Hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly including a bypass pipe and excellent in airtightness and assembly. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment is a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly to be mounted in a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, and includes a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge having the same length and arranged side by side, a first adapter having a first hole for accommodating one end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge, a second hole for accommodating one end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and a bypass hole, a second adapter facing the first adapter, having a first hole for accommodating the other end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hole for accommodating the other end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and a bypass pipe connected to the bypass hole.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The Present Disclosure relates to membrane humidifiers for fuel cells.

[0002] It also relates to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0182486 filed on December 23, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0096848 filed on July 23, 2021, by the same applicant. [Background technology]

[0003] The use, structure, and operating principle of the membrane humidifier for fuel cells can be found in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828 and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2304857.

[0004] Referring to Figure 1 [representative diagram of Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828], the membrane humidifier 1 for a fuel cell includes a main housing 10 having a gas inlet 11 and a gas outlet 12 and having an empty space provided inside in the longitudinal direction, an inlet housing 20 having an air inlet 21 and coupled to the rear part of the main housing 10, an outlet housing 30 having an air outlet 31 and coupled to the front part of the main housing 10, and a hollow fiber membrane cartridge 40 provided inside the main housing 10.

[0005] Meanwhile, according to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1673667, a hollow fiber membrane cartridge is divided into a plurality of modules in consideration of humidification efficiency, etc., but in this case, there is a problem that empty spaces are formed between the modules, reducing airtightness. In order to solve the above problem, a potting layer is formed in the empty spaces, but this also reduces ease of assembly.

[0006] Also, referring to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1896323, some membrane humidifiers for fuel cells include a bypass pipe connecting a lower region of the outlet housing to an upper region of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, which serves to prevent condensed water from accumulating in the membrane humidifier for fuel cells and flowing into the fuel cell stack.

[0007] However, in the membrane humidifier for fuel cells disclosed in the above publication, the bypass pipe (referred to in the publication as "bypass conduit 60") is injection molded integrally with the outlet housing (referred to in the publication as "second cap portion 50"), which has the following problems: (a) if the bypass pipe is damaged, the entire outlet housing must be replaced, (b) in the process of separating the outlet housing from the main housing, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge is easily damaged by the bypass pipe, or the end of the bypass pipe (the portion inserted into the hollow fiber membrane cartridge) is easily damaged, and (c) considering the shape of the bypass pipe, it is not easy to injection mold it integrally with the outlet housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-2304857 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent No. 10-1673667 [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1896323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly that includes a bypass pipe and has multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges, yet has excellent airtightness and assembly properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to an embodiment (of the present disclosure) is a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly to be installed in a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, and includes: a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge having the same length and arranged side by side; a first adapter having a first hole for accommodating one end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge, a second hole for accommodating one end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and a bypass hole; a second adapter facing the first adapter and having a first hole for accommodating the other end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hole for accommodating the other end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge; and a bypass pipe connected to the bypass hole.

[0011] A protrusion may be formed on an upper portion of the bypass pipe, and a recess for receiving the protrusion may be formed on one side of the first adapter.

[0012] In addition, cartridge guide protrusions may be formed at regular intervals around the first and second holes on one side of the first adapter.

[0013] In addition, cartridge guide protrusions may be formed at regular intervals around the first and second holes on one side of the second adapter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment includes a bypass pipe and has multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges, yet has excellent airtightness and ease of assembly (or maintenance). Specifically, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment has a structure in which at least two hollow fiber membrane cartridges are simply fixed by two adapters that perform the function (function of improving airtightness) of the fixing layer (potting layer) of the prior art (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828), making it easy to replace the hollow fiber membrane cartridges.

[0015] Furthermore, by applying the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment of the membrane humidifier for fuel cells, the problems of the above-mentioned prior art (Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1896323) can be resolved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional membrane humidifier for a fuel cell. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell including a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell installed; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, hollow fiber membrane cartridges according to embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell including a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 according to an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100"). FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100.

[0019] Referring to Figures 2-4, a hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 is provided inside a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell.

[0020] The membrane humidifier for a fuel cell is not limited to a specific shape or structure, and any known type can be used. As an example, as shown in Figure 2, the membrane humidifier for a fuel cell HF can include (a) a main housing M having a gas outlet G2 and an empty space provided inside in the longitudinal direction, (b) an outlet housing U having a gas inlet G1 and an air outlet A2 and coupled to one longitudinal side of the main housing M, and (c) an inlet housing I having an air inlet A1 and coupled to the other longitudinal side of the main housing M. An air cooler C can be attached to the inlet housing I.

[0021] When the membrane humidifier for fuel cells HF includes a main housing M, an outlet housing U, and an inlet housing I, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 is located inside the main housing M and can be configured to be detachable from the main housing M.

[0022] The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 includes a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 , a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120 , a first adapter 130 , a second adapter 140 , and a bypass pipe 150 .

[0023] The first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 comprises a hollow columnar cartridge housing 111 and a hollow fiber membrane (not shown) provided inside the cartridge housing 111.

[0024] The cartridge housing 111 can be configured to have a length corresponding to the main housing M or a length slightly longer than the main housing M. The cartridge housing 111 can have vent holes formed on its surface, and at least one sealing ring can be fitted around the cartridge housing 111.

[0025] The second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120 is composed of a hollow columnar cartridge housing 121 and a hollow fiber membrane (not shown) provided inside the cartridge housing 121.

[0026] The cartridge housing 121 can be configured to have a length corresponding to the main housing M or a length slightly longer than the main housing M. The cartridge housing 121 can have vent holes formed on its surface, and at least one sealing ring can be attached around the cartridge housing 121.

[0027] The cartridge housing 121 of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120 is preferably configured to have the same length as the cartridge housing 111 of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 .

[0028] Inside the main housing M, the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120 are arranged side by side.

[0029] The first adapter 130 has a first hole 131 that accommodates one longitudinal end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and a second hole 132 that accommodates one longitudinal end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120, and is connected to one longitudinal side of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120.

[0030] The second adapter 140 has a first hole 141 that accommodates the other longitudinal end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and a second hole 142 that accommodates the other longitudinal end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120, and is connected to the other longitudinal sides of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120.

[0031] The first adapter 130 and the second adapter 140 function as a fixing layer (potting layer) that fixes the hollow fiber membrane cartridge inside the main housing of the conventional membrane humidifier for fuel cells. *See the first and second fixing layers 113 and 114 in [Figure 3] of Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828.

[0032] On the other hand, it is obvious that the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 can be redesigned by a person of ordinary skill in the art to include three or more hollow fiber membrane cartridges.

[0033] In addition, a flange may be protruded near the center in the longitudinal direction of each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120. A partition wall S that abuts against the flanges of the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110 and 120 may be formed inside the main housing M, and the partition wall S may have holes in the number corresponding to the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110 and 120. In this case, middle seals 112 and 122 may be assembled between the flanges of the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110 and 120 and the partition wall S of the main housing M. In this case, the partition wall S and the middle seals 112 and 122 completely separate the space around the gas inlet G1 from the space around the gas outlet G2, so that the gas that flows into the gas inlet G1 flows concentratedly through the hollow fiber membranes through the windows of the cartridge housings 111 and 121.

[0034] 5, the first adapter 130 may be located in the outlet housing U, and the second adapter 140 may be located in the inlet housing I. Meanwhile, depending on the designer's intention, the first adapter 130 may be configured to be located at one end of the main housing M or at the boundary between the main housing M and the outlet housing U, and the second adapter 140 may be configured to be located at the other end of the main housing M or at the boundary between the main housing M and the inlet housing I.

[0035] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, cartridge guide protrusions 135, 135'... that guide the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110, 120 during the process of assembling the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110, 120 to the first adapter 130 can be formed at regular intervals around the first hole 131 and the second hole 132 on one side of the first adapter 130 [the side facing the second adapter 140].

[0036] Cartridge guide protrusions 143, 143'... that guide the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110, 120 during the process of assembling the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 110, 120 to the second adapter 140 can be formed at regular intervals around the first hole 141 and the second hole 142 on one side of the second adapter 140 [the side facing the first adapter 130].

[0037] Around the first hole 141 and the second hole 142 on the other side of the second adapter 140, inclined surfaces 141a and 142a may be formed so that air can smoothly flow into the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge 110 and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge 120.

[0038] A bypass hole 133 is formed in the lower region of the first adapter 130 .

[0039] The bypass pipe 150 is located on one side of the first adapter 130, and its lower portion communicates with the bypass hole 133. The bypass pipe 150 is not limited to a specific shape, and may be L-shaped as shown in the figure, for example. The bypass pipe 150 connects the outlet housing U and the upper region of the main housing M. *The specific operating principle and effects of the bypass pipe 150 are omitted here as they are disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1896323.

[0040] To firmly secure the bypass pipe 150 to the first adapter 130, a protrusion 151 may be formed on the top of the bypass pipe 150, and a recess 134 may be formed on one side of the first adapter 130 to accommodate the protrusion 151. A fixing hook may be further provided near the recess 134 to be fastened to the protrusion 151.

[0041] The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly 100 described above is excellent in airtightness and ease of assembly (or maintenance) due to its structure.

[0042] The various expressions (terms, visual images, etc.) used in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely employed for the instrumental purpose of conveying the essential technical ideas of the present disclosure to the reader in an easily understandable manner.

[0043] Furthermore, a person having ordinary skill in the art can devise various modifications based on the embodiments of the present disclosure that have the same essential technical idea as the above-described embodiments but are superficially different.

[0044] Therefore, it is clear that the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by some of the expressions described in the "Description of the Invention" and "Drawings," but should be broadly interpreted based on the essential technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment includes a bypass pipe and has multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges, yet has excellent airtightness and ease of assembly (or maintenance). Specifically, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to the embodiment has a structure in which at least two hollow fiber membrane cartridges are simply fixed by two adapters that perform the function (function of improving airtightness) of the fixing layer (potting layer) of the prior art (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119828), making it easy to replace the hollow fiber membrane cartridges.

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly to be mounted on a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising: a main housing having a gas outlet and an empty space provided inside in the longitudinal direction; an outlet housing having a gas inlet and an air outlet and coupled to one side of the main housing in the longitudinal direction; and an inlet housing having an air inlet and coupled to the other side of the main housing in the longitudinal direction, a first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hollow fiber membrane cartridge having the same length and arranged side by side, each of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge comprising a cartridge housing and a hollow fiber membrane provided inside the cartridge housing; a first adapter including a first hole for accommodating one end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge, a second hole for accommodating one end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and a bypass hole; a second adapter facing the first adapter, the second adapter including a first hole for accommodating the other end of the first hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a second hole for accommodating the other end of the second hollow fiber membrane cartridge; and a bypass pipe coupled to the bypass hole; The first adapter is disposed at a boundary between one end of the main housing and the outlet housing, the second adapter is configured at the boundary between the other end of the main housing and the inlet housing, a protrusion is formed on an upper portion of the bypass pipe, and a recess for receiving the protrusion is formed on one side of the first adapter, Hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly.

2. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein cartridge guide protrusions are formed at regular intervals around the first hole and the second hole on one side of the first adapter.

3. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein cartridge guide protrusions are formed at regular intervals around the first hole and the second hole on one side of the second adapter.

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