiting groove (92). The second limiting groove (92) may be formed with threads corresponding to the threads formed on the outer surface of the second limiting member (94). The second limiting hole (93) may also be formed with threads corresponding to the threads formed on the outer surface of the second limiting member (94). When either the second limiting hole (93) or the second limiting groove (92) is connected to each other due to the movement of the second variable case (7), the second limiting member (94) may be fastened to the second variable case (7) and the central case (5), thereby limiting the movement of the second variable case (7).

[0021] 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, An inner case having openings at both ends; and a hollow fiber membrane bundle contained inside the inner case; The inner case is a first variable case having an inner inlet formed therein for the inflow of a first gas; a second variable case disposed at a distance from the first variable case along the first axis direction and having an inner outlet formed therein for the first gas to flow out; and A cartridge for a humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising: a central case to which at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case is movably coupled.

2. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the humidification performance is determined according to the distance the inner inlet and the inner outlet are separated from each other based on the first axial direction.

3. a first fixing layer that fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the first variable case, and a second fixing layer that fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the second variable case, 2. The cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed so that both ends thereof protrude from the central case.

4. a first limiting portion that limits movement of the first variable case; 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first variable case is movably coupled to one side of the central case.

5. a second limiting portion that limits movement of the second variable case; 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second variable case is movably coupled to the other side of the central case.

6. 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 cartridge includes an inner case having openings at both ends and a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed inside the inner case, The inner case is a first variable case having an inner inlet formed therein for the inflow of a first gas; a second variable case disposed at a distance from the first variable case along the first axis direction and having an inner outlet formed therein for the first gas to flow out; and A humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising: a central case to which at least one of the first variable case and the second variable case is movably coupled.

7. 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the humidification performance of the cartridge is determined according to a distance between the inner inlet and the inner outlet based on the first axial direction.

8. the cartridge includes a first fixing layer that fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the first variable case, and a second fixing layer that fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle to the second variable case, 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle is disposed so that both ends thereof protrude from the central case.

9. the cartridge includes a first limiting portion that limits movement of the first variable case, 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the first variable case is movably coupled to one side of the central case.

10. the cartridge includes a second limiting portion that limits movement of the second variable case, 7. The humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 6, wherein the second variable case is movably coupled to the other side of the central case.

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