Fuel cell humidifier including replaceable unit module

Abstract

A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to the present invention comprises: a module housing in the shape of a hexahedron and having a first opening on the upper surface, the lower surface, the front surface, and the rear surface; a unit module mounted to the module housing and including a cartridge having a humidification membrane therein; and an outer housing to which one or more of the unit modules are mounted to be assemblable.

Description

Humidifier for fuel cell with replaceable unit module

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module, and more particularly, to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module capable of easily replacing cartridges by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing to manufacture a fuel cell humidifier.

[0002] A fuel cell is a power-generating battery that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. Unlike conventional chemical cells like batteries or accumulators, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied. They also have the advantage of no heat loss, making them about twice as efficient as internal combustion engines.

[0003] A fuel cell system includes a stack, which is an electricity-generating assembly of unit fuel cells composed of an air electrode and a fuel electrode, an air supply device for supplying air to the air electrode of the fuel cell, and a hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode of the fuel cell.

[0004] In order for the ion exchange membrane of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of the polymer fuel cell of the fuel cell system to function smoothly, an appropriate amount of moisture is required, and for this purpose, a humidifier is provided in the air supply device of the fuel cell system to humidify the air supplied to the fuel cell.

[0005] The humidifier uses the moisture in the high-temperature, humid exhaust gas discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell to humidify the dry gas supplied through the air compressor of the air supply device, and supplies the humidified air to the cathode of the fuel cell.

[0006] Fuel cell humidifiers utilize a membrane humidification method. These humidifiers achieve membrane humidification through a gas-to-gas moisture exchange process between the high-temperature, humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell's cathode and the dry gas supplied by the air compressor.

[0007] A fuel cell humidifier may include a cartridge in which a humidifying membrane made of hollow fiber is placed. Drying gas passes through the hollow fiber membrane through one side and the other side of the cartridge, and an opening (window) is provided on the side of the cartridge that opens to the outside.

[0008] Exhaust gas flows into the cartridge through the above-mentioned opening of the cartridge, and the exhaust gas flowing into the cartridge exchanges moisture with the dry gas passing through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0009] However, fuel cell humidifiers using conventional cartridges have the following problems. The housing of the fuel cell humidifier may be equipped with multiple cartridges, and the number of cartridges equipped inside the housing may vary depending on the amount of humidified air supplied to the fuel cell.

[0010] Cartridges used in fuel cell humidifiers may be limited in size to maximize the efficiency of the humidifying membrane. Consequently, manufacturing large-capacity fuel cell humidifiers requires a large number of cartridges. Furthermore, the types of cartridges used within fuel cell humidifiers vary depending on the design, making efficient mass production difficult.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional fuel cell humidifiers using cartridges face the challenge of making cartridge replacement difficult when the humidifying membrane inside the cartridge becomes damaged. The use of a fuel cell humidifier can damage the humidifying membrane inside the cartridge, necessitating replacement.

[0012] However, conventional fuel cell humidifiers using cartridges have a problem in that it is difficult to replace cartridges with damaged humidifying membranes because the cartridge and housing are formed as one piece.

[0013] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and more specifically, relates to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module capable of easily replacing a cartridge by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing to manufacture a fuel cell humidifier.

[0014] The present invention provides a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module for solving the above-described problems, characterized by including a module housing having a hexahedral shape and having first openings on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface, a unit module including a cartridge mounted on the module housing and having a humidifying film therein; and an external housing into which one or more of the unit modules are assembleably mounted.

[0015] In order to solve the above-described problem, any one of the first openings provided in one unit module mounted on the outer housing of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention can be communicated with any one of the first openings provided in another unit module.

[0016] The outer housing of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention for solving the above-described problem may be provided with an exhaust gas inlet for introducing exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging the exhaust gas.

[0017] In order to solve the above-described problem, the outer housing of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention may be provided with an inner frame that partitions the inner space of the outer housing.

[0018] In order to solve the above-described problem, the internal frame of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention is provided with a second opening that is open to the outside, and when the unit module is mounted on the external housing, any one of the first openings provided in the unit module can be connected to the second opening.

[0019] In order to solve the above-described problem, the unit module of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention is provided with a module housing having a through hole in which the cartridge is mounted and a first support portion disposed in the middle portion of the module housing, and the first opening portions provided on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the module housing can be divided based on the first support portion.

[0020] The inner frame of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a second opening open to the outside and a second support part closed to the outside, and the second opening of the inner frame can be divided based on the second support part.

[0021] When the unit module is mounted on the outer housing of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention to solve the above-described problem, one of the first openings provided in the unit module can be connected to the second opening.

[0022] In order to solve the above-described problem, the external housing or the internal frame of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention may be provided with a sliding rail for moving the unit module.

[0023] In order to solve the above-described problem, a sealing member may be provided between the unit module of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention and the inner frame of the outer housing.

[0024] In order to solve the above-described problem, a sealing member may be provided between the unit module of the fuel cell humidifier including the replaceable unit module of the present invention and the external housing.

[0025] In order to solve the above-described problem, in a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module of the present invention, when the column-shaped cartridge is fixed to one side and the other side of the module housing, a sealing member may be provided between the cartridge and the module housing.

[0026] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module, and has the advantage of being able to easily replace cartridges by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing to manufacture a fuel cell humidifier.

[0027] The present invention has the advantage of being able to replace the unit modules of a fuel cell humidifier during use, and being able to replace all or part of the cartridge by replacing the unit modules during use of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0028] The present invention has the advantage of being able to manufacture a large-capacity fuel cell humidifier by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing.

[0029] The present invention has the advantage of easily manufacturing a humidifier for a fuel cell by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a unit module of a fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a fuel cell humidifier manufactured by mounting a plurality of unit modules in an external housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 is a side view of Figure 3.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an outer housing and an inner frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention in which a sliding rail is provided in an outer housing and an inner frame.

[0036] This specification clarifies the scope of the present invention and explains the principles of the invention and discloses embodiments thereof to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various forms.

[0037] Expressions such as “includes” or “may include” that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention indicate the existence of the disclosed function, operation, or component, etc., and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components, etc. In addition, in various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the existence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] When a component is referred to as being "connected, coupled" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, there may also be a new component between the component and the other component. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that no new component exists between the component and the other component.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0040] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module, and relates to a fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module capable of easily replacing cartridges by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing in a prefabricated manner. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a unit module (100) and an external housing (200).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the unit module (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a module housing (110) and a cartridge (120).

[0043] The above module housing (110) is formed in a hexahedral shape and has a first opening (117) provided on the upper surface (113), the lower surface (114), the front surface (115), and the rear surface (116). The upper surface (113) of the module housing (110) may be the upper surface with reference to FIG. 1, and the lower surface (114) may be the surface facing the upper surface (113).

[0044] The front surface (115) of the module housing (110) may be a surface of the front part with reference to Fig. 1, and the rear surface (116) may be a surface facing the front surface (115). One side surface (111) of the module housing (110) may be a surface provided on one side of the upper surface (113) and the front surface (115) with reference to Fig. 1, and the other side surface (112) of the module housing (110) may be a surface provided on the other side of the upper surface (113) and the front surface (115) with reference to Fig. 1.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the module housing (110) may be provided with a first opening (117) that is open to the outside on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116).

[0046] The above first opening (117) may be a part that is open to the outside so that air can move, and external air can move into the inside of the module housing (110) through the first opening (117).

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110) may be closed to the outside. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one side and the other side of the cartridge (120) may be fixed to the one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110), and the one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110) may be closed to prevent air from moving.

[0048] Since the one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110) are closed, external air cannot move into the module housing (110) through the one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110). However, the cartridge (120) may be provided with a hole that is connected to the humidifying film while communicating with the outside, and external air can move into the cartridge (120) through the hole.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 1, the cartridge (120) is mounted on the module housing (110) and has a humidifying membrane provided therein. The cartridge (120) is formed in a columnar shape and can be fixed to one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110).

[0050] The above cartridge (120) is formed in a columnar shape and can extend from one side (111) of the module housing (110) to the other side (112), and a humidifying film can be provided inside the cartridge (120).

[0051] The cartridge (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed as a columnar structure having a cross-section of various shapes. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cartridge (120) is illustrated as having a circular cross-section, but is not limited thereto. The cross-section of the cartridge (120) may be formed in a circular, oval, polygonal, or rectangular shape with semicircles attached to both ends.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more cartridges (120) may be mounted on the module housing (110), and a plurality of cartridges (120) may be mounted on the module housing (110).

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge (120) may include an inner case, a humidifying membrane, and a fixing member. The inner case may be a case having a space therein, and the humidifying membrane may be placed inside the inner case.

[0054] The above humidifying membrane may be a humidifying membrane that exchanges moisture between exhaust gas and dry air, and one or more humidifying membranes may be provided inside the inner case. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying membrane may be formed of a hollow fiber membrane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the humidifying membrane may be formed of various types of humidifying membranes as long as they can exchange moisture between exhaust gas and dry air.

[0055] The above fixing member fixes the humidifying film to the inner case on one side of the inner case, and the fixing member may be formed of a potting layer. The fixing member may be formed on one side of a plurality of the humidifying films, and one side of the plurality of the humidifying films may be fixed to one side of the inner case through the fixing member.

[0056] In addition, the fixing member may fix a plurality of the humidifying films to the inner case on the other side of the inner case. The fixing member may also be formed on the other side of the plurality of the humidifying films, and the other side of the plurality of the humidifying films may be fixed to the other side of the inner case through the fixing member.

[0057] The above-mentioned fixed part can isolate the internal space of the inner case, and by providing the fixed part on one side and the other side of the inner case, dry air can move only through the inside of the humidifying film or the hollow space of the humidifying film.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, high-temperature and humid exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack can be introduced into the module housing (110) through at least one of the first openings (117) provided on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110).

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, dry air can be introduced into the humidifying film of the cartridge (120) through one side (111) or the other side (112) of the module housing (110).

[0060] As described above, since one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110) are closed to the outside, dry air that moves to one side (111) or the other side (112) of the module housing (110) moves to the humidifying film provided inside the cartridge (120).

[0061] The exhaust gas introduced into the module housing (110) through at least one of the first openings (117) provided on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) exchanges moisture with the dry air passing through the humidifying film of the cartridge (120), thereby supplying moisture to the dry air.

[0062] The exhaust gas that has supplied moisture to the dry air through the humidifying film can be discharged to the outside of the module housing (110) through at least one of the first openings (117) provided on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110).

[0063] In addition, dry air supplied with moisture from the exhaust gas passes through the humidifying film of the cartridge (120) provided on one side (111) or the other side (112) of the module housing (110) and is supplied to the stack.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, when the cartridge (120) having a pillar shape is fixed to one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110), a sealing member (121) may be provided between the cartridge (120) and the module housing (110).

[0065] The sealing member (121) is intended to block air from moving through one side (111) and the other side (112) of the module housing (110). Specifically, the sealing member (121) is intended to block air from moving into the space between the cartridge (120) and the module housing (110).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the external housing (200) may be a housing in which one or more of the unit modules (100) are assembleably mounted. The external housing (200) may be a housing of a fuel cell humidifier (10), and a fuel cell humidifier (10) may be manufactured by assembling a plurality of the unit modules (100) into the external housing (200).

[0067] The outer housing (200) is provided with a space for accommodating a plurality of the unit modules (100), and the size of the outer housing (200) can be changed depending on the number of the unit modules (100).

[0068] The above unit module (100) can be mounted on the external housing (200) so that the cartridge (120) is arranged in a direction from one side of the external housing (200) toward the other side.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the external housing (200) may be provided with an exhaust gas inlet (211) into which exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack flows in and an exhaust gas outlet (212) for discharging the exhaust gas.

[0070] The exhaust gas inlet (211) and the exhaust gas outlet (212) may be provided on any one of the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the external housing (200). Exhaust gas may be introduced into the external housing (200) through the exhaust gas inlet (211), and the exhaust gas introduced into the external housing (200) may pass through the first opening (117) and be introduced into the interior of the module housing (110).

[0071] The exhaust gas that has undergone moisture exchange inside the module housing (110) can pass through the first opening (117) and move into the external housing (200), and the exhaust gas that has moved into the external housing (200) can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust gas outlet (212).

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, any one of the first openings (117) provided in one unit module (100) mounted on the external housing (200) can be communicated with any one of the first openings (117) provided in another unit module (100).

[0073] The exhaust gas that flows into the external housing (200) through the exhaust gas inlet (211) can flow into one unit module (100) through the first opening (117). The exhaust gas that has undergone dry air and moisture exchange in one unit module (100) can move to another unit module (100) to continue the dry air and moisture exchange.

[0074] To this end, one of the first openings (117) provided in one unit module (100) mounted on the external housing (200) can be connected to one of the first openings (117) provided in another unit module (100).

[0075] The exhaust gas that has undergone dry air and moisture exchange in one unit module (100) passes through one of the first openings (117) provided in one unit module (100) and moves to one of the first openings (117) provided in another unit module (100).

[0076] In this way, when one of the first openings (117) provided in one unit module (100) is connected to one of the first openings (117) provided in another unit module (100), the exhaust gas introduced into the exhaust gas inlet (211) can move into the interior of the plurality of unit modules (100). The exhaust gas passing through the plurality of unit modules (100) can be discharged through the exhaust gas outlet (212).

[0077] One side and the other side of the external housing (200) may be open to the outside, and dry air may be introduced into one side or the other side of the external housing (200). The dry air introduced into one side or the other side of the external housing (200) may be introduced into the cartridge (120) of the unit module (100).

[0078] Dry air introduced into the cartridge (120) exchanges moisture with exhaust gas through a humidifying membrane. The moisture-exchanged dry air may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (120) of the unit module (100) and then discharged through one or the other side of the external housing (200).

[0079] A connecting portion may be provided on one side and the other side of the external housing (200). The connecting portion may cover a plurality of the unit modules (100) mounted on the external housing (200) on one side and the other side of the external housing (200). An end cap having a dry air inlet and a dry air outlet may be coupled to the connecting portion provided on one side and the other side of the external housing (200).

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing member may be provided between the outer housing (200) and the connecting portion, and the sealing member may block air from moving between the outer housing (200) and the connecting portion.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer housing (200) may be provided with an internal frame (220) that partitions the internal space of the outer housing (200). The internal frame (220) can partition the internal space of the outer housing (200), and a space in which a plurality of unit modules (100) are mounted can be partitioned through the internal frame (220).

[0082] The inner frame (220) can support a plurality of the unit modules (100) mounted on the outer housing (200), and the plurality of the unit modules (100) can be mounted at designated positions inside the outer housing (200) through the inner frame (220).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, the inner frame (220) is formed in a plate shape and is provided inside the outer housing (200), and the inner frame (220) may be provided with a second opening (221) that is open to the outside.

[0084] The second opening (221) may be a portion that is open to the outside so that air can move, and the second opening (221) may be formed inside the inner frame (220) formed in a plate shape. Air can pass through the inner frame (220) through the second opening (221).

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the unit module (100) is mounted on the external housing (200), any one of the first openings (117) provided in the unit module (100) can be connected to the second opening (221).

[0086] The above outer housing (200) may be equipped with a plurality of the above unit modules (100), and one unit module (100) may be mounted on one side of the inner frame (220), and another unit module (100) may be mounted on the other side.

[0087] When one unit module (100) is mounted on one side of the inner frame (220), a first opening (117) provided on any one of the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) provided on one unit module (100) can be communicated with the second opening (221) of the inner frame (220).

[0088] In addition, when another unit module (100) is mounted on the other side based on the inner frame (220), the first opening (117) provided on any one of the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) provided on the other unit module (100) can be communicated with the second opening (221) of the inner frame (220).

[0089] When the unit module (100) is mounted on one side and the other side of the internal frame (220) so that the first opening (117) provided in the unit module (100) and the second opening (221) provided in the internal frame (220) are connected in this way, air can move through the first opening (117) of one unit module (100), the second opening (221) of the internal frame (220), and the first opening (117) of another unit module (100).

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the module housing (110) of the unit module (100) may be provided with a first support portion (118) disposed in the middle portion of the module housing (110) and having a through hole in which the cartridge (120) is mounted.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 1, the first support portion (118) may be a portion that partitions the interior of the module housing (110), and the first support portion (118) may divide the interior of the module housing (110) into two spaces.

[0092] The first support member (118) may be provided with a through hole through which the cartridge (120) may pass, and the cartridge (120) may extend from one side (111) of the module housing (110) through the through hole of the first support member (118) to the other side (112) of the module housing (110).

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first opening (117) provided on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) can be divided based on the first support portion (118).

[0094] Specifically, the first opening (117) provided on the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) can be divided into two spaces through the first support portion (118).

[0095] By dividing the internal space of the module housing (110) and the first opening (117) into two spaces through the first support member (118), the internal space of the module housing (110) and the first opening (117) can be divided into a point where exhaust gas flows in and a point where exhaust gas flows out.

[0096] One of the internal space of the module housing (110) divided through the first support portion (118) and the first opening (117) can be used as a space and passage through which exhaust gas flows in, and the other of the internal space of the module housing (110) divided through the first support portion (118) and the first opening (117) can be used as a space and passage through which exhaust gas flows out.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the internal frame (220) provided inside the external housing (200) may include a second opening (221) and a second support (222).

[0098] The second opening (221) may be a part that is open to the outside, and the second support part (222) may be a part that is closed to the outside. The second opening (221) may be divided by the second support part (222), and the second opening (221) may be divided into two by the second support part (222).

[0099] The module housing (110) of the unit module (100) having the first support portion (118) on one side and the other side based on the internal frame (220) including the second opening (221) and the second support portion (222) can be mounted. The internal frame (220) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the module housing (110).

[0100] When the module housing (110) is mounted with the first support portion (118) provided on one side and the other side based on the inner frame (220) including the second opening (221) and the second support portion (222), the first opening (117) provided on any one of the upper surface (113), lower surface (114), front surface (115), and rear surface (116) of the module housing (110) can be in communication with the second opening (221) of the inner frame (220).

[0101] As the shape of the inner frame (220) corresponds to the shape of the module housing (110), when the unit module (100) is mounted on the outer housing (200), one of the first openings (117) provided in the unit module (100) can be connected to the second opening (221).

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing member (223) may be provided between the unit module (100) and the inner frame (220) of the outer housing (200). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a sealing member (223) may be provided between the unit module (100) and the outer housing (200).

[0103] When the above unit module (100) is mounted on the external housing (200), exhaust gas and dry air should only move through the first opening (117) provided in the unit module (100) and the space inside the cartridge (120).

[0104] Specifically, when the unit module (100) is mounted on the external housing (200), no air leakage occurs between the outside of the unit module (100) and the internal frame (220) and between the outside of the unit module (100) and the external housing (200), so that moisture exchange between dry air and exhaust gas can be smoothly achieved through the humidifying film of the cartridge (120).

[0105] To this end, as shown in FIG. 4, the sealing member (223) may be provided between the outer side of the unit module (100) and the inner frame (220) and between the outer side of the unit module (100) and the outer housing (200).

[0106] A plurality of the unit modules (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into the outer housing (200) while sliding along the inner frame (220), and the plurality of the unit modules (100) can be fixed to the outer housing (200) through bolt assembly, snap-fit ​​assembly, socket assembly, or the like.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 6, the outer housing (200) or the inner frame (220) may be provided with a sliding rail (230) for moving the unit module (100). The sliding rail (230) may be provided in the outer housing (200) or the inner frame (220), and the unit module (100) may be inserted into the outer housing (200) along the sliding rail (230).

[0108] In this way, by providing the sliding rail (230) in the external housing (200) or the internal frame (220), the unit module (100) can be easily mounted inside the external housing (200). In addition, by providing the sliding rail (230) in the external housing (200) or the internal frame (220), the unit module (100) can be easily separated from the inside of the external housing (200).

[0109] A fuel cell humidifier (10) including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured through a unit module (100) that is modularized in advance by bundling a plurality of the cartridges (120).

[0110] A fuel cell humidifier (10) including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by assembling a plurality of modularized unit modules (100) into the external housing (200), thereby facilitating manufacturing.

[0111] A fuel cell humidifier (10) including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage in packaging of module units as it is manufactured by assembling a plurality of modularized unit modules (100) into the external housing (200).

[0112] A fuel cell humidifier (10) including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention can replace the cartridge (120) in units of unit modules (100), thereby allowing the use of a cartridge (120) provided in the fuel cell humidifier (10) by replacing all or part of it.

[0113] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier (10) including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention can partially repair the fuel cell humidifier (10) by replacing only the unit module (100) in which the humidifying film of the cartridge (120) is damaged among a plurality of unit modules (100).

[0114] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has the following effects.

[0115] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily replace cartridges by manufacturing a fuel cell humidifier by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing.

[0116] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the unit module can be replaced during use of the fuel cell humidifier, and the entire or part of the cartridge can be replaced and used by replacing the unit module unit during use of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0117] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to manufacture a large-capacity fuel cell humidifier by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing.

[0118] A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily manufacture a fuel cell humidifier by manufacturing a unit module equipped with a plurality of cartridges and assembling the plurality of unit modules into an external housing.

[0119] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In a humidifier for fuel cells, A unit module comprising a module housing having a hexahedral shape and having first openings on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface, and a cartridge mounted on the module housing and having a humidifying film inside; A humidifier for a fuel cell comprising a replaceable unit module, characterized in that it comprises an external housing in which one or more of the above unit modules are assembleably mounted.

2. In paragraph 1, A fuel cell humidifier comprising a replaceable unit module, characterized in that one of the first openings provided in one unit module mounted on the external housing is in communication with one of the first openings provided in another unit module.

3. In paragraph 1, A humidifier for a fuel cell, comprising a replaceable unit module, characterized in that the outer housing is provided with an exhaust gas inlet for introducing exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack and an exhaust gas outlet for discharging the exhaust gas.

4. In paragraph 1, A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that the outer housing is provided with an internal frame that partitions the internal space of the outer housing.

5. In paragraph 4, The above inner frame is provided with a second opening open to the outside, A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that when the unit module is mounted in the external housing, one of the first openings provided in the unit module is connected to the second opening.

6. In paragraph 4, The module housing of the unit module is provided with a first support portion disposed in the middle portion of the module housing, wherein a through hole in which the cartridge is mounted is provided. A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that the first opening provided on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface of the module housing is divided based on the first support portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The above inner frame includes a second opening open to the outside and a second support part closed to the outside, A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that the second opening of the inner frame is divided based on the second support portion.

8. In paragraph 7, A fuel cell humidifier including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that when the unit module is mounted in the external housing, one of the first openings provided in the unit module is connected to the second opening.

9. In paragraph 4, A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that a sealing member is provided between the unit module and the inner frame of the outer housing.

10. In paragraph 1, A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that a sealing member is provided between the unit module and the outer housing.

11. In paragraph 1, When the above cartridge having a pillar shape is fixed to one side and the other side of the module housing, A humidifier for a fuel cell including a replaceable unit module, characterized in that a sealing member is provided between the cartridge and the module housing.

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