Hollow fiber membrane cartridge and hollow fiber membrane module including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a hollow fiber membrane module that can supply a fluid uniformly to hollow fiber membranes and prevent breakage of the hollow fiber membranes. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a hollow fiber membrane in which a first fluid flows inside and a second fluid flowing in from the outside flows out, and the first fluid and the second fluid exchange moisture with each other. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge is formed with an opening through which the second fluid flows in and out. The opening is formed with a first portion into which the second fluid flows in and a second portion having a higher inflow rate of the second fluid per unit area than the first portion, and the width of the second portion may be formed narrower than the width of the first portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a hollow fiber membrane module including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generating battery that generates electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike conventional chemical batteries such as dry batteries and storage batteries, a fuel cell can continuously generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, has the advantage of not losing heat, and is twice as efficient as an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, because the chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, fuel cells emit fewer pollutants, making them environmentally friendly and reducing concerns about resource depletion due to increased energy consumption. Such fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), alkaline fuel cells (AFCs), etc., depending on the type of electrolyte used. Although all of these fuel cells operate on the same fundamental principle, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, etc. Among them, polymer electrolyte fuel cells are known to be the most promising for use in small-scale stationary power generation equipment as well as transportation systems, because they operate at lower temperatures than other fuel cells, have high power density, and can be miniaturized. One of the most important factors in improving the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is to maintain a certain level of moisture in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM or proton exchange membrane) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). If the PEM dries out, the power generation efficiency drops sharply.

[0003] Methods for humidifying a polymer electrolyte membrane include: 1) a bubbler humidification method in which a pressure-resistant container is filled with water and the target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply moisture; 2) a direct injection method in which the amount of moisture required for the fuel cell reaction is calculated and moisture is supplied directly to the gas flow pipe via a solenoid valve; and 3) a humidification membrane method in which moisture is supplied to the gas flow bed using a polymer separation membrane. Among these, the humidifying membrane method, which utilizes a membrane that selectively allows only water vapor contained in exhaust gas to pass through and provides water vapor to the gas supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane, thereby humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane, is advantageous in that it allows the humidifier to be made lighter and smaller. The selectively permeable membrane used in the humidification membrane system is preferably a hollow fiber membrane, which has a large permeation area per unit volume when forming a module. That is, when a humidifier is manufactured using such a hollow fiber membrane, it is possible to highly integrate hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area, and it has the advantages of being able to sufficiently humidify the fuel cell even with a small capacity, being able to use low-cost materials, and being able to recover moisture and heat contained in unreacted gases discharged from the fuel cell at high temperatures and reuse them in the humidifier.

[0004] However, in the case of a humidifier using hollow fiber membranes, a large number of hollow fiber membranes are stacked together to increase the capacity, but in this case, the gas flow outside the hollow fiber membranes cannot be uniformly formed throughout the entire interior of the humidifier due to the resistance of the highly packed hollow fiber membranes. To improve this, hollow fiber membrane modules are implemented in the form of multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges, which are installed in a membrane humidifier housing to ensure uniform gas flow. That is, hollow fiber membrane bundles are housed inside multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges, and multiple hollow fiber membrane cartridges are installed in a membrane humidifier housing, so that the introduced gas flows through the hollow fiber membrane cartridges, ensuring uniform gas flow. However, conventional hollow fiber membrane modules have problems such as the flow of fluid supplied through the openings being concentrated in one area, which can cause breakage of the hollow fiber membranes, and the flow being uneven, which can reduce humidification performance and flow durability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is to provide a hollow fiber membrane cartridge and a hollow fiber membrane module that can supply a fluid uniformly to hollow fiber membranes and prevent breakage of the hollow fiber membranes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention accommodates a hollow fiber membrane through which a first fluid flows inside and a second fluid flowing in from the outside flows out, and moisture exchange occurs between the first fluid and the second fluid. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge has an opening through which the second fluid flows in and out. The opening has a first portion through which the second fluid flows in and a second portion having a higher inflow rate of the second fluid per unit area than the first portion, and the width of the second portion may be narrower than the width of the first portion. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening has a width and a length, and the width of the opening may be gradually changed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be formed so that its width gradually narrows from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the opening. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be formed so that its width gradually narrows from the center toward the periphery of the opening. The opening according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a portion with a uniform width and a portion with a gradually changing width.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may have a plurality of windows formed therein. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be provided with a mesh. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hollow fiber membrane cartridge, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the width direction of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and at least one of the openings is circular or elliptical. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening includes a constant width portion having a uniform width and a variable width portion whose width gradually narrows from the constant width portion toward the longitudinal end of the opening. The openings according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be irregular. A hollow fiber module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing including a first fluid inlet and outlet and a second fluid inlet and outlet, and a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges disposed within the housing and accommodating hollow fiber membranes therein. The hollow fiber membrane cartridges are formed with openings through which the second fluid flows in and out. The openings are formed with a first portion and a second portion having a higher inflow rate of the second fluid per unit area than the first portion, and the width of the second portion may be narrower than the width of the first portion. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening has a width and a length, and the width of the opening may be gradually changed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be formed so that its width gradually narrows from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the opening. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be formed so that its width gradually narrows from the center toward the periphery of the opening. The opening according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a portion with a uniform width and a portion with a gradually changing width.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening may be formed to have a width that gradually narrows toward the second fluid inlet or the second fluid outlet. The hollow fiber cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of openings spaced apart in the width direction of the hollow fiber cartridge, at least one of which may be circular or elliptical. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening includes a constant width portion having a uniform width and a variable width portion whose width gradually narrows from the constant width portion toward the longitudinal end of the opening. The openings according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be irregular. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the openings is gradually changed, which allows for uniform distribution of the fluid flow rate, thereby preventing breakage of the hollow fiber membranes and improving humidification performance and flow durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Although the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description, but it should be understood that they do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, but include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. The terms used in the present invention are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "have" specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0012] A hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing portion 200 and a number of hollow fiber membrane cartridges 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "cartridges") installed inside the housing portion 200 and containing a number of hollow fiber membranes. The housing 200 forms the outer shape of the hollow fiber membrane module 10. The housing 200 may include a housing body 210 and a housing cap 220, or may be an integrated unit formed by combining these components. The housing body 210 and the housing cap 220 may be made of a hard plastic such as polycarbonate or a metal. The housing body 210 and the housing cap 220 may have a polygonal or circular cross section in the width direction. The polygon may be a rectangle, square, trapezoid, parallelogram, pentagon, hexagon, etc., and the polygon may have chamfered corners. The circle may be an ellipse. A second fluid inlet 231 through which the second fluid is supplied and a second fluid outlet 232 through which the second fluid is discharged are formed on one side of the housing body 210. A plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges 100, each containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes that selectively allow moisture to pass through, are arranged inside the housing 200. Here, the material of the hollow fiber membranes is well known, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification. Potting portions (not shown) that bind the hollow fiber membranes and fill the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes are formed at both ends of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100. As a result, both ends of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 are closed by the potting portions, and a flow path through which the second fluid passes is formed inside. The material of the potting portion is well known, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in this specification.

[0013] The housing caps 220 are attached to both ends of the housing body 210. Each housing cap 220 is formed with a first fluid inlet 221 and a first fluid outlet 222. The first fluid flowing into the first fluid inlet 221 of one housing cap 220 flows into the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, passes through the internal conduit of the hollow fiber membrane, and flows out of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and then exits through the first fluid outlet 222 of the other housing cap 220. A number of insertion openings 240 into which the hollow fiber membrane cartridges 100 can be attached are formed in the housing part 200, and a hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 is inserted into each of the insertion openings 240. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 may have a hexahedral shape with rounded sides. The surfaces of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 facing the second fluid inlet 231 and the second fluid outlet 232 may be curved, and the surface connecting the two curved surfaces may be flat. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 may also have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section or an elliptical cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross section. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 is preferably made of a material that has excellent dimensional stability, resin flow properties, and resistance to thermal deformation, such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin) and nylon. Openings M11 are formed at both longitudinal ends of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100. The openings M11 may be formed on both opposing sides of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 and may be formed in a continuous elongated pattern in the width direction (z-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100. The openings M11 may be formed on a surface arranged parallel to the direction in which the second fluid flows in. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0014] The opening M11 arranged on one side allows the humid second fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 231 (described later) to flow into the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, where it exchanges moisture with the dried first fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet 231 inside the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100. The opening M11 arranged on the other side discharges the second fluid after moisture exchange. The opening M11 prevents a portion of the second fluid that has flowed in from directly colliding with the hollow fiber membranes arranged inside the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, thereby preventing the hollow fiber membranes from being damaged. According to this embodiment, the opening M11 has a length L11 and a width W11, and the length L11 or width W11 of the opening M11 may be gradually varied. The opening M11 may have a first portion having a relatively small inflow rate of the second fluid and a second portion having a relatively larger inflow rate of the second fluid per unit area than the first portion, and the width W11 of the second portion may be narrower than the width W11 of the first portion. Here, the second portion may be adjacent to the first fluid inlet 231, the central portion of the opening M11 in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction), or the portion located opposite the first fluid inlet 231. To this end, the opening M11 may be formed so that the width W11 gradually narrows from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the opening M11. In this embodiment, the opening M11 is illustrated as being triangular, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the opening M11 may have various shapes with varying widths W11, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. In addition, the opening M11 may be formed so that the length L11 gradually decreases from one end to the other end in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the opening M11. The opening M11 may be formed so that the length L11 gradually decreases from the outside to the inside in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100.

[0015] It also includes a reference line 131 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, an inclined line 132 formed so as to be inclined with respect to the reference line 131, and a connecting line 133 perpendicular to the reference line 131. The reference line 131 is parallel to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 and can be disposed above the opening M11. The inclined line 132 can connect the reference line 131 and the connecting line 133. The opening M11 may be provided with a mesh 137 for uniform distribution of the second fluid, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the opening M11 may be provided with a plurality of windows. In this embodiment, if the length L11 and width W11 of the opening M11 are gradually changed, the width W11 of the opening M11 can be narrowed in areas with high flow rates and widened in areas with low flow rates, thereby achieving uniform humidification. In addition, the inclined line 132 can guide the flow in a direction inclined relative to the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, thereby preventing damage to the hollow fiber membranes and achieving uniform humidification.

[0016] Next, the moisture exchange process between the first fluid and the second fluid in the hollow fiber membrane module 10 configured as described above will be described. In the following description, the first fluid may be a low-humidity fluid and the second fluid may be a high-humidity fluid. Alternatively, the second fluid may be a low-humidity fluid and the first fluid may be a high-humidity fluid. The first fluid is supplied into the housing part 200 and the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100 through the first fluid inlet 221 of one side housing cap 220, flows into the hollow fiber membranes, and is discharged to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane module 10 through the first fluid outlet 222 of the other side housing cap 220. The first fluid may also flow in the direction from which it flows into the first fluid outlet 222 to which it is discharged from the first fluid inlet 221. The second fluid is supplied to the housing body 210 through the second fluid inlet 231 of the housing body 210, flows to the outside of the hollow fiber membrane through the opening M11 of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, is discharged into the housing body 210 through the opening M11 of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 100, and then is discharged to the outside through the second fluid outlet 232 of the housing body 210. The second fluid may flow in a direction from the second fluid outlet 232 to the second fluid inlet 231. That is, the first and second fluids may flow in opposite directions or in the same direction. The first and second fluids exchange materials such as moisture or heat through the hollow fiber membrane as they flow inside and outside the hollow fiber membrane, respectively. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 310 according to the second embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M12, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0017] The opening M12 may have a length L12 and a width W12, and the width W12 may be gradually narrowed from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the opening M12. The opening M12 may be gradually narrowed toward the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet. The flow rate of the second fluid flowing into the opening M12 is not uniform, and the opening M12 includes a first portion into which the second fluid flows at a high rate and a second portion into which the second fluid flows at a slower rate than the first portion. The width of the first portion is narrower than the width of the second portion, so that the second fluid can be uniformly supplied inside the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 310. Depending on the conditions, the portions adjacent to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet may exhibit a distribution in which the flow velocity is relatively faster than in other portions. However, if the width W12 of the opening M12 is formed to gradually narrow toward the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet, not only can the second fluid be uniformly supplied and discharged, but damage to the hollow fiber membranes can also be reliably prevented. The opening M12 in this embodiment also includes a reference line 311 parallel to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 310, an inclined line 312 formed so as to be inclined relative to the reference line 311, and a connecting line 313 perpendicular to the reference line 311. The reference line 311 is parallel to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 310 and is disposed below the opening M12, and the inclined line 312 can connect the reference line 311 and the connecting line 313. The opening M12 has a plurality of windows formed therein, including a first window 315 having a rectangular shape and a second window 316 having a triangular shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the windows may have various shapes such as polygons and circles.

[0018] The second window 316 is disposed so as to be in contact with the inclined line 312, and the first window 315 may be disposed so as to be in contact with or inside the reference line 311 and the connecting line 313. According to this embodiment, the width W12 of the opening M12 is gradually narrowed toward the second fluid inlet and second fluid outlet, which not only allows the second fluid to be supplied uniformly but also reliably prevents damage to the hollow fiber membranes. Furthermore, the first window 315 and the second window 316 are formed at the opening M12, which allows the flow to be uniform and the fluid to be moved stably. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 4 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 320 according to the third embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M13, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M13 may be formed so that its width W13 gradually narrows from the center toward the outside in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the opening M13. The opening M13 may also be formed so that its length L13 gradually shortens from one end to the other end in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the opening M13. The opening M13 may also be formed so that its length L13 gradually increases from the outside toward the inside in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 320. The opening M13 according to this embodiment also includes a reference line 321 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 320, a first inclined line 322 that is inclined relative to the reference line 321, and a second inclined line 323 that connects the reference line 321 and the first inclined line 322 and is inclined relative to the reference line 321. The reference line 321 may be disposed on one side end of the opening M13. The opening M13 may be provided with a mesh 327 or a plurality of windows.

[0019] Depending on the conditions, the areas adjacent to both longitudinal ends of the opening M13 may exhibit a distribution in which the flow velocity is relatively faster than in other areas. However, if the width W13 of the opening M13 is gradually narrowed from the center of the opening M13 toward the periphery in the longitudinal direction, as in the third embodiment, not only can the second fluid be uniformly supplied and discharged, but damage to the hollow fiber membrane can also be reliably prevented. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 5 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M14, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M14 according to the fourth embodiment may be formed so that its width W14 gradually narrows from the center to the outside in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the opening M14. The opening M14 may be formed so that its length L14 gradually shortens from one end to the other end in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the opening M14. In addition, the length L14 of the opening M14 gradually increases from the outside to the inside in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 330. The opening M14 also includes a reference line 331 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 330, a first connecting line 332 that is connected to one longitudinal end of the reference line 331 and perpendicular to the reference line 331, a second connecting line 333 that is connected to the other longitudinal end of the reference line 331, spaced apart from the first connecting line 332, and continues parallel to the first connecting line 332, a first inclined line 334 that is inclined toward the first connecting line 332, and a second inclined line 335 that connects the first inclined line 334 and the second connecting line 333. The opening M14 may be provided with a mesh 337 or a plurality of windows.

[0020] In the opening M14, the portion formed by the first connecting line 332 and the second connecting line 333 is a portion with a uniform length L14, and the portion formed by the first inclined line 334 and the second inclined line 335 is a portion with a gradually changing length L14. As in the fourth embodiment, if the width W14 of the opening M14 is gradually narrowed from the center of the opening M14 toward the periphery in the longitudinal direction, when the flow velocity is high in the areas adjacent to both ends of the opening M14 in the longitudinal direction, not only can the second fluid be uniformly supplied and discharged, but damage to the hollow fiber membrane can be reliably prevented. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 6 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 6, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 340 according to the fifth embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M15, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M15 according to the fifth embodiment can be formed so that the width W15 becomes gradually narrower as it goes outward from the center of the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the opening M15, and the length L15 becomes gradually shorter as it goes outward from the center of the width direction (y-axis direction) of the opening M15. The opening M15 also includes a first reference line 341 arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 340, a second reference line 342 spaced apart from the first reference line 341 and arranged parallel to the first reference line 341, a first inclined line 343 connected to one longitudinal end of the first reference line 341 at an angle, a second inclined line 344 connected to the other longitudinal end of the first reference line 341 at an angle, a third inclined line 345 connecting the first inclined line 343 and the second reference line 342, and a fourth inclined line 346 connecting the second inclined line 344 and the second reference line 342. The opening M15 may be provided with a mesh 347 or a plurality of windows for uniform distribution of the second fluid.

[0021] In the opening M15, the portion formed by the first reference line 341 and the second reference line 342 is a portion with a uniform length L15, while the portion formed by the first inclined line 343 and the second inclined line 344 and the portion formed by the third inclined line 345 and the fourth inclined line 346 is a portion with a gradually changing length L15. As in the fifth embodiment, if the width W15 of the opening M15 is gradually narrowed from the center of the opening M15 toward the periphery in the longitudinal direction, when the flow velocity is high in the portions adjacent to both ends of the opening M15 in the longitudinal direction, not only can the second fluid be uniformly supplied and discharged, but damage to the hollow fiber membrane can be stably prevented. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 7 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 7, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 350 according to the sixth embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M16, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M16 according to this embodiment may be formed so that its width W16 gradually narrows from the center of the opening M16 in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) to the outer periphery. The opening M16 may include a portion with a uniform width formed in the longitudinal center of the opening M16 and a portion with a gradually narrower width toward the outer periphery. The opening M16 may also be formed so that its length L16 gradually increases from one end to the other end of the opening M16 in the width direction (y-axis direction).

[0022] The opening M16 also includes a first reference line 351 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 350, a second reference line 352 spaced apart from the first reference line 351 and arranged parallel to the first reference line 351, a first inclined line 353 connected to one longitudinal end of the first reference line 351 at an angle, and a second inclined line 354 connected to the other longitudinal end of the first reference line 351 at an angle. The first inclined line 353 and the second inclined line 354 connect the first reference line 351 and the second reference line 352. The opening M16 may be provided with a mesh 357 or a plurality of windows. In the opening M16, the portion formed by the first reference line 351 and the second reference line 352 is a portion with a uniform width W16, and the portion formed by the first inclined line 353 and the second inclined line 354 is a portion with a gradually changing width W16. As in the sixth embodiment, if the width W16 of the opening M16 is gradually narrowed from the center of the opening M16 toward the periphery in the longitudinal direction, when the flow velocity is high in the areas adjacent to both ends of the opening M16 in the longitudinal direction, not only can the second fluid be uniformly supplied and discharged, but damage to the hollow fiber membrane can be stably prevented. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 8 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360 ​​according to the seventh embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the first opening M17 and the second opening M18, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. A first opening M17 and a second opening M18 are formed on the side of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360 ​​according to this embodiment, and the two first openings M17 and second openings M18 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360.

[0023] The first opening M17 and the second opening M18 may be spaced apart in the width direction (z-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360. The first opening M17 may be disposed closer to the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet than the second opening M18. In addition, a mesh 367 or a plurality of windows may be provided between the first opening M17 and the second opening M18. The first opening M17 and the second opening M18 may be formed so that their widths gradually narrow from the center to the outside. The first opening M17 may be elliptical, and the second opening M18 may be circular. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first opening M17 and the second opening M18 may be formed in various shapes with varying widths, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Furthermore, the long axis X11 of the first opening M17 can be formed to be continuous in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360, and the short axis X12 of the first opening M17 can be formed to be continuous in the width direction (z-axis direction) of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 360. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 9 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 9, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 370 according to the eighth embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M21, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M21 according to the eighth embodiment includes a constant-width portion WS11 having a uniform width W210 extending from one longitudinal end to the other, and a variable-width portion WS12 whose width gradually narrows extending from the constant-width portion WS11 toward the longitudinal end of the opening M21. In this embodiment, the variable-width portion WS12 is illustrated as being formed by a straight line, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the variable-width portion WS12 may also be formed by a curved line.

[0024] The opening M21 also includes a first reference line 371 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cartridge 370, a second reference line 372 that is spaced apart from the first reference line 371 and arranged parallel to the first reference line 371, a connecting line 373 that connects one longitudinal end of the first reference line 371 and the second reference line 372, a first inclined line 374 that is connected to the other end of the first reference line 371 at an angle, and a second inclined line 375 that is connected to the other end of the second reference line 372 at an angle. The first inclined line 374 and the second inclined line 375 are connected to each other. The opening M21 may be provided with a mesh 377 or a plurality of windows. The first inclined line 374 and the second inclined line 375 define the variable width section WS12, which may be configured to gradually narrow in width toward the second fluid inlet or the second fluid outlet, thereby reliably preventing damage to the hollow fiber membranes. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 10 is a front view illustrating a hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 10, the hollow fiber membrane cartridge 380 according to the ninth embodiment has the same structure as the hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to the first embodiment described above, except for the opening M22, so duplicated explanations of the same configuration will be omitted. The opening M22 according to the ninth embodiment may be formed so that its width W22 gradually increases or decreases from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The opening M22 may also be formed so that its width W22 gradually decreases from the center to the outside in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The opening M22 may also have an irregular shape consisting of a series of curves or straight lines. The opening M22 may be provided with a mesh 387 or a plurality of windows.

[0025] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting or adding components within the scope of the concept of the present invention as set forth in the claims, and these modifications and changes are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane cartridge accommodates hollow fiber membranes through which a first fluid flows inside and a second fluid flows outside, and through which moisture exchange occurs between the first fluid and the second fluid, The hollow fiber membrane cartridge has one or more openings through which the second fluid flows in and out, A hollow fiber membrane cartridge characterized in that the width of each opening is formed so as to first gradually increase and then gradually decrease from one end to the other end.

2. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the opening includes a portion having a uniform width.

3. 2. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the opening has a plurality of windows formed therein.

4. 2. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a mesh is provided in each of the openings.

5. 2. The hollow fiber membrane cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the hollow fiber membrane cartridge has a plurality of openings spaced apart in a width direction of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and at least one of the openings has a circular or elliptical shape.

6. a housing portion including a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, and a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet; a plurality of hollow fiber membrane cartridges disposed inside the housing portion and accommodating hollow fiber membranes therein; The hollow fiber membrane cartridge has one or more openings through which the second fluid flows in and out, The width of each opening is formed so as to first gradually increase and then gradually decrease from one end to the other end, the second fluid inlet is provided so as to be located near the one end or the other end when the hollow fiber membrane cartridge is disposed inside the housing portion; Hollow fiber membrane module.

7. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, wherein the openings are formed so that their widths become gradually narrower toward the second fluid inlet or the second fluid outlet.

8. 7. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 6, wherein the hollow fiber membrane cartridge has a plurality of openings spaced apart in a width direction of the hollow fiber membrane cartridge, and at least one of the openings has a circular or elliptical shape.

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