Mid-case and fuel cell humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mid-case for a humidifier for a fuel cell and a humidifier for a fuel cell, the mid-case including: a mid body accommodating at least one cartridge including a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a mid inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid body; a mid outlet disposed apart from the mid inlet along a first axial direction and for discharging the first gas from the mid body; a partition wall disposed inside the mid body and dividing the mid body into an inlet space into which the first gas flows and an outlet space from which the first gas flows; and an additional partition wall disposed inside the mid body and between the mid inlet and the partition wall in the first axial direction; wherein the partition wall is disposed at a position where it is spaced apart from the mid outlet port less than it is spaced apart from the mid inlet in the first axial direction, and the additional partition wall has a passage hole formed therein for passing the first gas.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell for supplying humidified gas to the fuel cell.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Unlike general chemical cells such as dry cells and storage batteries, fuel cells have the advantage that they can continuously generate electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, have no heat loss, and are approximately twice as efficient as internal combustion engines. In addition, since chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is directly converted into electrical energy, the emission of pollutant substances is low. Therefore, fuel cells have the advantage that they are not only environmentally friendly, but also can reduce concerns about resource depletion accompanying the increase in energy consumption. Such fuel cells can be broadly classified according to the type of electrolyte used, into Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), and the like. Each of these fuel cells operates on fundamentally the same principle, but differs from one another in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, electrolyte, and the like. Among these, the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is known to be the most promising not only in small-scale stationary power generation equipment but also in transportation systems, as it operates at lower temperatures compared to other fuel cells, and has a high power density that allows for downsizing. One of the most important factors in improving the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) is maintaining a certain level of moisture content in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This is because the power generation efficiency drops sharply when the polymer electrolyte membrane dries out. Methods for humidifying polymer electrolyte membranes include: 1) the bubbler humidification method, which involves filling a pressure vessel with water and then passing the target gas through a diffuser to supply moisture; 2) the direct injection method, which calculates the amount of moisture required for the fuel cell reaction and supplies moisture directly to the gas flow pipe through a solenoid valve; and 3) the humidification membrane method, which uses a polymer separation membrane to supply moisture to the gas fluid bed.

[0003] Among these methods, the membrane humidification method, which uses a membrane that selectively allows only the water vapor contained in the exhaust gas to pass through, to supply water vapor to the air supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane, is advantageous in that it allows for a lighter and more compact humidifier. When forming modules, hollow fiber membranes with a large permeable area per unit volume are preferred as selective permeable membranes used in membrane humidification systems. In other words, when manufacturing humidifiers using hollow fiber membranes, it is possible to integrate hollow fiber membranes with a large contact surface area, allowing for sufficient humidification of fuel cells even in small capacities, enabling the use of low-cost materials, and offering the advantage of recovering moisture and heat contained in the exhaust gas (off-gas) discharged at high temperatures from fuel cells and reusing it through the humidifier. Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier. As shown in Figure 1, a typical membrane humidifier (100) includes a humidification module (110) in which moisture exchange occurs between air supplied from the outside and exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack (not shown), and caps (120) coupled to both ends of the humidification module (110). One of the caps (120) transmits air supplied from the outside to the humidification module (110), and the other transmits the air humidified by the humidification module (110) to the fuel cell stack. The humidification module (110) includes a mid-case (111) having an off-gas inlet (111a) and an off-gas outlet (111b), and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (112) within the mid-case (111). Both ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted in a fixed layer (113). The fixed layer (113) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, by a casting method. The fixed layer (113) to which the ends of the hollow fiber membranes (112) are potted, and the resin layer (114) between the fixed layer (113) and the mid-case (111) isolate the internal space of the cap (120) from the internal space of the mid-case (111). Similar to the fixed layer (113), the resin layer (114) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, using a casting method. Air supplied from the outside flows along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (112). Exhaust gas that flows into the mid-case (111) through the exhaust gas moist gas inlet (111a) comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112) and then flows out of the mid-case (111) through the exhaust gas moist gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (112), the moisture contained in the exhaust gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane (112), thereby humidifying the air that was flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (112).

[0004] In this case, conventionally, in the portion of the hollow fiber membrane (112) positioned between the exhaust gas moist gas inlet (111a) and the exhaust gas moist gas outlet (111b), the humidification efficiency decreases as the humidity of the exhaust gas decreases, which leads to a problem of reduced overall humidification performance. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a mid-case for a fuel cell humidifier and a fuel cell humidifier that can improve the humidification efficiency using a hollow fiber membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention may include the following configuration. The mid-case for a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention is provided in a fuel cell humidifier that humidifies dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using a humidified gas, and may include: a mid-body housing at least one cartridge containing a hollow fiber membrane bundle; a mid-inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid-body; a mid-outlet positioned at a distance from the mid-inlet along the first axial direction for releasing the first gas from the mid-body; a partition wall positioned inside the mid-body and dividing the interior of the mid-body into an inlet space for introducing the first gas and an outlet space for releasing the first gas; and an additional partition wall positioned inside the mid-body and positioned between the mid-inlet and the partition wall with respect to the first axial direction. The partition wall can be positioned at a location where the distance from the mid-outlet is shorter than the distance from the mid-inlet with respect to the first axial direction. The additional partition wall may have through holes for allowing the first gas to pass through. The fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention may include a humidification module for humidifying dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack using a humidified gas; a first cap coupled to one end of the humidification module; and a second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module. The humidification module may include a mid-case with both ends open, and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case. The mid-case may include a mid-body housing the cartridge; a mid-inlet for introducing a first gas into the mid-body; a mid-outlet positioned away from the mid-inlet along the first axial direction for releasing the first gas from the mid-body; a partition wall positioned inside the mid-body to divide the mid-body into an inlet space for introducing the first gas and an outlet space for releasing the first gas; and an additional partition wall positioned inside the mid-body between the mid-inlet and the partition wall with respect to the first axial direction. The partition wall can be positioned such that the distance from the mid outlet is shorter than the distance from the mid inlet, with respect to the first axial direction. The additional partition wall can have through holes formed to allow the first gas to pass through. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention is realized by positioning the partition wall closer to the mid-outlet side, thereby increasing the distance over which the first gas flowing in through the mid-inlet can flow toward the partition wall. As a result, the present invention is realized so that the first gas, which has not yet undergone moisture exchange with the second gas, can be supplied to the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle located between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet. Therefore, the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle located between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet, and thus can provide improved humidification performance. The present invention is realized by reducing the flow rate of the first gas flowing between the additional partition and the partition using an additional partition positioned between the mid-inlet and the partition and through holes formed in the additional partition. As a result, the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas that flows into the hollow fiber membrane bundle positioned between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet, which has a relatively shorter residence time inside the cartridge. Therefore, the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle positioned between the mid-inlet and the mid-outlet, and at the same time, improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle by taking into account the residence time inside the cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a typical fuel cell humidifier. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention, shown with reference to line II in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic coupled cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention, shown with respect to line II in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view of the cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic plan view of the cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention, shown with reference to the line II-II in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of portion A in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of portion B in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The mid-case of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention can be included in the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention, and will therefore be described together with the embodiments of the fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention humidifies dry gas supplied to a fuel cell stack (not shown) using a humid gas. The humid gas may be discharged from the fuel cell stack. The dry gas may be fuel gas or air. The dry gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the humid gas. The fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention includes a humidification module (2) for humidifying the dry gas, a first cap (3) coupled to one end of the humidification module (2), and a second cap (4) coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the humidification module (2) humidifies dry gas. The first cap (3) can be connected to one end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) can be connected to the other end of the humidification module (2). The humidification module (2) can supply humidified dry gas to the fuel cell stack using the first gas and the second gas. If the first gas is dry gas, the second gas may be a humid gas. In this case, the first gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the second gas. If the first gas is a humid gas, the second gas may be dry gas. In this case, the second gas can be supplied to the fuel cell stack after being humidified by the first gas. The humidification module (2) includes a mid-case (21) and at least one cartridge (22). The mid-case (21) is to which the cartridge (22) is attached. The cartridge (22) can be housed inside the mid-case (21). The mid-case (21) is open at both ends. In this case, a housing hole (211) can be formed in the mid-case (21). The housing hole (211) can be formed to penetrate the mid-case (21) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction). At least one cartridge (22) can be placed in the housing hole (211). The mid-case (21) may include a mid-body (210). The mid-body (210) houses the cartridge (22). The cartridge (22) can be housed in the mid-body (210) by being placed inside the mid-body (210). The mid-body (210) can house at least one cartridge (22). The housing hole (211) may be formed to penetrate the mid-body (210) in the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0010] The mid-case (21) may include a mid-inlet (212) and a mid-outlet (213). The mid-inlet (212) can allow the first gas to flow into the mid-body (210). The mid-outlet (213) can allow the first gas to flow out from the mid-body (210). The mid-outlet (213) and the mid-inlet (212) can each protrude from the mid-body (210). The mid-outlet (213) and the mid-inlet (212) can be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The mid-outlet (213), the mid-inlet (212), and the mid-body (210) can also be formed as a single unit. The cartridge (22) is disposed inside the mid-case (21). The cartridge (22) can be housed in the mid-body (210). The cartridge (22) includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be modularized by coupling it with the cartridge (22). This allows the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) to be installed inside the mid-case (21) through the process of coupling the cartridge (22) with the mid-case (21). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can improve the ease of installation, separation, and replacement of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Each of the hollow fiber membranes may include a hollow for the passage of the second gas. The cartridge (22) may include an inner case (222). The inner case (222) has openings at both ends and contains the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be modularized by being arranged inside the inner case (222). The hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) may include a polymer membrane formed from polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyesterimide resin, or a mixture of two or more of these.

[0011] The cartridge (22) may include a first fixing layer (223). The first fixing layer (223) fixes one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The first fixing layer (223) can close the opening formed at one end of the inner case (222). In this case, the first fixing layer (223) may be formed so as not to block the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes. The first fixing layer (223) can be formed by curing a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the first fixing layer (223) may be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining part may protrude to the outside of the inner case (222). The first fixing layer (223) may also fix one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and the inner case (222). The cartridge (22) may include a second fixing layer (224). The second fixing layer (224) fixes the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The second fixing layer (224) can close the opening formed at the other end of the inner case (222). In this case, the second fixing layer (224) may be formed so as not to block the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes. The second fixing layer (224) can be formed by curing a liquid resin such as a liquid polyurethane resin through a casting process. A part of the second fixing layer (224) may be located inside the inner case (222), and the remaining part may protrude to the outside of the inner case (222). The second fixing layer (224) may also fix the other end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and the inner case (222). Since the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223) are formed so as not to block the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, the second gas can be supplied into the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes without being obstructed by the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223), and can flow out from the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes without being obstructed by the second fixing layer (224) and the first fixing layer (223). Referring to Figures 2 to 6, the cartridge (22) may include an inner inlet (225) and an inner outlet (226).

[0012] The inner inlet (225) is formed in the inner case (222). The inner inlet (225) can be formed on one surface of the inner case (222). The surface of the inner case (222) can be positioned to face one of the side walls of the mid-case (21). The inner inlet (225) allows the first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case (222). The inner inlet (225) can be formed by penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in Figure 5, the inner inlet (225) can be realized as a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in Figure 6, the inner inlet (225) can also be realized as a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner inlet (225) can include a plurality of inlet windows (225a) formed to penetrate different parts of the inner case (222). The inflow windows (225a) can be arranged in a matrix form, spaced apart from each other along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) and the second axis direction (Y-axis direction). The second axis direction (Y-axis direction) and the first axis direction (X-axis direction) are axis directions that are perpendicular to each other. The inner outlet (226) is formed in the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) may be formed on one surface of the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) can discharge the first gas from the inside of the inner case (222). The inner outlet (226) may be formed to penetrate the inner case (222). As shown in Figure 5, the inner outlet (226) can be implemented as a single through-hole penetrating the inner case (222). As shown in Figure 6, the inner outlet (226) may also be implemented as a plurality of through-holes penetrating the inner case (222). In this case, the inner outlet (226) may include a plurality of outflow windows (226a) formed to penetrate different portions of the inner case (222). The outflow windows (226a) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along each of the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction) to form a matrix configuration. The inner outlet (226) and the inner inlet (225) may be arranged at positions spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction).

[0013] If the first gas is a humid gas, the first gas is supplied between the inner surface of the mid-case (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22) through the mid-inlet (212), supplied into the interior of the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225), and can come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this process, the moisture contained in the first gas permeates through the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby humidifying the second gas that was flowing along the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). After the humidified second gas flows out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), it can be supplied to the fuel cell stack through the first cap (3) or the second cap (4). The first gas, after humidifying the second gas, can flow out through the inner outlet (226) between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21), and out to the outside of the mid-case (21) through the mid-outlet (213). In this case, the first gas may be exhaust gas (off-gas) discharged from the fuel cell stack. If the first gas is a dry gas, the first gas is supplied through the mid-inlet (212) between the inner surface of the mid-case (21) and the outer surface of the cartridge (22), supplied to the inside of the cartridge (22) through the inner inlet (225), and can come into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this process, moisture from the second gas flowing along the hollow of the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can permeate the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby humidifying the first gas that has flowed into the inside of the cartridge (22). The humidified first gas flows out through the inner outlet (226) between the outer surface of the cartridge (22) and the inner surface of the mid-case (21), flows out to the outside of the mid-case (21) through the mid-outlet (213), and can then be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The second gas, after humidifying the first gas, can be discharged to the outside through the first cap (3) or the second cap (4) after flowing out of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). In this case, the second gas may be exhaust gas (off-gas) discharged from the fuel cell stack.

[0014] The humidification module (2) may include a first packing portion (23). The first packing portion (23) is airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case (21) by mechanical assembly. This allows the first packing portion (23) to ensure that the first cap (3) is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Thus, the first packing portion (23) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from being directly mixed. The first packing portion (23) is positioned between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22) to create a seal between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22). In this case, the cartridge (22) can be inserted into the first insertion hole (231) formed in the first packing portion (23). The first packing portion (23) can contact the inner surface of the mid-case (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the first fixed layer (223). Through such contact, the first packing portion (23) can be airtightly coupled to one end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the first packing portion (23) can also come into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case (21), a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and a portion of the first fixed layer (223). The humidification module (2) may include a second packing portion (24). The second packing portion (24) is airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case (21) by mechanical assembly. This allows the second packing portion (24) to ensure that the second cap (4) is in fluid communication only with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Thus, the second packing portion (24) can prevent the first gas and the second gas from being directly mixed. The second packing portion (24) is positioned between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22) to create a seal between the mid-case (21) and the cartridge (22). In this case, the cartridge (22) can be inserted into the second insertion hole (241) formed in the second packing portion (24). The second packing portion (24) can contact the inner surface of the mid-case (21), the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and the second fixed layer (224). Through such contact, the second packing portion (24) can be airtightly coupled to the other end of the mid-case (21). In this case, the second packing portion (24) can also come into contact with a portion of the inner surface of the mid-case (21), a portion of the outer surface of the cartridge (22), and a portion of the second fixed layer (224).

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the first cap (3) is coupled to one end of the humidification module (2). The space between the first cap (3) and the cartridge (22) can be sealed by the first packing portion (23) with respect to the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid-case (21). The first cap (3) may include a first port (31). The first port (31) is for the flow of the second gas. The first port (31) can communicate with the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, during the process of the second gas flowing between the first cap (3) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas can flow in or out through the first port (31). Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the second cap (4) is coupled to the other end of the humidification module (2). The second cap (4) can be positioned at a distance from the first cap (3) along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The space between the second cap (4) and the cartridge (22) can be sealed by the second packing portion (24) from the space between the cartridge (22) and the mid-case (21). The second cap (4) may include a second port (41). The second port (41) is for the flow of the second gas. The second port (41) can communicate with the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). As a result, during the process of the second gas flowing between the second cap (4) and the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the second gas can flow in or out through the second port (41). When the second gas flows in through the second port (41), the second gas can flow out through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas as it sequentially passes through the second cap (4), the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and the first cap (3). When the second gas flows out through the second port (41), the second gas can flow in through the first port (31). In this case, the second gas can exchange moisture with the first gas as it sequentially passes through the first cap (3), the hollow fiber membrane of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and the second cap (4). Although not shown, instead of the packing portions (23, 24), resin layers can also be formed at both ends of the mid-case (21). The resin layers can be formed by curing a liquid polymer such as liquid polyurethane resin using a casting method.

[0016] Here, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention is designed so that after the first gas flows into the interior of the mid-body (210) through the mid-inlet (212), the area into which it flows into the interior of the cartridge (22) can be expanded along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). For this reason, the mid-case (21) can be realized as follows. Referring to Figures 2 to 8, the mid-case (21) can include a partition wall (5). The partition wall (5) is located inside the mid-body (210). The partition wall (5) can divide the inside of the mid-body (210) into an inflow space (IS) and an outflow space (OS). The inflow space (IS) is the space through which the first gas flows into the mid-body (210). The inflow space (IS) can be connected to the mid-inlet (212). This allows the first gas to flow into the inflow space (IS) through the mid-inlet (212). The outflow space (OS) is the space through which the first gas flows out of the mid-body (210). The outflow space (OS) can be connected to the mid-outlet (213). This allows the first gas to flow out of the outflow space (OS) through the mid-outlet (213). The outflow space (OS) and the inflow space (IS) can be spatially separated by the partition wall (5). In this case, the partition wall (5) can be coupled to the mid-body (210) such that it contacts the entire inner surface (210a) of the mid-body (210). As a result, the first gas that flows into the inflow space (IS) can flow into the outflow space (OS) only through the inside of the cartridge (22). In this case, moisture exchange with the second gas can occur as the first gas flows along the inside of the cartridge (22). With respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the partition wall (5) can be positioned at a location where the distance (5b) from the mid outlet (213) is shorter than the distance (5a) from the mid inlet (212). In other words, with respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the partition wall (5) can be positioned at a longer distance from the mid inlet (212). As a result, with respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the partition wall (5) can increase the length of the inflow space (IS). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance over which the first gas flowing in through the mid inlet (212) can flow toward the partition wall (5) with respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can achieve the following effects.

[0017] First, when the first gas is a humid gas, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance over which the humid gas, which is not in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), can flow toward the partition wall portion (5) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply humid gas that has not yet undergone moisture exchange to the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) located between the mid inlet (212) and the mid outlet (213) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction) [hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221)"]. Therefore, since the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply humid gas with sufficient humidity to the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be further improved. As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can have improved humidification performance. Next, when the first gas is a dry gas, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can increase the distance over which the dry gas, which is not in contact with the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), can flow toward the partition wall portion (5) with reference to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply dry gas that has not yet undergone moisture exchange to the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). Therefore, since the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can supply dry gas with sufficient dryness to the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be further improved. As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can have improved humidification performance. The cartridge (22) can be inserted into the partition wall (5). In this case, the partition wall (5) can have through holes for inserting the cartridge (22). When multiple cartridges (22) are housed in the mid-case (21), multiple through holes can be formed in the partition wall (5). The partition wall (5) and the mid-case body (210) can also be formed as a single unit.

[0018] The mid-case (21) may include an additional bulkhead (6). The additional partition wall (6) is positioned inside the mid-body (210). With respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the additional partition wall (6) can be positioned between the mid-inlet (212) and the partition wall (5). This allows the additional partition wall (6) to partition the inside of the mid-body (210) so that an additional inlet space (AIS) is provided in the inlet space (IS). A through hole (60) can be formed in the additional partition wall (6). The through hole (60) can penetrate the additional partition wall (6). The through hole (60) can allow the first gas to pass through. As a result, the first gas that flows in through the mid inlet (212) can flow into the additional inlet space (AIS) through the through hole (60). Compared to a comparative example without the additional partition wall (6) having the through holes (60), the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the additional inlet space (AIS) by using the additional partition wall (6) having the through holes (60). As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas flowing into the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), thereby reducing the flow rate of the first gas that flows into the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) and shortens its residence time inside the cartridge (22). Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and at the same time improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by considering the residence time inside the cartridge (22). The through hole (60) allows the additional partition wall (6) to be positioned partially separated from the inner surface (210a) of the mid-body (210). In this case, the through hole (60) can be positioned between the inner surface (210a) of the mid-body (210) and the additional partition wall (6). Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the upper part of the additional partition wall (6) is separated from the inner surface (210a) of the mid-body (210), and the through hole (60) can be positioned between the upper surface of the additional partition wall (6) and the inner surface (210a) of the mid-body (210).

[0019] The cartridge (22) can be inserted into the additional partition wall (6). In this case, the additional partition wall (6) can have through holes for the insertion of the cartridge (22). If multiple cartridges (22) are housed in the mid-case (21), multiple through holes can be formed in the additional partition wall (6). The additional partition wall (6) and the mid-case body (210) can also be formed as a single unit. Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the mid-case (21) can also include multiple additional partitions (6). The additional partitions (6) can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). Each of the additional partitions (6) can have a through hole (60) formed in it. The additional partitions (6) divide the additional inflow space (AIS) into a plurality of spaces, and these spaces can be connected to each other by the through holes (60) formed in the additional partitions (6). Of the additional partitions (6), the first additional partition (61) can be positioned at a greater distance from the partition (5) than the second additional partition (62) of the additional partitions (6). That is, the first additional partition (61) can be positioned closer to the mid inlet (212) than the second additional partition (62). In this case, the first through hole (611) formed in the first additional partition (61) can be formed to have a larger area than the second through hole (621) formed in the second additional partition (62). That is, the second through hole (621) can be formed to have a smaller area than the first through hole (611). As a result, the second through hole (621) can be made to allow the first gas to pass through at a smaller flow rate than the first through hole (611). Accordingly, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can reduce the flow rate of the first gas passing through the second through hole (621) more than the flow rate of the first gas passing through the first through hole (611). This takes into account that the residence time of the first gas that has passed through the second through hole (621) inside the cartridge (22) is shortened. As a result, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and at the same time improve the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) by taking into account the residence time inside the cartridge (22). Figure 7 shows the mid-case (21) including two additional partitions (6), and Figure 9 shows the mid-case (21) including three additional partitions (6), but is not limited to these, and the mid-case (21) can be realized to include four or more additional partitions (6). Each of the additional partitions (6) can have the through holes (60) formed therein. The through holes (60) can be formed such that the closer they are to the partition portion (5) with respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the smaller their area. Therefore, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can improve the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), and at the same time, by considering the residence time inside the cartridge (22) and varying the flow rate of the first gas that passes through the through holes (60), the overall humidification efficiency using the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be improved.

[0020] On the other hand, if the mid-case (21) includes the additional partition (6), the cartridge (22) may include an additional inlet (227). The additional inlet (227) is formed in the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) can be formed on one surface of the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) can allow the first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case (222). The additional inlet (227) can be formed penetrating one surface of the inner case (222). With respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction), the additional inlet (227) is positioned between the additional partition wall (6) and the partition wall portion (5), allowing the first gas to flow into the interior of the inner case (222). As a result, the first gas that has flowed into the additional inlet space (AIS) through the through hole (60) formed in the additional partition wall (6) can flow into the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) through the additional inlet (227). Therefore, since the first gas that has not undergone moisture exchange with the second gas flows into the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221), the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221) can be improved. The additional inlet (227) can be realized by a plurality of through holes penetrating one surface of the inner case (222). In this case, the additional inlet (227) can include a plurality of additional windows formed to penetrate different parts of the inner case (222). The additional windows can be spaced apart from each other along the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). The additional windows can be arranged in a matrix configuration, spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction) and the second axial direction (Y-axis direction). Although not shown, the additional inlet (227) can be realized by a single through hole penetrating one surface of the inner case (222). On the other hand, in Figure 7, the additional inlet (227) is shown facing the second side wall of the mid body (210) where the mid inlet (212) is located, rather than the first side wall. However, the additional inlet (227) can also be positioned facing the first side wall. The additional inlet (227) may also be positioned to face the third side wall opposite the first side wall or the fourth side wall opposite the second side wall. The additional inlet (227) may also be positioned to face at least one of the first to fourth side walls.

[0021] On the other hand, if the mid-case (21) includes a plurality of the additional partitions (6), the cartridge (22) may include a plurality of the additional inlets (227). The additional inlets (227) can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction (X-axis direction). The additional inlets (227) can be arranged between each of the additional partition walls (6) with respect to the first axial direction (X-axis direction). For example, the first additional inlet (227a) of the additional inlets (227) can be placed between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62). A portion of the first gas that flows through the first through hole (611) into the space between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62) can flow into the interior of the cartridge (22) through the first additional inlet (227a). The remaining portion of the first gas that flows through the first through hole (611) into the space between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62) can flow through the second through hole (621) into the space between the second additional partition (62) and the partition (5). In this case, the second additional inlet (227b) of the additional inlets (227) can be placed between the first additional partition (61) and the second additional partition (62). As a result, some or all of the first gas that has passed through the second through hole (621) and flowed between the second additional partition wall (62) and the partition wall portion (5) can flow into the interior of the cartridge (22) through the second additional inlet (227b). Thus, the fuel cell humidifier (1) according to the present invention can be provided with improved humidification performance by using the additional partition wall (6), the through hole (60), and the additional inlet (227) to improve the humidification efficiency using the intermediate portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle (221). The present invention described above is not limited to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, and it will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. This is a component of a fuel cell humidifier that uses a humidified gas to humidify the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack. A mid-body housing at least one cartridge containing a hollow fiber membrane bundle; A mid-port inlet for introducing the first gas into the mid-port body; A mid outlet positioned along the first axial direction, spaced apart from the mid inlet, for discharging the first gas from inside the mid body; A partition wall disposed inside the mid-body, which divides the inside of the mid-body into an inlet space through which the first gas flows in and an outlet space through which the first gas flows out; and An additional partition wall is disposed inside the mid-body and positioned between the mid-inlet and the partition wall with respect to the first axial direction; The partition wall is positioned such that, with respect to the first axial direction, the distance from the mid outlet is shorter than the distance from the mid inlet. The mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier is characterized in that the additional partition wall has through holes formed therein for allowing the first gas to pass through.

2. Multiple of the additional partitions are arranged inside the main body of the mid-mounted unit. The mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional partitions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction.

3. With respect to the first axial direction, the first additional partition wall is positioned at a greater distance from the partition wall than the second additional partition wall. The mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the first through hole formed in the first additional partition wall has a larger area than the second through hole formed in the second additional partition wall.

4. Each of the aforementioned additional partitions has a passage hole formed therein for allowing the first gas to pass through. The mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the through holes are formed such that the area becomes smaller the closer they are to the partition wall, with reference to the first axial direction.

5. A humidification module that uses a humidified gas to humidify the dry gas supplied to the fuel cell stack; A first cap coupled to one end of the humidifying module; and A second cap coupled to the other end of the humidification module; The humidification module includes a mid-case with both ends open, and at least one cartridge housed inside the mid-case. The aforementioned mid-case is, A mid-body unit housing the aforementioned cartridge; A mid-port inlet for introducing the first gas into the mid-port body; A mid outlet positioned along the first axial direction, spaced apart from the mid inlet, for discharging the first gas from inside the mid body; A partition wall disposed inside the mid-body, which divides the inside of the mid-body into an inlet space through which the first gas flows in and an outlet space through which the first gas flows out; and An additional partition wall is disposed inside the mid-body and positioned between the mid-inlet and the partition wall with respect to the first axial direction; The partition wall is positioned such that, with respect to the first axial direction, the distance from the mid outlet is shorter than the distance from the mid inlet. A fuel cell humidifier characterized in that the additional partition wall has through holes formed therein for allowing the first gas to pass through.

6. Multiple of the additional partitions are arranged inside the main body of the mid-mounted unit. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional partitions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction.

7. With respect to the first axial direction, the first additional partition wall is positioned at a greater distance from the partition wall than the second additional partition wall. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 6, characterized in that the first through hole formed in the first additional partition wall has a larger area than the second through hole formed in the second additional partition wall.

8. Each of the aforementioned additional partitions has a passage hole formed therein for allowing the first gas to pass through. The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 6, characterized in that the through holes are formed such that the area of ​​the holes becomes smaller the closer they are to the partition wall, with reference to the first axial direction.

9. The aforementioned cartridge is An inner case having openings at both ends; An inner inlet for introducing the first gas into the interior of the inner case; An inner outlet positioned along the first axial direction, spaced apart from the inner inlet, for releasing the first gas from inside the inner case; and The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes an additional inlet for introducing a first gas into the interior of the inner case, which is positioned between the additional partition wall and the partition wall portion with respect to the first axial direction.

10. Multiple of the additional partitions are arranged inside the main body of the mid-mounted unit. The additional partitions are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction. The cartridge includes a plurality of the additional inlets, The additional inlets are arranged spaced apart from each other along the first axial direction, The fuel cell humidifier according to claim 9, characterized in that the additional inlets are arranged between each of the additional partitions with reference to the first axial direction.

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