Fuel cell membrane humidifier and cartridge for fuel cell membrane humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell and a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier, and more specifically, to a humidification module that humidifies air supplied from the outside by moisture in exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack; and an outer cap coupled to one end of the humidification module and having an outlet portion formed therein for discharging humidified air, wherein the humidification module comprises: a mid case having both ends open; and at least one cartridge disposed within the mid case and comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes through which air supplied from the outside passes, and a potting portion that fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier and a fuel cell humidifier cartridge, comprising a packing member detachably coupled to an open end of the humidification module so that the outer cap can fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membranes, wherein the packing member comprises a packing body having an insertion hole formed at a position corresponding to the potting part, and a protrusion protruding from the inner circumference of the insertion hole and contacting the potting part to ensure airtightness, wherein the potting part has a receiving groove formed inwardly concavely so that the protrusion can be inserted and fitted into the potting part, the potting part being disposed at a position corresponding to the protrusion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell and a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier, and more specifically, to a humidifier for a fuel cell and a cartridge for a fuel cell humidifier that can significantly increase airtightness with a simple structure. Background Technology

[0002] A fuel cell is a power generation type battery that produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike general chemical batteries such as dry batteries or storage batteries, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied, and they have the advantage of being about twice as efficient as internal combustion engines because there is no heat loss.

[0003] Furthermore, because it directly converts chemical energy generated by the combination of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, it emits fewer pollutants. Therefore, fuel cells have the advantage of not only being environmentally friendly but also alleviating concerns about resource depletion caused by increased energy consumption.

[0004] These fuel cells can be broadly classified into polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and alkaline fuel cells (AFC) depending on the type of electrolyte used.

[0005] Although each of these fuel cells operates on the fundamentally same principle, they differ in the type of fuel used, operating temperature, catalyst, and electrolyte. Among these, polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) are known to be the most promising for transportation systems as well as small-scale stationary power generation equipment, as they operate at lower temperatures compared to other fuel cells and enable miniaturization due to their high power density.

[0006] One of the most critical factors in improving the performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) is maintaining the moisture content of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (or Proton Exchange Membrane: PEM) within the Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) by supplying a certain amount of water. This is because power generation efficiency drops sharply if the polymer electrolyte membrane dries out.

[0007] Methods for humidifying polymer electrolyte membranes include: 1) a bubbler humidification method in which water is filled into a pressure vessel and then the target gas is passed through a diffuser to supply moisture; 2) a direct injection method in which moisture is supplied directly to the gas flow tube through a solenoid valve by calculating the amount of moisture required for the fuel cell reaction; and 3) a humidification membrane method in which moisture is supplied to the fluidized bed of the gas using a polymer membrane.

[0008] Among these, the membrane humidification method, which humidifies the polymer electrolyte membrane by supplying water vapor to the air supplied to the membrane using a membrane that selectively permeates only the water vapor contained in the flue gas, is advantageous in that it allows for the humidification of the humidifier to be made lighter and smaller.

[0009] When forming modules for selective permeability membranes used in membrane humidification methods, hollow fiber membranes with a large permeable surface area per unit volume are preferable. In other words, manufacturing a humidifier using hollow fiber membranes enables high-density integration of the membranes with a large contact surface area, allowing sufficient humidification of the fuel cell even with a small capacity. Furthermore, it offers the advantages of enabling the use of low-cost materials and recovering moisture and heat contained in the off-gas emitted at high temperatures from the fuel cell for reuse through the humidifier.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fuel cell humidifier according to the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell humidifier (100) of the prior art 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 an out cap (120) coupled to both ends of the humidification module (110).

[0011] One of the out caps (120) supplies air supplied from the outside to the humidification module (110), and the other supplies air humidified by the humidification module (110) to the fuel cell stack.

[0012] The humidification module (110) comprises 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 a bundle of hollow fiber membranes (112) are fixed to a potting section (113). The potting section (113) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting method.

[0013] Air supplied from the outside flows along the hollows inside the hollow fiber membranes (112). The exhaust gas introduced into the mid case (111) through the exhaust gas inlet (111a) comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (112) and is then discharged from the mid case (111) through the exhaust gas outlet (111b). When the exhaust gas comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (112), the moisture contained in the exhaust gas passes through the hollow fiber membranes (112), thereby humidifying the air flowing along the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes (112).

[0014] The internal spaces of the outer cap (120) must be fluidly connected only to the hollows of the hollow fiber membranes (112) and must be isolated from the internal spaces of the mid case (111). Otherwise, air leakage due to pressure difference will occur, reducing the amount of humidified air supplied to the fuel cell stack and lowering the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0015] Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the humidifier (100) has a potting section (113) in which the ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (112) are fixed, and a resin layer (114) between the potting section (113) and the mid case (111) blocks the internal spaces of the out cap (120) and the internal space of the mid case (111). Similar to the potting section (113), the resin layer (114) is generally formed by curing a liquid polymer, such as a liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting method.

[0016] However, the casting process for forming the resin layer (114) requires a relatively large amount of processing time, which reduces the productivity of the humidifier (100).

[0017] In addition, since the resin layer (114) is adhered to the inner wall of the mid-case (111) as well as the potting part (113), if a problem occurs with the hollow fiber membrane (112), the entire humidification module (110) must be replaced, resulting in enormous maintenance costs.

[0018] Furthermore, repeated operation of the fuel cell is highly likely to cause a gap between the resin layer (114) and the mid case (111). That is, as the operation and shutdown of the fuel cell are repeated, the expansion and contraction of the resin layer (114) occur alternately, and due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the mid case (111) and the resin layer (114), there is a high probability that the resin layer (114) will detach from the mid case (111). As described above, if a gap is caused between the resin layer (114) and the mid case (111), air leakage due to the pressure difference occurs, reducing the amount of humidified air supplied to the fuel cell stack and lowering the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell.

[0019] To prevent air leakage caused by the gap between the resin layer (114) and the mid case (111), one might consider performing additional processes such as applying a sealant between them and / or mounting an outer gasket assembly, but these additional processes themselves require additional processing time, which reduces the productivity of the humidifier (100).

[0020] Additionally, repeated operation of the fuel cell causes disturbances such as vibration and shock to the multiple hollow fiber membranes (112), and these disturbances cause gaps to form between the resin layer (114) and the mid-case (111), and between the resin layer (114) and the potting part (113), and consequently, air leakage occurs due to the pressure difference, which reduces the amount of humidified air supplied to the fuel cell stack and lowers the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell. The problem to be solved

[0021] The present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems, and more specifically, has the technical objective of providing a fuel cell humidifier and a fuel cell humidifier cartridge that significantly improve airtightness while reducing maintenance costs. means of solving the problem

[0022] In a humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention for achieving the above-described technical purpose,

[0023] A humidification module that humidifies air supplied from the outside by moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack; and an out cap coupled to one end of the humidification module and having an outlet portion formed therein for discharging humidified air, wherein

[0024] The above humidification module is,

[0025] Mid-case with both ends open;

[0026] At least one cartridge comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed within the above midcase and through which air supplied from the outside passes, and a potting portion that fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; and

[0027] The above-mentioned outer cap includes a packing member detachably coupled to an open end of the humidification module so that it can fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membranes, and

[0028] The above packing member comprises a packing body having an insertion hole formed at a position corresponding to the potting part, and a protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumference of the insertion hole and contacts the potting part to ensure airtightness.

[0029] In the above-mentioned potting portion, a receiving groove is formed that is concave inwardly and is positioned at a location corresponding to the above-mentioned protrusion, so that the above-mentioned protrusion can be inserted and fitted together.

[0030] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0031] The above receiving groove may extend along the circumference of the potting portion.

[0032] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0033] The above receiving grooves may be spaced apart and arranged in multiple numbers in the insertion direction of the packing member.

[0034] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0035] The above-mentioned receiving groove is formed by a pair of side walls facing each other and positioned in the insertion direction of the packing member, and the receiving groove may be formed in an inverted triangular shape.

[0036] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0037] The above side wall may be composed of a first side wall positioned in front of the insertion direction of the packing member and a second side wall facing the first side wall.

[0038] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0039] The first side wall is positioned vertically, and the second side wall may be positioned at an angle.

[0040] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0041] The first side wall is configured to slope in a direction that moves away from the second side wall as it goes downward, and the area of ​​the bottom of the receiving groove may be larger than the area of ​​the entrance of the receiving groove.

[0042] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0043] The second side wall is configured to slope in a direction that moves away from the first side wall as it goes downward, and the area of ​​the bottom of the receiving groove may be larger than the area of ​​the entrance of the receiving groove.

[0044] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0045] The above potting part is,

[0046] It comprises a potting body that fixes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a cover layer that surrounds the outer surface of the potting body.

[0047] The above receiving groove can be formed in the cover layer.

[0048] In the above-mentioned humidifier for fuel cells,

[0049] The above cover layer may be made of a material harder than the above potting body.

[0050] A fuel cell humidifier cartridge of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is used in a humidification module in which air supplied from the outside is humidified by moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack and an outer cap is coupled to one end, and is provided inside a mid-case having both ends open, wherein

[0051] A plurality of hollow fiber membranes that extend unidirectionally within the mid-case and through which air supplied from the outside passes;

[0052] It includes a potting portion that fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes mentioned above,

[0053] In the above-mentioned potting portion, a packing member is made in airtight contact with one end of the humidification module and is detachably coupled to one end of the mid-case so that the exhaust gas can fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membrane.

[0054] The above-mentioned potting portion includes a receiving groove into which the packing member can be fitted.

[0055] In the above humidifier cartridge,

[0056] The above-mentioned receiving groove may be formed in a ring shape by extending along the circumference of the potting portion. Effects of the invention

[0057] The humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention has the advantage that airtightness can be greatly improved because the packing member can be fitted and coupled to the potting part where the packing member makes airtight contact.

[0058] In addition, the humidifier for a fuel cell according to the present invention has the advantage of being easy to maintain as the packing member is installed detachably. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0059] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a fuel cell humidifier according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a fuel cell humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a fuel cell humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel cell humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the combined appearance of a sealing member and a potting part of a fuel cell humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows various forms of a potting section applied to a fuel cell humidifier according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fuel cell humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the combined appearance of a sealing member and a potting part of a fuel cell humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the combined appearance of a fuel cell humidifier according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0060] The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of explaining the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific description thereof.

[0061] In this disclosure, "Examples" are arbitrary classifications intended to facilitate the explanation of the technical concept of this disclosure, and each embodiment does not need to be mutually exclusive. For example, configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and implemented in other embodiments, and may be modified and applied and implemented to the extent that they do not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] All technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure, unless otherwise defined, have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All terms used in this disclosure are selected for the purpose of further clarifying this disclosure and are not selected to limit the scope of the rights under this disclosure.

[0063] Expressions such as “comprising,” “comprising,” “having,” etc. used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms implying the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence containing such expressions.

[0064] Expressions such as "composed only of" a component used in this disclosure should be understood as closed-ended terms that exclude the possibility of including other components in addition to the component.

[0065] Unless otherwise stated, singular expressions described in this disclosure may include a plural meaning, and this applies likewise to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0066] Expressions such as "first," "second," etc. used in this disclosure are used to distinguish multiple components from one another and do not limit the order or importance of said components.

[0067] Directional indicators used in this disclosure, such as "horizontal direction," refer to the direction in which the hollow fiber membrane is extended with reference to FIG. 2, and "upward / downward direction" and "vertical direction" refer to directions perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This is merely a standard for explanation to ensure that this disclosure is clearly understood, and it is understood that the upper and lower sides may be defined differently depending on where the standard is placed.

[0068] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments below, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

[0069] A humidifier (200) for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a humidification module (210) and an out cap (250).

[0070] The above humidification module (210) humidifies air supplied from the outside by moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack and includes a mid case (220), a cartridge (230), and a packing member (240).

[0071] The above mid case (220) is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and an outer cap (250) is attached to both ends that are open.

[0072] Specifically, the mid case (220) has a hollow fiber membrane passing through it to connect the two ends that are open inside, and a flue gas inlet (221) and a flue gas outlet (222) are formed on one side. In the internal hollow of the hollow fiber membranes (231), air supplied from the outside, which is dry gas, moves in a horizontal direction, and flue gas containing moisture flows around the periphery of the hollow fiber membranes (231), so that the moisture in the flue gas is transferred to the dry air passing through the internal hollow of the hollow fiber membrane.

[0073] The exhaust gas inlet (221) is positioned on one side of the mid case (220), and the exhaust gas outlet (222) is formed around the exhaust gas inlet (221) at a horizontal distance from the exhaust gas inlet (221), so that the humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack is introduced from the exhaust gas inlet (221) of the mid case (220) and discharged to the adjacent exhaust gas outlet (222), and in this process, moisture exchange with the air flowing horizontally inside the hollow fiber membrane is performed.

[0074] These mid-cases (220) may be formed of hard plastic or metal and may have a circular or polygonal cross-section in the width direction. The circular includes elliptical shapes, and the polygon includes polygons with rounded corners. The hard plastic, which is one of the materials of these mid-cases (220), may be polycarbonate, polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), etc.

[0075] A cartridge support (not shown) is formed on the central inner surface of the mid case (220) to protrude inward and support a cartridge (230). Specifically, the cartridge (230) may consist of a hollow fiber membrane and a potting part (232) that fixes them together, and a cartridge support for fixing and supporting the cartridge (230) may be formed in the mid case (220).

[0076] A single cartridge (230) may be formed inside the mid case (220), or two or more cartridges (230) may be inserted. When a single cartridge (230) is provided, the cartridge support is configured to extend along the inner wall surface of the mid case (220) to have a closed curve shape. When two or more cartridges (230) are inserted, a plurality of closed curve ring-shaped cartridge supports may be formed inside the mid case (220), crossing one inner side of the mid case (220) or the middle of the mid case (220).

[0077] The cartridge (230) comprises a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (231) disposed within the midcase (220) through which air supplied from the outside passes, and a potting portion (232) that fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (231).

[0078] Hollow fiber membranes (231) may use a material having high permeability and high membrane strength, and for this purpose, a porous material may be used. Specifically, they may include a polymer membrane formed from porous polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfonated polysulfone resin, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polyesterimide resin, or a mixture of at least two of these.

[0079] Air supplied from the outside flows along the internal hollows of the hollow fiber membranes (231). The exhaust gas introduced into the mid case (220) through the exhaust gas inlet (221) comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (231) and is then discharged from the mid case (220) through the exhaust gas outlet (222). When the exhaust gas comes into contact with the outer surface of the hollow fiber membranes (231), the moisture contained in the exhaust gas passes through the hollow fiber membranes (231), thereby humidifying the dry outside air flowing inside the hollow fiber membranes (231).

[0080] The above potting section (232) can be formed by curing a liquid resin, such as a liquid polyurethane resin, through a casting method such as deep potting or centrifugal potting. The potting section (232) is configured by integrally gathering a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (231) into a module shape and is configured to connect one end and the other end of the hollow fiber membranes (231).

[0081] The potting portion (232) is formed in the shape of a roughly square plate, and a packing member (240) is in contact with its outer surface to ensure airtightness. Specifically, the packing member (240) has an inwardly protruding protrusion (2421) that contacts the outer surface of the potting portion (232). A receiving groove (2321) is formed on the outer surface of the potting portion (232) so that it is inwardly concave to accommodate the protrusion (2421) of the packing member (240). When the protrusion (2421) of the packing member (240) is inserted into the receiving groove (2321), a gap is not created between the packing member (240) and the potting portion (232) due to air pressure.

[0082] Specifically, a plurality of receiving grooves (2321) are arranged on the outer surface of the potting portion (232) at positions corresponding to the protrusions (2421). The receiving grooves (2321) may have a depth of at least half the protrusion length of the protrusion so that the protrusions (2421) of the packing member (240) can be sufficiently received, for example, so that at least half of the protrusion length of the protrusion (2421) can be inserted.

[0083] The receiving grooves (2321) of the potting portion (232) are configured such that a plurality of them are arranged along the direction in which the packing member (240) is inserted, for example, along the first horizontal direction (HD1). The plurality of receiving grooves (2321) extend in the first horizontal direction (HD1), so that during the process of fitting the packing member (240) into the potting portion, the protrusion (2421) can be inserted into any one of the plurality of receiving grooves (2321). FIG. 3 illustrates the formation of two protrusions (2421), wherein the two protrusions (2421) are configured to be inserted and seated within two of the three receiving grooves (2321).

[0084] These receiving grooves (2321) are arranged along the insertion direction of the packing member (240). Each receiving groove (2321) includes a pair of side walls (2322) facing each other, and the receiving grooves (2321) may have an inverted triangular shape.

[0085] The receiving groove (2321) is composed of a first side wall (2322a) and a second side wall (2322b) positioned in the insertion direction of the packing member (240), wherein the first side wall (2322a) is positioned in front of the packing member (240) with respect to the insertion direction, and the second side wall (2322b) is positioned in a position facing the first side wall (2322a) with respect to the insertion direction of the packing member (240) with respect to the rear.

[0086] The first side wall (2322a) is positioned forward relative to the insertion direction of the packing member (240), so that it comes into contact with the second side wall (2322b) before the packing member (240) enters the mid-case (220). This first side wall (2322a) is configured to be erected in a relatively vertical direction (VD), so that when a pressure difference occurs, the protrusion (2421) is flipped over by the vertically erected first side wall (2322a), preventing a gap from forming between it and the potting part (232).

[0087] The second side wall (2322b) is formed in a relatively gentle slope, so that the protrusion (2421) can easily move along the gentle slope as the packing member (240) moves into the mid-case (220). If the depth of the receiving groove (2321) is deep, and the second side wall (2322b) is erected vertically, it is difficult for the packing member (240) to move beyond the receiving groove (2321) to an adjacent receiving groove (2321). Therefore, to facilitate the movement of the packing member (240), it is preferable for the second side wall (2322b) to form a gentle slope.

[0088] The packing member (240) is detachably coupled to an open end of the humidification module (210) so that the outer cap (250) can fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membranes (231). Specifically, the outer side of the packing member (240) is installed at each of the open ends of the mid case (220), and the inner side is fitted into a cartridge (230) installed inside the mid case (220). This packing member (240) includes a packing body (241) in which an insertion hole (242) is formed at a position corresponding to the potting part (232), and a protrusion (2421) that protrudes from the inner circumference of the insertion hole (242) and contacts the potting part (232) to ensure airtightness.

[0089] Specifically, the packing member (240) prevents exhaust gas from flowing into the air inlet (251) or air outlet (252). Specifically, exhaust gas flows horizontally within the internal space of the mid case (220). This exhaust gas must be discharged to the outside of the mid case (220) through the exhaust gas outlet (222), and the packing member (240) is provided so that this exhaust gas is not discharged through the air inlet (251) or air outlet (252) through the ends of the mid case (220) instead of the exhaust gas outlet (222). The exhaust gas is configured to be discharged through the exhaust gas outlet (222) after providing moisture to the dry air through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0090] These packing members (240) are installed on the air inlet side where air is introduced and on the air outlet side where air is discharged, respectively. The packing members (240) are detachably fixedly installed at the end of the mid case (220), and their edges are fitted between the mid case (220) and the outer cap (250) to be fixedly connected.

[0091] The above packing member (240) is made of a rubber material, and a metal plate is inserted inside as a reinforcing material. The metal plate allows the lower packing member (240) to maintain airtightness without deformation even when pressure is applied to it.

[0092] Additionally, the packing member (240) has an insertion hole (242) into which a cartridge (230) is inserted, so that the cartridge (230) is inserted into the insertion hole (242) in a hermetically sealed manner.

[0093] A protrusion (2421) is formed on the inner surface of the insertion hole (242) of the packing body (241) to contact the potting portion (232) so as to provide airtightness. The protrusion (2421) has the shape of a closed curve ring along the inner wall of the insertion hole (242), and the protrusion (2421) contacts the outer surface of the potting portion (232) so as to provide airtightness.

[0094] A plurality of these protrusions (2421) are spaced apart from each other on the inner surface of the insertion hole (242). During the process of the packing member (240) entering the interior of the mid-case (220), the potting part (232) is fitted into the insertion hole (242). During this entry process, the protrusions (2421) of the insertion hole (242) are configured to be inserted into the receiving groove (2321) of the potting part (232). When the protrusions (2421) are inserted into the receiving groove (2321), even if air pressure is applied to the protrusions (2421), the protrusions (2421) are inserted into the receiving groove (2321) rather than in contact with the surface of the potting part. Therefore, the protrusions (2421) do not move out of the receiving groove (2321) due to pressure and remain within the receiving groove (2321), thereby preventing a gap from forming between the packing member (240) and the potting part (232).

[0095] The above-mentioned out cap (250) is coupled to one end of the humidification module (210) and allows external air to be introduced or discharged.

[0096] These out caps (250) include an inlet side out cap in which an air inlet is formed to introduce external dry air, and an outlet side out cap in which humidified air supplied with moisture by exhaust gas is discharged.

[0097] The inlet side out cap (250) allows external air supplied by a blower to enter through the air inlet (251), and the air flows through one side of the mid case (220) via the hollow fiber membrane. The discharge side out cap (250) has an air outlet (252) formed to send humidified air, which has passed through the hollow fiber membrane, to the stack.

[0098] The outer cap (250) may be formed of hard plastic or metal and may have a circular or polygonal cross-section in the width direction. The circular shape includes an elliptical shape, and the polygonal shape includes a polygon with rounded corners. For example, the hard plastic may be polycarbonate, polyamide (PA), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), etc.

[0099] High-pressure air introduced through a blower or the like flows through the inside of the outer cap (250), and to prevent deformation or damage, reinforcing ribs or the like may be formed on the inner surface of the outer cap (250) to prevent deformation.

[0100] In a fuel cell humidifier (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a packing member (240) is placed at each end of a mid case (220), and an outer cap (250) is placed on the outer circumference thereof. First, the packing member (240) is attached to the mid case (220), and then the outer cap (250) is attached to the mid case (220) by means of a bolt or the like to complete the assembly.

[0101] Specifically, during the process of joining the packing member (240) to the mid case (220), the protrusion (2421) positioned on the inner surface of the insertion hole (242) is configured to be inserted into the receiving groove (2321) of the potting part (232). A plurality of protrusions (2421) are each inserted into and received in the corresponding receiving groove (2321), and subsequently, by joining the outer cap (250) to the mid case (220), the packing member (240) is fixed in position between the mid case (220) and the outer cap (250).

[0102] When pressure is generated by the airflow during the humidification process, even if the protrusion (2421) is deformed, the protrusion (2421) is inserted into the receiving groove (2321), so the protrusion (2421) does not easily escape from the receiving groove (2321) and remains within the receiving groove (2321), thereby preventing a decrease in airtightness performance.

[0103] The fuel cell humidifier (200) according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as follows.

[0104] Specifically, the shape of the receiving groove (2321) can be formed in a trapezoidal shape with a large bottom area and a narrow entrance, as shown in FIG. 5, rather than an inverted triangle shape. That is, the first side wall (3322a) is configured to be inclined in a direction that moves away from the second side wall (3322b) as it goes downward, and the bottom area of ​​the receiving groove (3321) can be larger than the entrance area of ​​the receiving groove (3321). In this way, when the bottom area of ​​the receiving groove (3321) is large, the protrusion (3421) can be prevented from moving out of the receiving groove (3321) by air pressure as much as possible, thereby preventing a decrease in airtightness.

[0105] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the membrane humidifier may be formed such that the receiving groove (4321) is in the shape of an inverted equilateral triangle (Fig. 6(a)), an inverted right triangle with the second side wall of the receiving groove (4321) standing vertically (Fig. 6(b)), or a parallelogram (Fig. 6(c)). The receiving groove is not limited to the examples described above, and various shapes are possible.

[0106] Meanwhile, although the above-described embodiment exemplifies a potting section made of a single material, the potting section can be made of a potting body (732a) that fixes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a cover layer (732b) that surrounds the outer surface of the potting body (732a), as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0107] Specifically, the potting body (732a) housed in the mid-case (720) of the humidifier (700) is formed by fixing the ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (731) and by curing a liquid resin such as liquid polyurethane resin through a casting method such as deep potting or centrifugal potting.

[0108] The cover layer (732b) covers the outer surface of the potting body (732a), specifically having a thin thickness and is configured to completely wrap around the surface of the potting body (732a). This cover layer (732b) has a shape of a thin strip. The cover layer (732b) may be made of the same material as the potting body (732a), but may be made of a material that is harder than the potting body (732a). The cover layer (732b) is configured to have a receiving groove (7321) formed therein, and a protrusion (7421) can be inserted into the receiving groove (7321) of the cover layer (732b).

[0109] If the above cover layer (732b) is made of a material harder than the above potting body (7321a), the protrusion (7421) can also be supported more stably. Specifically, since the protrusion (7421) is supported within the receiving groove (7321) of the cover layer (732b) made of a hard material, the protrusion (7421) is stably supported within the receiving groove (7321) even when pressure is high, and accordingly, airtightness is increased.

[0110] The shape of the receiving groove (7321) can be such that, as shown in FIG. 8, the first side wall is erected in a vertical direction and the second side wall forms a gentle angle of inclination, or as shown in FIG. 9, the receiving groove (8321) can have a shape in which a plurality of protrusions are extended horizontally.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and variations, and can be implemented in various modified ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0112] 200...Humidifier 210...Humidification module 220...Mid case 221...Vacation gas inlet 222...exhaust gas outlet 230...cartridge 231...Hollow fiber deserts 232...Porting section 2321...Reception home 2322...Side wall 2322a...1st side wall 2322b...2nd side wall 240...Packing component 241...Packing body 242...Insertion hole 2421...Protrusion 250...Out cap 251...Air inlet 252...air outlet

Claims

Claim 1 A humidifier for a fuel cell comprises: a humidification module that humidifies air supplied from the outside by moisture in the exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack; and an outer cap coupled to one end of the humidification module and through which external air is introduced or discharged, wherein the humidification module comprises: a mid case having both ends open; and at least one cartridge disposed within the mid case and comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes through which air supplied from the outside passes, and a potting portion that fixes the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The apparatus includes a packing member detachably coupled to an open end of the humidification module so that the outer cap can fluidly communicate only with the hollow fiber membranes, wherein the packing member comprises a packing body having an insertion hole formed at a position corresponding to the potting part, and a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the insertion hole and contacting the potting part to ensure airtightness, wherein the potting part has a receiving groove formed inwardly concavely so that the protrusion can be inserted and fitted into the potting part and positioned at a position corresponding to the protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is a projection formed by being pre-molded integrally with the packing body, wherein the packing body is spaced apart from the outer surface of the potting part and only the protrusion is inserted into the receiving groove of the potting part and contacts the inner surface of the receiving groove to ensure airtightness, wherein a metal plate is formed inside the packing body and extends in a direction parallel to the protrusion direction and perpendicular to the insertion direction of the packing member, wherein a plurality of the protrusions are arranged along the insertion direction of the packing member, and the metal plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the packing member A humidifier for a fuel cell, characterized in that an extended virtual plane passes between protrusions, the receiving groove is formed by a pair of side walls facing each other and positioned in the insertion direction of a packing member, the receiving groove is formed in an inverted triangular shape, and the side walls consist of a first side wall positioned forward with respect to the insertion direction of the packing member and a second side wall facing the first side wall, wherein the first side wall is positioned vertically and the second side wall is positioned at an angle. Claim 2 A humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the receiving groove is extended along the circumference of the potting portion. Claim 3 A humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving grooves are spaced apart and arranged in a plurality in the insertion direction of the packing member. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the potting portion comprises a potting body that fixes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a cover layer that surrounds the outer surface of the potting body, and wherein the receiving groove is formed in the cover layer. Claim 10 A humidifier for a fuel cell according to claim 9, wherein the cover layer is made of a material harder than the potting body. Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete

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