A membrane humidifier for fuel cells with multiple humidification modules connected in parallel.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel, and is characterized by comprising: a first humidification module including a first intermediate case having a first air inlet on one side and a first air outlet on the other side, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; a second humidification module including a second intermediate case having a second air inlet on one side and a second air outlet on the other side, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; and a connecting member having a first connecting hole in which the first humidification module is sandwiched and a second connecting hole in which the second humidification module is sandwiched.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel by a connecting member for connecting the plurality of humidification modules and an end cap coupled to the connecting member.

Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation type battery that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. Different from general chemical batteries such as dry batteries and storage batteries, a fuel cell has the advantage of showing twice the efficiency of an internal combustion engine because it continues to generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied and has no heat loss. A fuel cell system includes a stack that is an aggregate of electric power generation of unit fuel cells composed of a cathode and an anode, an air supply device for supplying air to the cathode of the fuel cell, and a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the anode of the fuel cell. In a polymer fuel cell of a fuel cell system, appropriate moisture is required for the ion exchange membrane of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) to play a smooth role. Therefore, the air supply device of the fuel cell system is equipped with a humidifier for humidifying the air supplied to the fuel cell. The humidifier humidifies the dry air supplied through the air compressor of the air supply device using the moisture in the high-temperature and high-humidity air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell, and supplies the humidified air to the cathode of the fuel cell. The humidifier of the fuel cell uses a membrane humidification method. In the membrane humidification method, membrane humidification is performed through a gas-to-gas moisture exchange method between the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell and the dry air supplied through the air compressor. Inside the membrane humidifier, a hollow fiber membrane with a hollow formed therein is provided, and moisture exchange between the high-temperature and high-humidity exhaust gas and the dry air can proceed through the hollow fiber membrane. On the other hand, fuel cell systems requiring high output necessitate the use of large-capacity membrane humidifiers or multiple membrane humidifiers linked together. However, creating large-capacity membrane humidifiers requires modifying the product design, making it difficult to apply existing products. To solve these problems, conventional methods have involved connecting multiple membrane humidifiers via hoses or pipelines. However, connecting multiple membrane humidifiers via hoses or pipelines increases pressure and heat loss and complicates the system configuration. Furthermore, conventional methods of connecting multiple membrane humidifiers via hoses or pipelines make it difficult to arrange them in parallel. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and more specifically, provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel, and which can be used by connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through a connecting member for connecting multiple humidification modules and end caps connected to the connecting member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell comprising a plurality of connected humidification modules, characterized by comprising: a first humidification module including a first intermediate case having a first air inlet on one side and a first air outlet on the other side, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; a second humidification module including a second intermediate case having a second air inlet on one side and a second air outlet on the other side, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; and a connecting member having a first connecting hole in which the first humidification module is sandwiched and a second connecting hole in which the second humidification module is sandwiched. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, wherein one side of the first humidification module, which is equipped with the first air inlet, is sandwiched in the first coupling hole of the connecting member, and one side of the second humidification module, which is equipped with the second air inlet, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole of the connecting member. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, including an end cap having an internal space and an air inlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, wherein the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module, and air flowing into the air inlet of the end cap can pass through the internal space and flow into the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, wherein the other side of the first humidification module, which is provided with the first air outlet, is sandwiched in the first coupling hole of the connecting member, and the other side of the second humidification module, which is provided with the second air outlet, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole of the connecting member. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, including an end cap that has an internal space and an air outlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, wherein the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module, and the air discharged from the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module can pass through the internal space and be discharged to the air outlet of the end cap. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the sizes of the first coupling holes and the second coupling holes provided in the connecting member of the fuel cell membrane humidifier, in which a plurality of humidification modules of the present invention are connected, are different from each other. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first connecting hole is provided in which the first humidifying module is sandwiched is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second connecting hole is provided in which the second humidifying module is sandwiched. To solve the above-mentioned problems, a first sealing member may be provided between the first coupling hole of the connecting member and the first humidifying module, and between the second coupling hole of the connecting member and the second humidifying module, in a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidifying modules are connected according to the present invention.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell comprising a plurality of interconnected humidification modules, characterized by comprising: a first humidification module including a first intermediate case having a first humidified air inlet and a first humidified air outlet, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; a second humidification module including a second intermediate case having a second humidified air inlet and a second humidified air outlet, and having one or more superhumidified membranes disposed inside; and a connecting member having a first connecting hole sandwiching the first humidified air inlet or the first humidified air outlet, and a second connecting hole sandwiching the second humidified air inlet or the second humidified air outlet. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, including an end cap that has an internal space and a moist air inlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, wherein the first moist air inlet is sandwiched in the first coupling hole of the connecting member, and the second moist air inlet is sandwiched in the second coupling hole, the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first moist air inlet and the second moist air inlet, and moist air flowing into the moist air inlet of the end cap can pass through the internal space and flow into the first moist air inlet and the second moist air inlet. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, including an end cap that has an internal space and a moist air outlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, wherein the first moist air outlet is sandwiched in the first coupling hole of the connecting member, and the second moist air outlet is sandwiched in the second coupling hole, the internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first moist air outlet and the second moist air outlet, and the air discharged from the first moist air outlet and the second moist air outlet can pass through the internal space and be discharged from the moist air outlet of the end cap. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the sizes of the first coupling holes and the second coupling holes provided in the connecting member of the fuel cell membrane humidifier, in which a plurality of humidification modules of the present invention are connected, are different from each other. To solve the above-mentioned problems, the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first connecting hole is provided, which sandwiches the first moist air inlet or the first moist air outlet of the fuel cell membrane humidifier of the present invention, is also greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second connecting hole is provided, which sandwiches the second moist air inlet or the second moist air outlet. To solve the above-mentioned problems, sealing members may be provided between the first coupling hole and the first moist air inlet, or between the first coupling hole and the first moist air outlet, between the second coupling hole and the second moist air inlet, or between the second coupling hole and the second moist air outlet of the fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a plurality of humidification modules of the present invention are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel, and has the advantage of being able to be used by connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through a connecting member that connects multiple humidification modules and an end cap that is coupled to the connecting member. Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage of improving the usability of space within the system by using a connecting member to link multiple humidification modules together, and by using multiple humidification modules connected in parallel through end caps that are coupled to the connecting member. Furthermore, the present invention has the advantage of allowing the use of multiple humidification modules while ensuring design flexibility for the system, by using a connecting member to link multiple humidification modules together and connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through end caps that are coupled to the connecting member. In addition, the present invention has the advantage that a membrane humidifier can be applied to a high-capacity fuel cell system by using a connecting member for linking multiple humidification modules and connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through end caps coupled to the connecting member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a drawing showing a humidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This drawing shows that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first humidification module and a second humidification module are arranged in parallel in order to arrange the air inlet or air outlet side by side. [Figure 3] This drawing shows how a connecting member is joined to the first humidification module and the second humidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This drawing shows an end cap attached to a connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This drawing shows that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second connecting holes of the connecting member are formed to be of different sizes. [Figure 6] This drawing shows that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first connecting hole is provided in which the first humidification module is sandwiched is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second connecting hole is provided in which the second humidification module is sandwiched. [Figure 7]This drawing shows that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first humidification module and a second humidification module are arranged in parallel in order to arrange a humidified air inlet or a humidified air outlet side by side. [Figure 8] This drawing shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a connecting member is joined to the first humidification module and the second humidification module, and an end cap is joined to the connecting member. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of section AA in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] This specification clarifies the scope of the invention, explains the principles of the invention, and discloses examples so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can implement the invention. The disclosed examples can be embodied in a variety of forms. Expressions such as "includes" or "may include" used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the existence of the disclosed function, operation, or component, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components. Furthermore, in various embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "includes" or "has" are intended to specify the existence of features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When it is mentioned that one component is “connected” or “joined” with another component, it should be understood that the first component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, but there may also be a new other component between the first component and the other component. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is “directly connected” or “directly joined” with another component, it should be understood that there is no new other component between the first component and the other component. The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe a variety of components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The present invention relates to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel, and moreover, to a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel and can be used by connecting a plurality of humidification modules through a connecting member for connecting a plurality of humidification modules and an end cap connected to the connecting member. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a first humidification module 110, a second humidification module 210, and a connecting member 150. The first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are capable of humidifying the gas supplied to the fuel cell stack. The first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 have the same structure, and Figure 1 shows the first humidification module 110. However, it is not limited to this, and the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 have the same structure but are of different sizes. Furthermore, the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 may have other structures.

[0009] Referring to Figure 1, the first humidification module 110 may include one or more over-humidifying membranes 121, or a first intermediate case 120 on which multiple over-humidifying membranes 121 are arranged. The first intermediate case 120 also serves as the housing for the first humidification module 110 and can humidify the gas supplied to the stack through the over-humidifying membranes 121. According to embodiments of the present invention, the over-humidifying membranes 121 are also hollow fiber membranes. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first intermediate case 120 may include a cartridge 122 in which one or more over-wet films 121 are disposed. The cartridge 122 includes an inner case in which one or more of the over-wet films 121 are disposed, and the cartridge 122 is also a unit module in which one or more of the over-wet films 121 are disposed. A plurality of the cartridges 122 may be provided in the first intermediate case 120. Referring to FIG. 1, a first air inlet 131 may be provided on one side of the first humidifying module 110, and a first air outlet 132 may be provided on the other side of the first humidifying module 110. The first air inlet 131 is provided on one side of the first humidifying module 110, and dry air may flow into the first humidifying module 110 through the first air inlet 131. The dry air may be humidified by exchanging moisture with humid air inside the first humidifying module 110. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first air inlet 131 and the first air outlet 132 are also portions that are open on one side and the other side of the first humidifying module 110 so that dry air moves. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first air inlet 131 is also a portion that is open to the outside on one side of the first humidifying module 110 as shown in FIG. 1 so that dry air flows in. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first air inlet 131 may be provided in an end cap coupled to the first humidifying module 110. The first air outlet 132 is provided on the other side of the first humidifying module 110, and the dry air humidified in the first humidifying module 110 may be discharged through the first air outlet 132. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first air outlet 132 is also a portion that is open to the outside from the other side of the first humidifying module 110 as shown in FIG. 1 so that the humidified dry air is discharged. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first air inlet 131 may be provided in an end cap coupled to the first humidifying module 110. The second humidification module 210 has the same structure as the first humidification module 110, and the second humidification module 210 has the same structure as the first humidification module 110 and is of different sizes. Also, the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 may have other structures. The second humidification module 210 may include a second intermediate case 220 in which one or more over-wet membranes 221 or a plurality of over-wet membranes 221 are arranged. The second intermediate case 220 is also the housing of the second humidification module 210 and can humidify the gas supplied to the stack through the over-wet membrane 221. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the over-wet membrane 121 is also a hollow fiber membrane.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second intermediate case 220 may include a cartridge 222 in which one or more over-wet membranes are arranged. The cartridge 222 includes an inner case in which one or more of the over-wet membranes 221 are arranged, so that the cartridge 222 is also a unit module in which one or more of the over-wet membranes 221 are arranged. A plurality of the cartridges 222 may be provided in the second intermediate case 220. A second air inlet 231 may be provided on one side of the second humidification module 210, and a second air outlet 232 may be provided on the other side of the second humidification module 210. The second air inlet 231 is provided on one side of the second humidification module 210, and dry air may flow into the second humidification module 210 through the second air inlet 231. The dry air can be humidified by exchanging moisture with the humid air inside the second humidification module 210. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second air inlet 231 and the second air outlet 232 are also parts that are open on one side and the other side of the second humidification module 210 so that the dry air can move. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second air inlet 231 is also a portion of the second humidification module 210 that is open to the outside on one side so that dry air can flow in. However, it is not limited to this, and the second air inlet 231 may be provided in an end cap that is coupled to the second humidification module 210. The second air outlet 232 is provided on the other side of the second humidification module 210, and dry air humidified by the second humidification module 210 can be discharged through the second air outlet 232. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second air outlet 232 is also a portion of the second humidification module 210 that is open to the outside on the other side so that humidified dry air can be discharged. However, it is not limited to this, and the second air inlet 231 may be provided in an end cap coupled to the second humidification module 210. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the connecting member 150 is provided with a first connecting hole 151 into which the first humidification module 110 is sandwiched and a second connecting hole 152 into which the second humidification module 210 is sandwiched. The connecting member 150 also connects and fixes the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 when they are arranged in parallel as shown in Figure 2. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 150 is also a housing provided with the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one side of the first humidification module 110, which is provided with the first air inlet 131, is sandwiched in the first coupling hole 151 of the connecting member 150, and one side of the second humidification module 210, which is provided with the second air inlet 231, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole 152 of the connecting member 150. Referring to Figure 4, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include an end cap 160 having an internal space 161 and an air inlet 171 that is in communication with the internal space 161 and open to the outside. The end cap 160 is connected to the connecting member 150 and is also equipped with one air inlet 171. Air flowing into the air inlet 171 can pass through the internal space 161 and flow into the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210. Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 can be connected to the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210. Through this, the air flowing into the air inlet 171 of the end cap 160 can pass through the internal space 161 and flow into the first air inlet 131 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air inlet 231 of the second humidification module 210. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the other side of the first humidification module 110, which is provided with the first air outlet 132, is sandwiched in the first coupling hole 151 of the connecting member 150, and the other side of the second humidification module 210, which is provided with the second air outlet 232, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole 152 of the connecting member 150. Referring to Figure 4, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include an end cap 160 having an internal space 161 and an air outlet 172 that is in communication with the internal space 161 and open to the outside. The end cap 160 is connected to the connecting member 150, and the end cap 160 is also provided with one air outlet 172. Air discharged through the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210 can pass through the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 and be discharged through the air outlet 172. Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 can be connected to the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210.

[0012] Through this, the air discharged through the first air outlet 132 of the first humidification module 110 and the second air outlet 232 of the second humidification module 210 can pass through the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 and be discharged through the air outlet 172 of the end cap 160. Referring to Figure 5, the sizes of the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152 of the connecting member 150 in the embodiment of the present invention are different from each other. As described above, the sizes of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are different from each other. The first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are sized to correspond to the sizes of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210, so that they are sandwiched between the two. If the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are of different sizes, then the sizes of the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are also different. Specifically, if the cross-sectional areas of the portions sandwiched between the coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 in the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are different, then the sizes of the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are also different. Referring to Figure 6, the thickness (a) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, in which the first humidification module 110 is sandwiched, is greater than the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, in which the second humidification module 210 is sandwiched. As described above, the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are of different sizes, and their lengths are also different. The thickness (a) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, in which the first humidifying module 110 is sandwiched by the lengths of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210, and the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, in which the second humidifying module 210 is sandwiched, can be formed to be different from each other. Specifically, the thickness can be increased at the connection point where a short humidification module is sandwiched, and decreased at the connection point where a long humidification module is sandwiched.

[0013] Figure 6 shows the case where the length of the first humidification module 110 is shorter than the length of the second humidification module 210. Since the length of the first humidification module 110 is shorter than the length of the second humidification module 210, the thickness (a) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, in which the first humidification module 110 is sandwiched, is thicker than the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, in which the second humidification module 210 is sandwiched. Referring to Figure 3, a first sealing member 153 may be provided between the first connecting hole 151 of the connecting member 150 and the first humidification module 110, and between the second connecting hole 152 of the connecting member 150 and the second humidification module 210. The first sealing member 153 is capable of sealing the gap between the first humidification module 110 and the first coupling hole 151, and the gap between the second humidification module 210 and the second coupling hole 152. When multiple humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first sealing member 153 can prevent air leakage that may occur between the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 and the connecting member 150. Referring to Figure 3, a second sealing member 154 may be provided between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160. The second sealing member 154 is capable of sealing the gap between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160. When multiple humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, air leakage between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160 can be prevented via the second sealing member 154. The following describes a connecting member for connecting the moist air inlet and moist air outlet of a fuel cell membrane humidifier in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the first humidification module 110 may be provided with a first humidified air inlet 141 and a first humidified air outlet 142. The first humidified air inlet 141 and the first humidified air outlet 142 may be provided on the same side of the first intermediate case 120, as shown in Figure 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the first humidified air inlet 141 and the first humidified air outlet 142 may be provided on other sides of the first intermediate case 120. High-temperature, high-humidity humid air discharged from the fuel cell stack through the first humid air inlet 141 can flow into the first humidification module 110. The humid air that flows into the first humidification module 110 through the first humid air inlet 141 exchanges moisture with dry air, and thereafter the humid air can be discharged through the first humid air outlet 142. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first humidified air inlet 141 is also a portion that is open to the outside of the first humidification module 110 so that humidified air can flow in. However, it is not limited to this, and the first humidified air inlet 141 may be provided with a humidified air inlet port.

[0014] The first humidified air outlet 142 is capable of discharging humidified air that has flowed into the first humidification module 110. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first humidified air outlet 142 is also a portion of the first humidification module 110 that is open to the outside so that humidified air can be discharged. However, it is not limited to this, and the first humidified air outlet 142 may be provided with a humidified air discharge port. The second humidification module 210 may be provided with a second humidified air inlet 241 and a second humidified air outlet 242. The second humidified air inlet 241 and the second humidified air outlet 242 may be provided on the same side of the second intermediate case 220. However, it is not limited to this, and the second humidified air inlet 241 and the second humidified air outlet 242 may be provided on other sides of the second intermediate case 220. High-temperature, high-humidity humid air discharged from the fuel cell stack through the second humid air inlet 241 can flow into the second humidification module 210. The humid air that flows into the second humidification module 210 through the second humid air inlet 241 exchanges moisture with dry air, and thereafter the humid air can be discharged through the second humid air outlet 242. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second humidified air inlet 241 is also a portion that is open to the outside of the second humidification module 210 so that humidified air can flow in. However, it is not limited to this, and the second humidified air inlet 241 may be provided with a humidified air inlet port. The second humidified air outlet 242 can discharge humidified air that has flowed into the second humidification module 210. According to embodiments of the present invention, the second humidified air outlet 242 is also a portion of the second humidification module 210 that is open to the outside so that humidified air can be discharged. However, it is not limited to this, and the second humidified air outlet 242 may be provided with a humidified air discharge port. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the connecting member 150 is provided with a first connecting hole 151 in which the first moist air inlet 141 or the first moist air outlet 142 is sandwiched, and a second connecting hole 152 in which the second moist air inlet 241 or the second moist air outlet 242 is sandwiched. The connecting member 150 also connects and fixes the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 when they are arranged in parallel as shown in Figure 7. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 150 is also a housing provided with the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first moist air inlet 141 is sandwiched in the first connecting hole 151 of the connecting member 150, and the second moist air inlet 241 is sandwiched in the second connecting hole 152 of the connecting member 150. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include an end cap 160 having an internal space 161 and a moist air inlet 181 that is in communication with the internal space 161 and open to the outside.

[0015] The end cap 160 is connected to the connecting member 150, and the end cap 160 is also provided with one moist air inlet 181. Moist air flowing into the moist air inlet 181 can pass through the internal space 161 and flow into the first moist air inlet 141 and the second moist air inlet 241. Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 can communicate with the first moist air inlet 141 and the second moist air inlet 241. Through this, moist air flowing into the moist air inlet 181 of the end cap 160 can pass through the internal space 161 and flow into the first moist air inlet 141 and the second moist air inlet 241. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first moist air outlet 142 is sandwiched in the first connecting hole 151 of the connecting member 150, and the second moist air outlet 242 is sandwiched in the second connecting hole 152 of the connecting member 150. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, may include an end cap 160 having an internal space 161 and a humid air outlet 182 that is in communication with the internal space 161 and open to the outside. The end cap 160 is connected to the connecting member 150, and the end cap 160 is also provided with one moist air outlet 182. The moist air discharged from the first moist air outlet 142 and the second moist air outlet 242 can pass through the internal space 161 and be discharged through the moist air outlet 182 of the end cap 160. Specifically, the internal space 161 of the end cap 160 can communicate with the first moist air outlet 142 and the second moist air outlet 242. Through this, moist air discharged from the first moist air outlet 142 and the second moist air outlet 242 can pass through the internal space 161 and be discharged to the moist air outlet 182 of the end cap 160. In the embodiment of the present invention, the sizes of the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152 of the connecting member 150 are different from each other. As described above, the sizes of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are different from each other. The first humidified air inlet 141 or the first humidified air outlet 142 of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidified air inlet 241 or the second humidified air outlet 242 of the second humidification module 210 are sandwiched between the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152. If the sizes of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are different, then the sizes of the first coupling hole 151 and the second coupling hole 152 are also different.

[0016] Specifically, if the cross-sectional areas of the portions of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 sandwiched between the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152 are different, then the sizes of the first connecting hole 151 and the second connecting hole 152 are also different. The thickness (a) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, which sandwiches the first moist air inlet 141 or the first moist air outlet 142 of the first humidification module 110, is greater than the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, which sandwiches the second moist air inlet 241 or the second moist air outlet 242 of the second humidification module 210. As described above, the sizes of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 are different from each other, and the heights of the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 may also be different. The thickness of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, in which the first humidifying module 110 is sandwiched by the heights of the first humidifying module 110 and the second humidifying module 210, can be made to differ from the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, in which the second humidifying module 210 is sandwiched. Specifically, the thickness can be increased at the connection point where a low-height humidification module is sandwiched, and decreased at the connection point where a taller humidification module is sandwiched. The height of the first humidification module 110 is lower than the height of the second humidification module 210. Because the height of the first humidification module 110 is lower than the height of the second humidification module 210, the thickness (a) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the first connecting hole 151 is provided, which sandwiches the first moist air inlet 141 or the first moist air outlet 142 of the first humidification module 110, is greater than the thickness (b) of the connecting member 150 at the point where the second connecting hole 152 is provided, which sandwiches the second moist air inlet 241 or the second moist air outlet 242 of the second humidification module 210. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a first sealing member 153 may be provided between the first connecting hole 151 and the first moist air inlet 141 of the connecting member 150, or between the first connecting hole 151 and the first moist air outlet 142, and between the second connecting hole 152 and the second moist air inlet 241 of the connecting member 150, or between the second connecting hole 152 and the second moist air outlet 242.

[0017] The first sealing member 153 seals the gap between the first coupling hole 151 and the first moist air inlet 141, or between the first coupling hole 151 and the first moist air outlet 142, or between the second coupling hole 152 and the second moist air inlet 241, or between the second coupling hole 152 and the second moist air outlet 242. When multiple humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, air leakage between the first humidification module 110 and the second humidification module 210 and the connecting member 150 can be prevented via the first sealing member 153. A second sealing member 154 may be provided between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160. The second sealing member 154 is capable of sealing the gap between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160. When multiple humidification modules are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention, air leakage between the connecting member 150 and the end cap 160 can be prevented via the second sealing member 154. The fuel cell membrane humidifier, in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, has the following effects. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel, has the advantage of being able to be used by connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through a connecting member that connects multiple humidification modules and an end cap that is coupled to the connecting member. Furthermore, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of reducing pressure and heat loss by connecting multiple humidification modules in parallel through a connecting member consisting of a separate housing equipped with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, without using separate hoses or pipelines. Furthermore, the membrane humidifier for fuel cells in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of a simple system configuration, as it does not require the use of separate hoses or pipelines, and connects multiple humidification modules in parallel through a connecting member consisting of a separate housing equipped with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole. Furthermore, a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of improving the usability of space within the system by using a connecting member to connect the multiple humidification modules and end caps connected to the connecting member to connect the multiple humidification modules in parallel.

[0018] Furthermore, the membrane humidifier for fuel cells in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to use multiple humidification modules while ensuring a degree of design freedom for the system, by using multiple humidification modules connected in parallel through a connecting member that connects multiple humidification modules and an end cap that is coupled to the connecting member. In addition, the membrane humidifier for fuel cells in which multiple humidification modules are connected in parallel according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the membrane humidifier can be applied to high-capacity fuel cell systems by using a connecting member for connecting multiple humidification modules and end caps connected to the connecting member to connect multiple humidification modules in parallel. Although the present invention has been described above based on one embodiment illustrated in the drawings, this is merely an example, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiment are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention must be determined by the technical idea of ​​the claims.

Claims

1. In a membrane humidifier for fuel cells, A first humidification module includes a first intermediate case having a first air inlet on one side and a first air outlet on the other side, and having one or more humidifying membranes arranged inside, A second humidification module includes a second intermediate case having a second air inlet on one side and a second air outlet on the other side, and having one or more humidifying membranes arranged inside, A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, characterized by including a connecting member having a first connecting hole in which the first humidification module is sandwiched and a second connecting hole in which the second humidification module is sandwiched.

2. One side of the first humidification module, which is provided with the first air inlet, is sandwiched in the first connecting hole of the connecting member. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, characterized in that one side of the second humidification module, which is provided with the second air inlet, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole of the connecting member, as described in claim 1.

3. It includes an end cap that has an internal space and an air inlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module. The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of connected humidification modules, is characterized in that the air flowing into the air inlet of the end cap passes through the internal space and flows into the first air inlet of the first humidification module and the second air inlet of the second humidification module, as described in claim 2.

4. The other side of the first humidification module, which is provided with the first air outlet, is sandwiched in the first connecting hole of the connecting member. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, characterized in that the other side of the second humidification module, which is provided with the second air outlet, is sandwiched in the second coupling hole of the connecting member, as described in claim 1.

5. It includes an end cap that has an internal space and an air outlet that is in communication with the internal space and open to the outside, The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, characterized in that the air discharged from the first air outlet of the first humidification module and the second air outlet of the second humidification module passes through the internal space and is discharged to the air outlet of the end cap, as described in claim 4.

6. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, characterized in that the size of the first coupling hole and the size of the second coupling hole provided in the connecting member are different from each other, as described in claim 1.

7. The thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first connecting hole is provided in which the first humidification module is sandwiched is A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, as described in claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the connecting member is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second coupling hole is provided in which the second humidification module is sandwiched.

8. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, is characterized in that a first sealing member is provided between the first coupling hole of the connecting member and the first humidification module, and between the second coupling hole of the connecting member and the second humidification module, as described in claim 1.

9. In a membrane humidifier for fuel cells, A first humidification module includes a first intermediate case equipped with a first humidified air inlet and a first humidified air outlet, and having one or more humidified membranes arranged inside, A second humidification module includes a second intermediate case equipped with a second humidified air inlet and a second humidified air outlet, and in which one or more humidified membranes are arranged, A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, characterized by including a connecting member having a first connecting hole into which the first moist air inlet or the first moist air outlet is sandwiched, and a second connecting hole into which the second moist air inlet or the second moist air outlet is sandwiched.

10. It includes an end cap that has an internal space and a moist air inlet that is open to the outside while communicating with the internal space, The first moist air inlet is sandwiched in the first connecting hole of the connecting member, and the second moist air inlet is sandwiched in the second connecting hole. The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first moist air inlet and the second moist air inlet. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, characterized in that the humid air flowing into the humid air inlet of the end cap passes through the internal space and flows into the first humid air inlet and the second humid air inlet, as described in claim 9.

11. It includes an end cap that has an internal space and a moist air outlet that is in communication with the internal space and open to the outside, The first moist air outlet is sandwiched in the first connecting hole of the connecting member, and the second moist air outlet is sandwiched in the second connecting hole. The internal space of the end cap is in communication with the first moist air outlet and the second moist air outlet. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, as described in claim 9, characterized in that the air discharged from the first humidified air outlet and the second humidified air outlet passes through the internal space and is discharged to the humidified air outlet of the end cap.

12. A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell in which a plurality of humidification modules are connected, characterized in that the size of the first coupling hole and the size of the second coupling hole provided in the connecting member are different from each other, as described in claim 9.

13. The thickness of the connecting member at the point where the first moist air inlet or the first moist air outlet is sandwiched and the first connecting hole is provided is A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, as described in claim 9, characterized in that the thickness of the connecting member is greater than the thickness of the connecting member at the point where the second humidification inlet or second humidification outlet is sandwiched between the second connecting holes.

14. Between the first coupling hole and the first moist air inlet, or between the first coupling hole and the first moist air outlet, A membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a plurality of humidification modules connected together, as described in claim 9, characterized in that a sealing member is provided between the second coupling hole and the second moist air inlet, or between the second coupling hole and the second moist air outlet.

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