Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

The present invention suppresses pressure loss of gas flowing inside a hollow fiber membrane module.　A hollow fiber membrane module (1) comprises: an inner case (10); an outer case (20) that covers the inner case (10) from the outer peripheral side with a space (S) provided therebetween; at least one bypass tube (40) that is connected to the inner case (10) within the space (S) between the inner case (10) and the outer case (20); and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (31) provided within the space (S). The inner case (10) has, on the upstream side, an introduction part (13) that communicates between the inside and the outside. The outer case (20) has, on the downstream side, a discharge part (23) that communicates between the inside and the outside. The inner case (10) has, on the downstream side, at least one bypass port (14) that penetrates the inner case (10) between the inside and the outside. The bypass tube (40) communicates with the bypass port (14) and can form a fluid passage that connects the bypass port (14) and the discharge part (23).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module, and more particularly to a hollow fiber membrane module used in a dehumidifier / humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell is provided with a humidifier for humidifying the electrolyte membrane by humidifying the reaction gas used for power generation. A hollow fiber membrane module having a hollow fiber membrane has been used in the humidifier of such a fuel cell. Such a hollow fiber membrane module includes a cylindrical inner case, an outer case covering the inner case on the outer periphery, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes extending along an annular space formed between the inner case and the outer case, and gas flows from the inside of the inner case through the annular space to the outside of the outer case. In such a hollow fiber membrane module, a reaction gas (off-gas) containing moisture after use in power generation flows from the inside of the inner case through the annular space in the hollow fiber membrane module to the outside of the outer case, and a reaction gas before use flows inside the hollow fiber membrane, so that the wet off-gas comes into contact with the dry reaction gas through the hollow fiber membrane, and the moisture in the wet off-gas moves to the dry reaction gas side due to the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane, and the reaction gas is humidified (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-265196 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The humidification performance of such a hollow fiber membrane module is related to the flow of wet gas within the hollow fiber membrane module as described above, and the humidification performance of the hollow fiber membrane module can be improved by smoothly flowing wet gas within the hollow fiber membrane module. For this reason, in order to improve the humidification performance of the hollow fiber membrane module, a configuration that can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing within the hollow fiber membrane module has been required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can suppress pressure loss of gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention comprises an inner case which is a cylindrical member, an outer case which is a cylindrical member covering the inner case from the outer peripheral side with a space therebetween, at least one bypass pipe connected to the inner case in the space between the inner case and the outer case, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes provided in the space between the inner case and the outer case, wherein the inner case has an inlet portion which is a portion communicating between the inside of the inner case and the outside of the inner case, at one end side in the extension direction of the inner case and the outer case, and the outer case has a discharge portion which is a portion communicating between the inside of the outer case and the outside of the outer case, at the other end side in the extension direction, and the inner case has at least one bypass port which penetrates the inner case between the inside of the inner case and the outside of the inner case, at the other end side of the inlet portion in the extension direction, and the bypass pipe is in communication with the bypass port, and is capable of forming a fluid path connecting the bypass port and the discharge portion.

[0007] In a hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention, the bypass pipe is connected to the outer case in the space between the inner case and the outer case, communicates with the discharge portion, and connects the bypass port and the discharge portion.

[0008] In the hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention, the bypass pipe extends to the vicinity of the discharge portion in the space between the inner case and the outer case.

[0009] In a hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention, the inner case has a cylindrical one end portion which is a portion on the one end side, and a cylindrical other end portion which is a portion on the other end side and which is connected to the one end portion on the other end side, the introduction portion is provided at the one end portion, the bypass port is provided at the other end portion, the one end portion decreases in diameter from the one side to the other side in the extension direction, and the other end portion extends along the extension direction.

[0010] In the hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention, the bypass pipe extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0011] In a hollow fiber membrane module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet section has at least one large inlet penetrating the inner case between the inside of the inner case and the outside of the inner case, and also has at least one small inlet penetrating the inner case between the inside of the inner case and the outside of the inner case, the opening area of ​​the large inlet is larger than the opening area of ​​the small inlet, and the large inlet is provided on either the one side or the other side of the small inlet in the extension direction.

[0012] A hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention includes an inner case sealing portion that is a member that seals an opening of the inner case that opens the interior of the inner case to the other side.

[0013] A hollow fiber membrane module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a one-end sealing portion that seals an opening that is open to one side of the space between the inner case and the outer case, and an other-end sealing portion that seals an opening that is open to the other side of the space between the inner case and the outer case, and the multiple hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction and penetrate the one-end sealing portion and the other-end sealing portion. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention, the pressure loss of the gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane module can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section in an extension direction, showing a schematic configuration of a hollow fiber membrane module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 1, taken along a cross section intersecting the extension direction. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 1 taken along the extension direction of an inner case. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the inner case shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a cutaway perspective view of an outer case showing a modified example of a discharge portion of the outer case of the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a humidifier including the hollow fiber membrane module according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a bypass pipe in the hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 1, taken along the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane module. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a cross section along the extension direction (axis x). Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 taken along a cross section (AA cross section) intersecting the extension direction. For ease of explanation, the arrow a direction in the axis x direction is referred to as the upstream side, and the arrow b direction is referred to as the downstream side. In addition, in a direction perpendicular to the axis x (hereinafter also referred to as the "radial direction"), the side away from the axis x (the arrow c direction in Fig. 1) is referred to as the outer circumferential side, and the side approaching the axis x (the arrow d direction in Fig. 1) is referred to as the inner circumferential side.

[0018] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as a dehumidification module or a humidification module of a dehumidification / humidification device. For example, it is used as a humidification module of a humidification device for a fuel cell. Specifically, it is used as a humidification module of a humidification device for humidifying an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell. For example, the reaction gas supplied for power generation is humidified by using the reaction gas (off-gas) after use in power generation, which contains moisture generated by a chemical reaction for power generation, utilizing the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane. The reaction gas supplied for power generation is a fuel gas such as hydrogen, and an oxidant gas such as oxygen.

[0019] 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 includes an inner case 10 which is a cylindrical member, an outer case 20 which is a cylindrical member covering the inner case 10 from the outer periphery with a space (space S) therebetween, at least one bypass pipe 40 connected to the inner case 10 in the space S between the inner case 10 and the outer case 20, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 provided in the space S between the inner case 10 and the outer case 20. The inner case 10 has an introduction section 13 which is a section communicating between the inside of the inner case 10 and the outside of the inner case 10, at one end (upstream side) in the extension direction (axis x direction) of the inner case 10 and the outer case 20. The outer case 20 has a discharge section 23 which is a section communicating between the inside of the outer case 20 and the outside of the outer case 20, at the other end (downstream side) in the extension direction. The inner case 10 has at least one bypass port 14 penetrating the inner case 10 between the inside and the outside of the inner case 10, on the other end side in the extension direction relative to the introduction portion 13. The bypass pipe 40 communicates with the bypass port 14 and is capable of forming a fluid path connecting the bypass port 14 and the discharge portion 23. The configuration of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case 10 along the extension direction (axis x), and Fig. 4 is a plan view of the inner case 10, in which the inner case 10 is viewed from the upstream side. As described above, the inner case 10 is a cylindrical member, and for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the inner case 10 is a cylindrical member extending along the axis x. Specifically, the inner case 10 has an upstream main body portion 11 as one end of the cylindrical member that is the upstream part, and a downstream main body portion 12 as the other end of the cylindrical member that is the downstream part connected to the upstream main body portion 11 on the downstream side, and the inner case 10 is formed by the upstream main body portion 11 and the downstream main body portion 12.

[0021] The upstream body portion 11 extends along the axis x, and the diameter of the upstream body portion 11 decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction of the axis x. For example, the upstream body portion 11 has a shape of a truncated cone or a substantially truncated cone that narrows toward the downstream side. The upstream body portion 11 is hollow, and a space extends along the axis x inside the upstream body portion 11, and the upstream body portion 11 has an opening 15 at the upstream end 11a, which is the end on the upstream side. The opening 15 opens the internal space of the upstream body portion 11 toward the upstream side to the outside of the upstream body portion 11. That is, the inside of the upstream body portion 11 communicates with the outside through the opening 15. In addition, the downstream end 11b, which is the end on the downstream side of the upstream body portion 11, is connected to the upstream end 12a of the downstream body portion 12 described later, and the inside of the upstream body portion 11 communicates with the inside of the downstream body portion 12.

[0022] The downstream body portion 12 extends along the axis x, and has a constant or approximately constant radial width along the axis x. For example, the downstream body portion 12 has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical shape extending along the axis x. The downstream body portion 12 is hollow, and a space extends along the axis x inside the downstream body portion 12, and the downstream body portion 12 has an opening 16 at the downstream end 12b, which is the end portion on the downstream side. The opening 16 opens the inside of the downstream body portion 12 to the outside of the downstream body portion 12 toward the downstream side. That is, the inside of the downstream body portion 12 communicates with the outside through the opening 16. Also, as described above, the upstream end 12a, which is the end portion on the upstream side of the downstream body portion 12, is connected to the downstream end 11b of the upstream body portion 11, and the inside of the downstream body portion 12 communicates with the inside of the upstream body portion 11.

[0023] The introduction part 13, which communicates between the inside and outside of the inner case 10, is provided in the upstream main body part 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the introduction part 13 is provided downstream of the opening 15 in the upstream main body part 11, and the introduction part 13 communicates between the inside of the inner case 10 and the inside (space S) of the outer case 20 in the hollow fiber membrane module 1. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, for example, the introduction part 13 has at least one large introduction port 13a which is an opening (through hole) penetrating the inner case 10 between the inside and the outside, and also has at least one small introduction port 13b which is an opening (through hole) penetrating the inner case 10 between the inside and the outside. The opening area of ​​the large introduction port 13a is larger than the opening area of ​​the small introduction port 13b. The opening area of ​​each of the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b indicates the size of the surface in the space that the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b form in the inner case 10, and is, for example, the area of ​​each of the regions of the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b on a surface extending along the outer peripheral surface 10a or the inner peripheral surface 10b of the inner case 10. The large inlet 13a is provided on either the upstream side or the downstream side of the small inlet 13b.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the introduction section 13 has a plurality of large introduction ports 13a arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction at the same or approximately same position in the axial x direction. Each large introduction port 13a extends along a circular arc, and has a portion that extends in the circumferential direction with a constant or approximately constant width in the axial x direction, and a portion that forms a curved end surface at both ends, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, for example. The large introduction port 13a may have other shapes. In addition, the introduction section 13 has a plurality of large introduction port 13a groups each formed by arranging a plurality of large introduction ports 13a in the circumferential direction. For example, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, three large introduction port 13a groups are arranged in the inner case 10 at equal or approximately equal intervals in the axial x direction.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the introduction section 13 specifically has a plurality of small introduction ports 13b arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction at the same or approximately same position in the axial x direction. Each small introduction port 13b has an elliptical, approximately elliptical, or circular shape expanding in the circumferential direction when viewed in the radial direction. The small introduction port 13b extends along a circular arc, similar to the large introduction port 13a, and may have a portion extending in the circumferential direction with a constant or approximately constant width in the axial x direction, and a portion forming a curved end surface at both ends. The small introduction port 13b may have other shapes. The introduction section 13 thus has a plurality of small introduction port 13b groups each formed by a plurality of small introduction ports 13b arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, three small introduction port 13b groups are arranged in the inner case 10 at equal or approximately equal intervals in the axial x direction.

[0026] 3 and 4, in the inner case 10, the small inlet 13b is formed in a portion downstream in the axial x direction from the portion of the inner case 10 in which the large inlet 13a is formed. In the inner case 10, the small inlet 13b may be formed in a portion upstream in the axial x direction from the portion of the inner case 10 in which the large inlet 13a is formed. In the inner case 10, the portion in which the small inlet 13b is formed and the portion in which the large inlet 13a is formed may not be separated in the axial x direction, and the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b may be mixed in the introduction section 13.

[0027] The form of the introduction section 13 is not limited to the above-mentioned form. For example, the introduction section 13 is formed by arranging three rows of large introduction ports 13a in the circumferential direction, in the axial x direction, and three rows of small introduction ports 13b in the circumferential direction, in the axial x direction, in the above-mentioned form. However, the introduction section 13 is not limited to being formed by three rows of large introduction ports 13a and three rows of small introduction ports 13b, and may be formed by one row of large introduction ports 13a and one row of small introduction ports 13b, or one or multiple rows of large introduction ports 13a and one row of small introduction ports 13b. Moreover, each of the large introduction ports 13a and each of the small introduction ports 13b does not have to be an introduction port group composed of a plurality of large introduction ports 13a and small introduction ports 13b, and may be composed of one large introduction port 13a and one small introduction port 13b. Alternatively, one of the groups of large inlets 13a and small inlets 13b may be composed of one large inlet 13a or one small inlet 13b, and the other of the groups of large inlets 13a and small inlets 13b may be composed of multiple large inlets 13a or multiple small inlets 13b. The configuration of the inlet 13 may be various depending on the usage mode of the hollow fiber membrane module 1.

[0028] The bypass port 14 penetrating the inner case 10 between the inside and the outside is provided in the downstream main body portion 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the bypass port 14 is provided in the downstream end portion 12b or in the vicinity thereof in the downstream main body portion 12. The bypass port 14 is provided at a position at least partially facing the discharge portion 23 of the outer case 20 in the radial direction. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the bypass port 14 is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the downstream end portion 12b, and is provided at a position facing the discharge portion 23 of the outer case 20 in the radial direction or in the vicinity of this facing position. The position at which the bypass port 14 is provided in the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner case 10 is not limited to this. The bypass port 14 may be provided in the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10 as long as it is downstream of the introduction portion 13.

[0029] The inner case 10 has at least one bypass port 14, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the inner case 10 has a plurality of bypass ports 14 arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction at the same or approximately same position in the axial x direction. In the illustrated example, the inner case 10 has two bypass ports 14 facing or approximately facing each other in the radial direction. The shape of the bypass port 14 as viewed in the radial direction is, for example, circular or approximately circular. The multiple bypass ports 14 may have the same shape and size, or may not have the same shape and size. In addition, the number of bypass ports 14 that the inner case 10 has is not limited to the number shown in the figure, and may be one or three or more. In addition, the multiple bypass ports 14 may not be arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, may be arranged in another predetermined pattern, or may be arranged irregularly. In addition, the multiple bypass ports 14 may not be provided at the same position in the axial x direction, for example, arranged in a zigzag pattern in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the shape of the bypass port 14 is not limited to being circular or approximately circular as described above, but may be rectangular or another shape.

[0030] The inner case 10 is not limited to having one bypass port group formed by arranging a plurality of bypass ports 14 in the circumferential direction as shown in the figure, and a plurality of bypass port groups may be arranged in the axial x direction in the inner case 10. In this case, the inner case 10 may have bypass ports 14 of the same shape and size, or may have bypass ports 14 that are not the same shape and size.

[0031] The inner case 10 has the above-mentioned structure, and inside the inner case 10, a space is connected along the axis x from the upstream opening 15 to the downstream opening 16, and no wall or other member is formed to divide the space inside the inner case 10. The space inside the inner case 10 is connected to the space S inside the outer case 20 through the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b of the inlet 13 formed in the upstream main body 11. The space inside the inner case 10 is connected to the inside of the bypass pipe 40 that is connected to the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20 through the bypass port 14 formed in the downstream main body 12. In this way, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the space inside the inner case 10 is connected to the space S inside the outer case 20 through the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b of the inlet 13 on the upstream side. In the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the internal space of the inner case 10 is connected to the inside of a bypass pipe 40 that communicates with the discharge section 23 of the outer case 20 via a bypass port 14 downstream of the introduction section 13, and the internal space of the inner case 10 is not connected to the space S inside the outer case 20 via the bypass port 14.

[0032] The shape of the inner case 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and may be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10 may not be tapered, and may be cylindrical or approximately cylindrical like the downstream main body portion 12, and the inner case 10 may extend cylindrically or approximately cylindrically along the axis x as a whole.

[0033] As described above, the outer case 20 is a cylindrical member extending in the extension direction, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, it is a cylindrical member extending along the axis x. Specifically, the outer case 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner case 10, extends concentrically or approximately concentrically with the inner case 10 with respect to the axis x, and the length in the axis x direction is the same or approximately the same as the length of the inner case 10 in the axis x direction. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the outer case 20 has a cylindrical upstream main body portion 21 which is an upstream portion, and a cylindrical downstream main body portion 22 which is a downstream portion connected to the upstream main body portion 21 on the downstream side.

[0034] The upstream body portion 21 extends along the axis x, and the diameter of the upstream body portion 21 decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the direction of the axis x. For example, the upstream body portion 21 has a shape of a truncated cone or a substantially truncated cone that narrows toward the downstream side. The upstream body portion 21 is hollow, and a space extends along the axis x inside the upstream body portion 21, and the upstream body portion 21 has an opening 24 at the upstream end 21a, which is the end portion on the upstream side. The opening 24 opens the inside of the upstream body portion 21 to the outside of the upstream body portion 21 toward the upstream side. That is, the inside of the upstream body portion 21 communicates with the outside through the opening 24. In addition, the downstream end 21b, which is the end portion on the downstream side of the upstream body portion 21, is connected to the upstream end 22a of the downstream body portion 22 described later, and the inside of the upstream body portion 21 communicates with the inside of the downstream body portion 22.

[0035] The downstream main body portion 22 extends along the axis x, and has a constant or approximately constant radial width along the axis x. For example, the downstream main body portion 22 has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical shape extending along the axis x. The downstream main body portion 22 is hollow, and a space extends along the axis x inside the downstream main body portion 22, and the downstream main body portion 22 has an opening 25 at the downstream end 22b, which is the end portion on the downstream side. The opening 25 opens the inside of the downstream main body portion 22 to the outside of the downstream main body portion 22 toward the downstream side. That is, the inside of the downstream main body portion 22 communicates with the outside through the opening 25. Also, as described above, the upstream end 22a, which is the end portion on the upstream side of the downstream main body portion 22, is connected to the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body portion 21, and the inside of the downstream main body portion 22 communicates with the inside of the upstream main body portion 21.

[0036] The length in the axial x direction of the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer case 20 is the same or approximately the same as the length in the axial x direction of the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10, and the length in the axial x direction of the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer case 20 is the same or approximately the same as the length in the axial x direction of the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner case 10. For this reason, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the upstream end 21a of the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer case 20, the downstream end 21b of the upstream main body portion 21, the upstream end 22a of the downstream main body portion 22, and the downstream end 22b of the downstream main body portion 22 are located at the same or approximately the same position in the axial x direction, respectively, as the upstream end 11a of the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10, the downstream end 11b of the upstream main body portion 11, the upstream end 12a of the downstream main body portion 12, and the downstream end 12b of the downstream main body portion 12.

[0037] The outer case 20 has a shape corresponding to the inner case 10, and the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer case 20 extends in the axial x direction parallel or approximately parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer case 20 extends in the axial x direction parallel or approximately parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner case 10. For this reason, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the hollow cylindrical space S having an annular or doughnut-shaped cross section formed between the outer case 20 and the inner case 10 has a constant or approximately constant radial width over the width in the axial x direction.

[0038] The shape of the outer case 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape, and may be other shapes. For example, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer case 20 may not be tapered, and may be cylindrical or approximately cylindrical like the downstream main body portion 22, and the outer case 20 may extend cylindrically or approximately cylindrically along the axis x as a whole. In addition, the upstream main body portion 21 of the outer case 20 may not extend in the direction of the axis x parallel to the upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10, and the downstream main body portion 22 of the outer case 20 may not extend in the direction of the axis x parallel to the downstream main body portion 12 of the inner case 10.

[0039] The discharge part 23 communicating between the inside and outside of the outer case 20 is provided in the downstream main body part 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge part 23 is provided in the downstream main body part 22 at or near the downstream end part 22b, and is provided upstream of the opening 25. The discharge part 23 communicates between the inside (space S) of the outer case 20 and the outside of the outer case 20 in the hollow fiber membrane module 1. The discharge part 23 forms an opening that extends in an endless annular band shape around the axis x. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge part 23 is provided at a position radially opposite the bypass port 14 of the inner case 10 or near the opposite position. The position at which the discharge part 23 is provided in the downstream main body part 22 of the outer case 20 is not limited to this.

[0040] As described above, the bypass pipes 40 are connected to the discharge parts 23, and the inside of each bypass pipe 40 communicates with the discharge parts 23. In this manner, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the inside of the inner case 10 communicates with the outside of the outer case 20 via each bypass pipe 40.

[0041] The form of the discharge section 23 is not limited to one that forms an opening extending in an endless annular band shape around the axis x. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the discharge section 23 may be configured with one or more openings (discharge ports 23a) that penetrate the outer case 20 between the inside and the outside. In this case, the multiple discharge ports 23a that constitute the discharge section 23 are arranged at equal or approximately equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction at the same or approximately the same position in the axis x direction. The multiple discharge ports 23a that constitute the discharge section 23 may be arranged in other ways. In addition, when the discharge section 23 is configured with one or more discharge ports 23a, the discharge ports 23a that constitute the discharge section 23 are provided in the number corresponding to the bypass pipes 40, and one bypass pipe 40 is connected to each discharge port 23a that forms the discharge section 23. In addition, when the discharge section 23 is composed of one or more discharge outlets 23a, the discharge outlets 23a do not need to be provided in a number corresponding to the bypass pipes 40. In this case, one or more bypass pipes 40 may be connected to each discharge outlet 23a, and there may be a discharge outlet 23a to which no bypass pipe 40 is connected.

[0042] As described above, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 31 are provided in the space S between the inner case 10 and the outer case 20. Specifically, a hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, which is a bundle of hollow fiber membranes 31, is filled in the space S. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is cylindrical, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, each hollow fiber membrane 31 extends along the axis x direction, and an opening (upstream opening 31a) on one end side (upstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at an upstream end 30a, which is the end facing the upstream side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, and an opening (downstream opening 31b) on the other end side (downstream side) of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is located at a downstream end 30b, which is the end facing the downstream side of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 has a hollow fiber membrane 31 forming an inner boundary extending along the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10, and the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming an outer boundary extending along the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 has a shape that follows the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20. The shape of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is not limited to the shape that follows the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20, but may have other shapes. For example, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 may have a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical shape extending along the axis x, or a conical or approximately conical shape extending along the axis x.

[0043] In the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, as shown in Fig. 2, a gap is formed between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 so that a fluid can pass through. In addition, between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the inner boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10, a gap is preferably formed so that a liquid or gas can pass through, and between the hollow fiber membrane 31 forming the outer boundary of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 and the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20, a gap is preferably formed so that a liquid or gas can pass through. In addition, between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31, a gap is preferably formed so that a fluid can pass through over the entire axis x direction, but a gap is not necessarily formed so that a fluid can pass through over the entire axis x direction.

[0044] The hollow fiber membrane 31 is formed in a hollow tube shape and has a membrane separation function that moves moisture in a wet gas to a dry gas between the inside and outside of the hollow fiber membrane 31. For example, PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) or the like, which has a moisture permeability due to a capillary condensation mechanism by pore size control, can be suitably used as the material of the hollow fiber membrane 31. A hollow fiber membrane having hydrophilicity can be obtained by spinning using a membrane forming solution to which PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone) are added. In addition, for the material of the hollow fiber membrane 31, a polymer (such as Nafion (registered trademark)) having a polytetrafluoroethylene skeleton and a perfluoro side chain having a sulfo group, which has a moisture permeability due to dissolution and diffusion, can be used.

[0045] 1, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 has sealing portions 35, 36 (one end sealing portion and the other end sealing portion) for sealing the openings that open the spaces S formed by the openings 24, 25 of the outer case 20 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. Specifically, the sealing portion 35 is provided at the opening 24 on the upstream side of the outer case 20, and contacts the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20 over the entire circumference at the opening 24 of the outer case 20, and also contacts the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10 over the entire circumference at the opening 24 of the outer case 20. Furthermore, the sealing portion 35 contacts the outer peripheral surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 over the entire circumference at the opening 24 of the outer case 20. Moreover, each hollow fiber membrane 31 penetrates the sealing portion 35 at the upstream end, and the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 35. Similarly, specifically, the sealing portion 36 is provided at the downstream opening 25 of the outer case 20, and contacts the inner peripheral surface 20a of the outer case 20 over the entire circumference at the opening 25 of the outer case 20, and contacts the outer peripheral surface 10a of the inner case 10 over the entire circumference at the opening 25 of the outer case 20. Moreover, the sealing portion 36 contacts the outer peripheral surface 31c of each hollow fiber membrane 31 over the entire circumference at the opening 25 of the outer case 20. Moreover, each hollow fiber membrane 31 penetrates the sealing portion 36 at the downstream end, and the downstream opening 31b of each hollow fiber membrane 31 opens the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 31 to the space outside the sealing portion 36.

[0046] In this manner, the opening (opening 24) that opens the space S on the upstream side is sealed by the sealing portion 35, and the opening (opening 25) that opens the space S on the downstream side is sealed by the sealing portion 36, while the internal space of each hollow fiber membrane 31 is opened to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 via the upstream opening 31a and the downstream opening 31b. Each hollow fiber membrane 31 is fixed to the inner case 10 and the outer case 20 by the sealing portions 35, 36 at the upstream and downstream ends, respectively. The hollow fiber membranes 31 are fixed in a bundle shape by the fixing of the hollow fiber membranes 31 by the sealing portions 35, 36, and the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is formed. The sealing portions 35, 36 are members formed by hardening a potting material such as an epoxy resin.

[0047] 1 and 3, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 has a sealing portion 17 (inner case sealing portion) that seals the opening 16 at the downstream end 12b of the inner case 10. The sealing portion 17 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 10b of the inner case 10 over the entire circumference at the opening 16 of the inner case 10. The sealing portion 17 is a member formed by hardening a potting material such as epoxy resin. The sealing portion 17 is located downstream of the bypass port 14 in the inner case 10.

[0048] Moreover, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 has at least one bypass pipe 40 as described above. The bypass pipe 40 is a hollow tubular member, for example, a tubular member extending along a straight line. The bypass pipe 40 is, for example, a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical member. The bypass pipe 40 may be a tubular member extending along a curved line, or may be a tubular member extending along a line that is a combination of straight lines and curved lines. The bypass pipe 40 may also be a polygonal tubular member or an approximately polygonal tubular member.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the bypass pipe 40 has a cylindrically extending main body portion 41, an opening 42 at one end (end 41a) of the main body portion 41 that opens the inside of the bypass pipe 40 to the outside, and an opening 43 at the other end (end 41b) of the main body portion 41 that opens the inside of the bypass pipe 40 to the outside.

[0050] The bypass pipe 40 has an end 41a connected to the inner case 10, and an opening 42 communicating with the bypass port 14 of the inner case 10. The bypass pipe 40 has an end 41b connected to the outer case 20, and an opening 43 communicating with the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20. As shown in Fig. 5, when the discharge part 23 is composed of the discharge port 23a, the opening 43 of the bypass pipe 40 communicates with the discharge port 23a of the outer case 20. The bypass pipe 40 penetrates the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, but does not divide each hollow fiber membrane 31, and extends between adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31.

[0051] The bypass pipe 40 is formed integrally with the inner case 10 from the same material and is connected to the outer case 20 at the end 41b. The bypass pipe 40 may be formed separately from the inner case 10 and the outer case 20, or may be formed integrally with the outer case 20 from the same material and connected to the inner case 10 at the end 41a, or may be formed integrally with the inner case 10 and the outer case 20 from the same material. The bypass pipe 40 is preferably connected to the inner case 10 and the outer case 20, respectively, and to the outer case 20 or the inner case 10 by a connection that can achieve close contact, such as adhesion or pressure welding. The bypass pipe 40 may be connected to the inner case 10 and the outer case 20, and to the outer case 20 or the inner case 10 via a seal member such as an O-ring. The bypass pipe 40 is made of resin, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), etc. These resin materials may be reinforced with glass fiber, etc. The material of the bypass pipe 40 may be a metal material such as aluminum.

[0052] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 has the above-mentioned configuration and has two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is a fluid path formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31, and is a fluid path formed by the upstream opening 31a, the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which is a fluid path extending between the upstream opening 15 of the inner case 10 and the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20, and is formed by the opening 15 of the inner case 10, the internal space of the inner case 10, the introduction part 13 of the inner case 10, the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20.

[0053] The inner case 10 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is provided with a bypass port 14 on the downstream side, and the bypass port 14 communicates with a bypass pipe 40 which communicates with the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20, and the inside of the inner case 10 communicates with the outside of the outer case 20 via the bypass pipe 40. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 has a third fluid path F3 formed by the inside of the inner case 10, the bypass port 14 of the inner case 10, the inside of the bypass pipe 40, and the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20.

[0054] Next, the operation of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, showing a cross section of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 in a used state. Fig. 6 shows the first, second and third fluid paths F1, F2 and F3 in a schematic manner.

[0055] As described above, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a dehumidification module or a humidification module of a dehumidification / humidification device. In the illustrated example, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is used as a humidification module of a humidification device for a fuel cell, and is in a state of use where it is attached to a humidification device 50 for the fuel cell.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the humidifying device 50 includes a hollow fiber membrane module 1, a wet gas supplying device 51, and a dry gas supplying device 52. The wet gas supplying device 51 supplies wet gas to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. The dry gas supplying device 52 supplies dry gas having a lower humidity than the wet gas supplied from the wet gas supplying device 51 to the first fluid path F1 formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31. The wet gas supplied by the wet gas supplying device 51 is off-gas obtained after a chemical reaction of a reactant gas supplied for power generation in the fuel cell, and the dry gas supplied by the dry gas supplying device 52 is a reactant gas supplied for power generation. In this embodiment, the dry gas supplied by the dry gas supplying device 52 is an oxidant gas such as oxygen among the reactant gases, and the wet gas is an oxidant off-gas obtained after the oxidant gas such as oxygen among the off-gas is used for power generation.

[0057] When the humidifier 50 is driven, the wet gas is supplied from the wet gas supply device 51 to the second fluid path F2 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1, and the dry gas is supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 to the first fluid path F1 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1. As a result, the dry gas flows inside each hollow fiber membrane 31, and the wet gas flows in the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and the dry gas and the wet gas come into contact with each other through the hollow fiber membrane 31. At this time, the moisture in the wet gas moves to the dry gas side due to the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane 31. As a result, the dry gas flowing through the first fluid path F1 is humidified and discharged from the upstream opening 31a of each hollow fiber membrane 31, and is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 1. This humidified dry gas (oxidant gas) is supplied to the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell as a reaction gas of the fuel cell. As a result, the electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell is humidified. On the other hand, the wet gas obtained by humidifying the dry gas is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 1.

[0058] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 has the above-mentioned configuration and has two fluid paths communicating with the outside. One is a first fluid path F1, which is a fluid path formed by each hollow fiber membrane 31, and is a fluid path formed by the upstream opening 31a, the inside of the hollow fiber membrane 31, and the downstream opening 31b. The other is a second fluid path F2, which is a fluid path extending between the upstream opening 15 of the inner case 10 and the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20, and is formed by the opening 15 of the inner case 10, the internal space of the inner case 10, the introduction part 13 of the inner case 10, the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20.

[0059] Specifically, the wet gas supplied from the wet gas supply device 51 enters the inside of the inner case 10 from the upstream opening 15 of the inner case 10 and proceeds downstream inside the inner case 10. Then, a part of the wet gas proceeding downstream inside the inner case 10 flows into the space S through each of the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b of the introduction part 13. The wet gas flowing into the space S from the introduction part 13 flows through the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S and comes into contact with the hollow fiber membranes 31, and humidifies the dry air flowing inside the hollow fiber membranes 31 due to the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membranes 31. The wet gas is discharged from the space S through the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20 and then discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 1.

[0060] The upstream main body portion 11 of the inner case 10 is tapered from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b are formed in the upstream main body portion 11. Therefore, the gas flowing out from the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b to the space S tends to flow in a direction inclined with respect to the axis x. As a result, the wet gas flowing out from the large inlet 13a and the small inlet 13b to the space S is easily able to flow in the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S in a direction inclined with respect to the axis x, and the wet gas is easily able to flow opposite to the dry gas passing through the inside of the hollow fiber membranes 31.

[0061] In the introduction section 13, the opening area of ​​the large introduction port 13a provided on the upstream side is larger than the opening area of ​​the small introduction port 13b provided on the downstream side. Therefore, the flow rate of the gas flowing out from the large introduction port 13a on the upstream side, which has a larger opening area, into the space S can be made larger than the flow rate of the gas flowing out from the small introduction port 13b on the downstream side, which has a smaller opening area into the space S. In this way, the flow rate of the gas flowing out into the space S can be adjusted according to the position in the introduction section 13, and the flow rate of the gas flowing through the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 can be adjusted according to the position of the space S. In the hollow fiber membrane module 1, as described above, the flow rate of the gas flowing out from the upstream part of the introduction section 13 into the space S is large, and the gas can flow into the space S more toward the outer periphery, and the flow rate of the gas flowing through the space G on the outer periphery side of the space S can be increased. On the other hand, as described above, the flow rate of gas flowing out from the downstream portion of introduction part 13 into space S is less than the flow rate of gas flowing out from the upstream portion into space S, and a balance can be achieved between the flow rate of gas flowing through space G on the inner periphery side in space S and the flow rate of gas that reaches space G on the outer periphery side in space S and flows there. Also, due to the difference in the flow rate of gas flowing out from introduction part 13 between the upstream and downstream sides, it is possible to make the gas flowing out from introduction part 13 into space S tend to flow in a direction inclined with respect to axis x.

[0062] The wet gas flows into the inner peripheral and upstream regions of the space S through the inlet 13, and is discharged from the outer peripheral and downstream regions of the space S through the outlet 23. This allows the wet gas flowing into the space S to come into contact with the entire hollow fiber membranes 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, and allows the entire hollow fiber membranes 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 to exert a membrane separation effect.

[0063] Thus, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the wet gas flowing out from the introduction part 13 into the space S is likely to flow against the dry gas passing through the inside of the hollow fiber membranes 31, and the wet gas is likely to come into contact with the entire hollow fiber membranes 31 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30, so that the entire hollow fiber membranes 31 of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 perform the membrane separation action. Therefore, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the membrane separation action by the hollow fiber membrane bundle 30 is efficiently performed, resulting in high humidification performance.

[0064] On the other hand, the dry gas supplied from the dry gas supply device 52 specifically enters the inside of the hollow fiber membranes 31 from the downstream opening 31b of each hollow fiber membrane 31 and advances upstream inside the hollow fiber membranes 31. Then, the dry gas advancing upstream inside the hollow fiber membranes 31 is humidified by the moist air that comes into contact with the hollow fiber membranes 31 due to the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membranes 31, and is discharged from the upstream opening 31a of the hollow fiber membranes 31 and from the hollow fiber membrane module 1.

[0065] Also, a part of the wet gas supplied from the wet gas supply device 51 and proceeding downstream inside the inner case 10 flows into the third fluid path F3. Specifically, a part of the wet gas supplied from the wet gas supply device 51 and proceeding downstream inside the inner case 10 continues to proceed downstream inside the inner case 10 without flowing out from the introduction part 13 into the space S. A part of the wet gas that continues to proceed downstream inside the inner case 10 flows into the inside of the bypass pipe 40 through the bypass port 14 formed in the inner case 10 downstream of the introduction part 13. The wet gas that flows out from the bypass port 14 into the inside of the bypass pipe 40 flows through the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S like the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2, and is discharged from the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20 through the inside of the bypass pipe 40 without coming into contact with the hollow fiber membranes 31, and is discharged from the hollow fiber membrane module 1.

[0066] As described above, the wet gas that is supplied to the inner case 10 and does not flow out from the introduction part 13 to the space S continues to flow downstream inside the inner case 10, and is discharged from the discharge part 23 to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 via the bypass port 14 and the bypass pipe 40. This prevents the wet gas from accumulating downstream of the introduction part 13 inside the inner case 10, and also reduces and adjusts the amount of wet gas that flows out from the introduction part 13 to the space S among the wet gas supplied to the inner case 10.

[0067] When the amount of wet gas flowing out from the introduction part 13 of the inner case 10 to the space S increases, an excess of wet gas flows into the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and the wet gas becomes difficult to flow through the space G between the hollow fiber membranes 31, causing a pressure loss in the wet gas flowing through the space G, and the dynamic pressure of the wet gas decreases. When the dynamic pressure of the wet gas flowing through the space G decreases, the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 accumulates on the downstream side of the space S. In response to this, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 can reduce the amount of wet gas flowing out from the introduction part 13 to the space S among the wet gas supplied to the inner case 10 by flowing the wet gas through the third fluid path F3 formed by the bypass port 14 and the bypass pipe 40 as described above. This can prevent the amount of wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 from becoming excessive, and prevents the dynamic pressure of the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 from decreasing in the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S. This can reduce the pressure loss of the wet gas flowing through the space G between the adjacent hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S, and can suppress the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 from stagnation. This can improve the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membranes 31 on the wet gas in the second fluid path F2, and can improve the humidification efficiency of the dry air.

[0068] In the inner case 10, the downstream main body portion 12 continues from the smaller diameter side of the tapered upstream main body portion 11 and has a constant or approximately constant diameter. This makes it easier to secure space on the outer periphery side of the downstream main body portion 12, and makes it easier to enlarge the portion of the space S on the outer periphery side of the downstream main body portion 12. This makes it possible to prevent the filling rate of the hollow fiber membranes 31 in the space S from becoming high, and to suppress the pressure loss of the fluid in the area of ​​the space S on the outer periphery side of the downstream main body portion 12. This makes it possible to suppress the pressure loss of the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2, and to suppress the wet gas flowing through the second fluid path F2 from stagnation on the downstream side of the space S.

[0069] In this way, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the pressure loss of the gas flowing inside the hollow fiber membrane module 1. This can improve the efficiency of humidifying dry air.

[0070] The hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the hollow fiber membrane module according to the present invention is not limited to the hollow fiber membrane module 1 described above, and includes all aspects included in the concept and scope of the present invention. In addition, each configuration may be appropriately and selectively combined so as to achieve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and effects. For example, the shape, material, arrangement, size, etc. of each component in the above embodiment may be appropriately changed depending on the specific use mode of the present invention.

[0071] For example, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass pipe 40 extends in the radial direction, but the bypass pipe 40 may be inclined with respect to the radial direction. Specifically, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass port 14 may be provided upstream of the discharge part 23 in the axial x direction, and the bypass pipe 40 may be provided inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the radial direction toward the outer periphery. In addition, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, the bypass port 14 may be provided downstream of the discharge part 23 in the axial x direction, and the bypass pipe 40 may be provided inclined toward the upstream side with respect to the radial direction toward the outer periphery. In addition, any two or all of the bypass pipes 40 extending in the radial direction, the bypass pipes 40 provided inclined toward the downstream side with respect to the radial direction toward the outer periphery, and the bypass pipes 40 provided inclined toward the upstream side with respect to the radial direction toward the outer periphery may be mixed.

[0072] Also, the bypass pipe 40 may not be connected to the outer case 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the bypass pipe 40 may be such that, within the range in which the above-mentioned third fluid path F3 is formed, the end 41b of the bypass pipe 40 is not connected to the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20, is located near the discharge part 23, and extends to the vicinity of the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20. Also, at least one of the bypass pipes 40 may extend to the vicinity of the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20, and the other bypass pipes 40 may not extend to the vicinity of the discharge part 23 of the outer case 20. Also, some of the bypass pipes 40 may be connected to the outer case 20 and some of them may not be connected to the outer case 20.

[0073] Also, the inner case 10 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 may not be provided with the sealing portion 17. For example, the downstream end 12b of the inner case 10 may be tapered to make the opening 16 smaller, thereby sealing the opening 16 or suppressing the outflow of gas from the opening 16. Also, for example, the downstream end 12b of the inner case 10 may be deformed to make the opening 16 smaller or crushed, thereby sealing the opening 16 or suppressing the outflow of gas from the opening 16. Even in a hollow fiber membrane module 1 not provided with a sealing portion 17, if the above-mentioned problem occurs, the present invention can achieve its effect as in the case of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention. Also, a sealing portion 17 made of the same material as the inner case 10 or a different material may be fixed to the downstream end of the inner case 10 by adhesive or fitting, thereby sealing the opening 16. Also, the sealing portion 17 may not be attached to the inner case 10, the opening 16 may not be formed in the inner case 10, and a bottom may be integrally formed at the downstream end of the inner case 10. In other words, the sealing portion 17 may be integrally formed from the same material as the other parts of the inner case 10.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is in use, the gas flows through the first fluid path F1 from downstream to upstream. However, the gas may flow through the first fluid path F1 from upstream to downstream.

[0075] In addition, in the state in which the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is in use, dry gas flows through the first fluid path F1, and wet gas flows through the second and third fluid paths F2, F3. However, it is also possible to have wet gas flow through the first fluid path F1, and dry gas flow through the second and third fluid paths F2, F3.

[0076] In the above description, the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is applied to a humidification module of a humidification device for a fuel cell, but the application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to a humidification module of a humidification device for a fuel cell, and is not limited to a fuel cell. The application of the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention is not limited to a humidification module, and may be a dehumidification module of a dehumidification device. The hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention can be applied to anything that can utilize its operational effects.

[0077] In the above explanation, the dry gas is an oxidant gas such as oxygen among the reactive gases, and the wet gas is an oxidant off-gas remaining after the oxidant gas such as oxygen among the off-gas has been used for power generation. However, the dry gas may be a fuel gas such as hydrogen among the reactive gases, and the wet gas may be a fuel off-gas remaining after the fuel gas such as hydrogen among the off-gas has been used for power generation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] Reference Signs List 1...hollow fiber membrane module, 10...inner case, 10a...outer peripheral surface, 10b...inner peripheral surface, 11...upstream main body portion, 11a...upstream end portion, 11b...downstream end portion, 12...downstream main body portion, 12a...upstream end portion, 12b...downstream end portion, 13...inlet portion, 13a...large inlet port, 13b...small inlet port, 14...bypass port, 15, 16...opening, 17...sealing portion, 20...outer case, 20a...inner peripheral surface, 21...upstream main body portion, 21a...upstream end portion, 21b...downstream end portion, 22...downstream main body portion, 22a...upstream end portion, 22b...downstream end portion portion, 23...discharge portion, 23a...discharge port, 24, 25...opening, S...space, 30...hollow fiber membrane bundle, 30a...upstream end, 30b...downstream end, 31...hollow fiber membrane, 31a...upstream opening, 31b...downstream opening, 31c...outer circumferential surface, 35, 36...sealing portion, 40...bypass pipe, 41...main body portion, 41a, 41b...ends, 42, 43...opening, 50...humidifier, 51...wet gas supply device, 52...dry gas supply device, F1...first fluid path, F2...second fluid path, F3...third fluid path, G, S...space, x...axis

Claims

1. An inner case which is a cylindrical member; an outer case which is a cylindrical member that covers the inner case from an outer periphery side with a space therebetween; at least one bypass pipe connected to the inner case in the space between the inner case and the outer case; a plurality of hollow fiber membranes provided in the space between the inner case and the outer case; the inner case has an introduction portion, which is a portion communicating between an inside of the inner case and an outside of the inner case, on one end side in an extension direction of the inner case and the outer case, the outer case has a discharge portion on the other end side in the extension direction, the discharge portion being a portion that communicates between an inside of the outer case and an outside of the outer case, the inner case has at least one bypass port penetrating the inner case between an inside of the inner case and an outside of the inner case, the bypass port being located closer to the other end in the extension direction than the introduction portion; The bypass pipe is in communication with the bypass port and is capable of forming a fluid path connecting the bypass port and the discharge portion, the bypass pipe is connected to the outer case in the space between the inner case and the outer case, communicates with the discharge portion, and connects the bypass port to the discharge portion.

2. the inner case has a cylindrical one end portion which is a portion on the one end side, and a cylindrical other end portion which is a portion on the other end side and is connected to the one end portion on the other end side, The introduction portion is provided at the one end portion, The bypass port is provided at the other end, The one end portion has a diameter that decreases from the one side to the other side in the extension direction, 2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein the other end portion extends along the extension direction.

3. The bypass pipe extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the introduction section has at least one large introduction port penetrating the inner case between an interior of the inner case and an exterior of the inner case, and also has at least one small introduction port penetrating the inner case between the interior of the inner case and the exterior of the inner case, The opening area of ​​the large inlet is larger than the opening area of ​​the small inlet, 4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein the large inlet is provided on either the one side or the other side of the small inlet in the extension direction.

5. 5. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, further comprising an inner case sealing portion which is a member for sealing an opening of the inner case that opens the interior of the inner case to the other side.

6. a one-end sealing portion that seals an opening portion that is open to one side of the space between the inner case and the outer case; an other end sealing portion that seals an opening portion that is open to the other side of the space between the inner case and the outer case, 6. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of hollow fiber membranes extend along the extension direction and penetrate the one end side sealed portion and the other end side sealed portion.

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