Humidifier for fuel cell for increasing fluid residence time

Abstract

A humidifier for a fuel cell for increasing a fluid residence time, of the present invention, comprises: a mid-case provided with a first fluid inlet through which a first fluid flows in and a second fluid outlet through which the first fluid is discharged; a mid-case barrier wall which is provided in the mid-case and partitions a space inside the mid-case between a plurality of cartridges; an end cap which is provided with a second fluid inlet through which a second fluid flows in and a second fluid outlet through which the second fluid is discharged, and is coupled to the mid-case; and an end cap barrier wall which is provided in the end cap and partitions a space in the end cap.

Description

Humidifier for fuel cells to increase fluid retention time

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time, and more particularly, to a fuel cell humidifier capable of increasing the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves by providing a partition wall inside a mid-case and an end cap, thereby increasing the residence time of the dry gas or wet gas.

[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 fluid discharged from the air electrode 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 air electrode 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 between the high-temperature, humid exhaust fluid 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 composed of hollow fiber membranes is arranged as a unit module. Drying gas passes through the hollow fiber membranes 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] Through the above opening of the cartridge, the exhaust fluid flows into the cartridge, and the exhaust fluid flowing into the cartridge exchanges moisture with the dry gas passing through the hollow fiber membrane.

[0009] However, fuel cell humidifiers using such cartridges have the following problems. Conventional fuel cell humidifiers have a problem in that the dry gas or wet gas remains inside the humidifier for a short time due to the limited configuration of the dry gas or wet gas path.

[0010] Specifically, conventional fuel cell humidifiers have flow paths that allow dry and wet gases to flow only in opposite directions, limiting the flow path configuration and the locations of the dry and wet gas inlets and outlets. Consequently, the retention time of dry or wet gases within the humidifier is shortened, leading to a reduction in humidification efficiency.

[0011] In particular, when the length of a fuel cell humidifier is short, the time for moisture exchange between the dry gas and the wet gas is relatively short, which leads to a problem in that the humidification performance efficiency is reduced. Specifically, when the length of a fuel cell humidifier is short, the humidification efficiency is lower than when the length of a humidifier is long, even when the effective membrane area is the same.

[0012] While humidifiers can be manufactured longer to improve humidification efficiency, this increases their size, making installation difficult. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop technologies that can increase the residence time of dry or wet gases without increasing the humidifier's length.

[0013] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and more specifically, relates to a humidifier for a fuel cell, which can increase the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves by providing a partition wall inside a mid-case and an end cap, thereby increasing the residence time of the dry gas or wet gas.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time is characterized by including: a mid-case having a first fluid inlet through which a first fluid flows in and a first fluid outlet through which the first fluid flows out; a mid-case partition wall provided inside the mid-case and dividing a space inside the mid-case between a plurality of cartridges; an end cap provided with a second fluid inlet through which a second fluid flows in and a second fluid outlet through which the second fluid flows out, and coupled to the mid-case; and an end cap partition wall provided inside the end cap and dividing a space of the end cap.

[0015] The end cap of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time according to one embodiment includes a first end cap coupled to one side of the mid-case and a second end cap coupled to the other side of the mid-case, and the end cap partition wall includes a first end cap partition wall dividing a space of the first end cap, and the mid-case partition wall may include a first mid-case partition wall extending from one end of the mid-case to the inside of the mid-case so that a movement passage is formed on the other side inside the mid-case.

[0016] The first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid residence time according to one embodiment may be connected while being arranged in parallel lines.

[0017] In one embodiment, a first packing member may be arranged between the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead of a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, thereby connecting the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time includes an inner case and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case, and includes a cartridge disposed inside the mid-case, wherein three or more of the cartridges are provided inside the mid-case, and the end cap partition includes a second end cap partition dividing a space of the second end cap, and the mid-case partition may include a second mid-case partition extending from the other end of the mid-case to the inside of the mid-case so that a movement passage is formed on one side of the inside of the mid-case.

[0019] The second endcap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid residence time according to one embodiment may be connected while being arranged in parallel lines.

[0020] In one embodiment, a second packing member may be arranged between the second endcap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead of a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, thereby connecting the second endcap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead.

[0021] In one embodiment, a plurality of first mid-case partition walls and second mid-case partition walls are provided inside the mid-case of a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid residence time, and the first mid-case partition walls and the second mid-case partition walls can be arranged alternately inside the mid-case.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first endcap of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time may be provided with a plurality of first endcap bulkheads connected to the first mid-case bulkhead, and the second endcap may be provided with a plurality of second endcap bulkheads connected to the second mid-case bulkhead.

[0023] In one embodiment, a first bypass path for moving fluid may be provided between the first mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge of a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time.

[0024] In one embodiment, a second bypass path for moving fluid may be provided between the second mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time.

[0025] In one embodiment, a bypass path for moving fluid may be provided between the inner wall of the mid-case and the cartridge of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time.

[0026] The second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time according to one embodiment may be provided in the first end cap.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet may be arranged in the same direction based on the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead of the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time, and the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet may be arranged in the same direction based on the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead.

[0028] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time, and has the advantage of increasing the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves by providing a partition wall inside a mid-case and an end cap, thereby increasing the residence time of dry gas or wet gas.

[0029] In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that it can form a dry gas flow path and a wet gas flow path while blocking the dry gas flow path and the wet gas flow path by providing a packing member between the mid-case bulkhead and the end cap bulkhead.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can improve airtightness between the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead by providing a packing member between the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead, and has the advantage of being able to firmly install the packing member inside the humidifier by pressurizing the packing member while the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead are coupled to each other.

[0031] In addition, the present invention has a first bypass flow path between the first mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge, a second bypass flow path between the second mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge, and a bypass flow path between the inner wall of the mid-case and the cartridge, thereby preventing the humidity of the humid gas from continuously decreasing as it passes through the cartridge, thereby having the advantage of improving the overall humidifying performance inside the humidifier.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a humidifier for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a plurality of cartridges arranged inside a mid-case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing of a fuel cell humidifier viewed from the bottom of Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the AA cross section of Figure 1.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a first packing member provided between a first endcap bulkhead and a first mid-case bulkhead according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a bypass flow path, a first bypass flow path, and a second bypass flow path according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a comparison of the humidification amounts of the first, second, and third cartridges with and without a bypass path according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing another embodiment of the present invention in which a first end cap is provided with a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, two cartridges are provided inside a mid-case, one first mid-case bulkhead is provided inside the mid-case, and a first end cap bulkhead is provided in the first end cap.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The terms first, second, etc. used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0045] The present invention relates to a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time. The fuel cell humidifier comprises a partition wall within a mid-case and an end cap, thereby increasing the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves, thereby increasing the retention time of the dry gas or wet gas. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid residence time according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mid-case (110), a cartridge (120), a mid-case partition wall (130), an end cap (140), and an end cap partition wall (141).

[0047] The fluid moving through the fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a wet gas or a dry gas moving through the interior of the fuel cell humidifier. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fluid moving through the fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may be various types of fluids moving through the interior of the fuel cell humidifier. Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, focusing on the fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention being a wet gas or a dry gas.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mid-case (110) is provided with a first fluid inlet (111) through which a first fluid is introduced, and a first fluid outlet (112) through which the first fluid is discharged. The mid-case (110) may be an external housing of a humidifier, and the cartridge (120) having a humidifying film may be placed inside the mid-case (110).

[0049] The above mid-case (110) may be provided with a first fluid inlet (111) through which a first fluid is introduced, and a first fluid outlet (112) through which the first fluid is discharged. The first fluid may be a wet gas, and the wet gas introduced into the first fluid inlet (111) may pass through the mid-case (110) and be discharged through the first fluid outlet (112). However, the first fluid is not limited to a wet gas, and the first fluid may also be a dry gas.

[0050] The above cartridge (120) is placed inside the mid-case (110), and the cartridge (120) includes an inner case (121) and a humidifying film (122). Referring to FIG. 3, the inner case (121) may be a case having a space therein, and one or more inner cases (121) may be placed inside the mid-case (110).

[0051] The above humidifying film (122) may be placed inside the inner case (121). The above humidifying film (122) may be a humidifying film that exchanges moisture between a humid gas and a dry gas, and one or more or a plurality of the above humidifying films (122) may be provided inside the inner case (121).

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying membrane (122) may be formed of a hollow fiber membrane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the humidifying membrane (122) may be formed of various types of humidifying membranes as long as they can exchange moisture between wet gas and dry gas.

[0053] The above humidifying film can be fixed to the inner case (121) through a fixing part. The fixing part fixes the humidifying film (122) to the inner case (121) on one side and the other side of the inner case (121), and the fixing part can be formed of a potting layer.

[0054] The above-mentioned fixed part can isolate the internal space of the inner case (121), and by providing the fixed part on one side and the other side of the inner case (121), dry air can move only through the inside of the humidifying film (122) or the hollow space of the humidifying film (122).

[0055] A window (123) for supplying or discharging a wet gas into or out of the inner case (121) may be provided on the outside of the inner case (121). The wet gas may be introduced into the inner case (121) through the window (123) provided on one or the other side of the inner case (121), and the wet gas inside the inner case (121) may be discharged to the outside through the window (123) provided on one or the other side of the inner case (121).

[0056] The above end cap (140) is coupled to the mid-case (110), and the end cap (140) may be provided with a second fluid inlet (142) through which a second fluid is introduced, and a second fluid outlet (143) through which the second fluid is discharged.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second fluid may be a dry gas. The dry gas may be introduced into the end cap (140) through the second fluid inlet (142). The dry gas introduced into the end cap (140) may pass through the mid-case (110) and then be discharged through the second fluid outlet (143) provided in the end cap (140). However, the second fluid is not limited to a dry gas, and the second fluid may also be a wet gas.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end cap (140) may include a first end cap (150) coupled to one side of the mid case (110) and a second end cap (160) coupled to the other side of the mid case (110).

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end cap (150) may be provided with the second fluid inlet (142), and the second end cap (160) may be provided with the second fluid outlet (143).

[0060] The second fluid outlet (143) is connected to the fuel cell stack, and the humidified fluid discharged through the second fluid outlet (143) can be supplied to the fuel cell stack. The high temperature and humid wet gas discharged from the fuel cell stack can be introduced into the mid-case (110) through the first fluid inlet (111) provided in the mid-case (110).

[0061] The wet gas introduced into the mid-case (110) supplies moisture to the dry gas supplied to the mid-case (110) through the second fluid inlet (142) of the end cap (140).

[0062] The wet gas that has been supplied with moisture to the dry gas can be discharged to the outside through the first fluid discharge port (112) provided in the mid-case (110). The dry gas that has been humidified through the mid-case (110) is discharged through the second fluid discharge port (143), and the humidified fluid is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end cap (140) may be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (110), but the end cap (140) may also be formed integrally with the mid-case (110).

[0064] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, one end cap (140) may be provided with the second fluid inlet (142) and the second fluid outlet (143), and another end cap (140) may not be provided with the second fluid inlet (142) and the second fluid outlet (143).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the mid-case partition wall (130) is provided inside the mid-case (110), and the mid-case partition wall (130) can divide the space inside the mid-case (110) between a plurality of cartridges (120).

[0066] Specifically, a plurality of cartridges (120) may be provided inside the mid-case (110), and a mid-case partition (130) may be provided between the plurality of cartridges (120).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the end cap bulkhead (141) is provided inside the end cap (140) and divides the space of the end cap (140). The space inside the end cap (140) is divided through the end cap bulkhead (141), thereby forming a flow path.

[0068] A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time according to an embodiment of the present invention can increase the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves by adjusting the positions at which the mid-case partition wall (130) and the end cap partition wall (141) are arranged, thereby increasing the retention time of the dry gas or wet gas.

[0069] Hereinafter, the positions where the mid-case bulkhead (130) and the end cap bulkhead (141) are arranged will be described in more detail. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the arrangement of three cartridges (120) inside the mid-case (110).

[0070] However, it is not limited thereto, and two cartridges (120) may be placed inside the mid-case (110), and three or more cartridges (120) may be placed inside the mid-case (110).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the end cap bulkhead (141) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first end cap bulkhead (151) that divides the space of the first end cap (150), and the mid-case bulkhead (130) may include a first mid-case bulkhead (131) that extends from one end of the mid-case (110) to the inside of the mid-case (110) so that a movement passage is formed on the other side inside the mid-case (110).

[0072] Specifically, the first end cap bulkhead (151) is a bulkhead that divides the space of the first end cap (150), and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) may be a bulkhead that extends from one end of the mid-case (110) to the middle point of the mid-case (110).

[0073] As the first mid-case partition wall (131) extends from one end of the mid-case (110) to the middle point of the mid-case (110), the first mid-case partition wall (131) divides the space on one side of the mid-case (110) but forms a passage through which fluid can move in the space on the other side of the mid-case (110).

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) may be connected while being arranged in parallel lines. The first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) may be arranged in parallel lines to divide the flow path, and the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) may be connected to each other.

[0075] Here, the fact that the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first midcase bulkhead (131) are connected to each other may mean that the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first midcase bulkhead (131) are directly connected.

[0076] In addition, the fact that the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) are connected to each other may also mean that a separate first packing member (171) is provided between the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and that they are indirectly connected.

[0077] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first packing member (171) is arranged between the first end cap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131), so that the first end cap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131) can be connected.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, three or more cartridges (120) may be provided inside the mid-case (110). The end-cap bulkhead (141) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second end-cap bulkhead (161) that divides the space of the second end-cap (160), and the mid-case bulkhead (130) may include a second mid-case bulkhead (132) that extends from the other end of the mid-case (110) toward the inside of the mid-case (110) so that a movement passage is formed on one side of the inside of the mid-case (110).

[0079] Specifically, the second end cap bulkhead (161) may be a bulkhead that divides the space of the second end cap (160), and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) may be a bulkhead that extends from the other end of the mid-case (110) to the midpoint of the mid-case (110).

[0080] As the second mid-case partition wall (132) extends from the other end of the mid-case (110) to the midpoint of the mid-case (110), the second mid-case partition wall (132) divides the space on the other side of the mid-case (110), but forms a passage through which fluid can move in the space on one side of the mid-case (110).

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) may be connected while being arranged in parallel lines. The second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) may be arranged in parallel lines to divide the flow path, and the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) may be connected to each other.

[0082] Here, the fact that the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second midcase bulkhead (132) are connected to each other may mean that the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second midcase bulkhead (132) are directly connected.

[0083] In addition, the fact that the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) are connected to each other may also mean that a separate second packing member (172) is provided between the second endcap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and are indirectly connected.

[0084] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second packing member (172) is arranged between the second end cap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132), so that the second end cap bulkhead (161) and the second mid-case bulkhead (132) can be connected.

[0085] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the movement path of wet gas and dry gas when three cartridges (120) are arranged inside the mid-case (110). In the following description, the first cartridge (120) is a cartridge arranged at the upper portion of Fig. 5, and the third cartridge (120) is a cartridge arranged at the lower portion of Fig. 5. Additionally, the second cartridge (120) may be a cartridge arranged between the first cartridge (120) and the third cartridge (120).

[0086] The process by which the wet gas moves through the mid-case (110) is as follows. Referring to Fig. 5, the wet gas introduced through the first fluid inlet (111) moves through the first cartridge (120).

[0087] At this time, the movement of wet gas from the first fluid inlet (111) to the second cartridge (120) is blocked by the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second endcap bulkhead (161).

[0088] The wet gas passing through the first cartridge (120) is discharged through the window (123) provided in the cartridge (120), and then passes through the window (123) provided in the second cartridge (120) and passes through the second cartridge (120).

[0089] When the wet gas passes through the second cartridge (120), the wet gas is blocked from moving to the third cartridge (120) by the first mid-case baffle (131) and the first endcap baffle (151).

[0090] The wet gas passing through the second cartridge (120) is discharged through the window (123) provided in the cartridge (120), and then passes through the window (123) provided in the third cartridge (120) to pass through the third cartridge (120). The wet gas passing through the third cartridge (120) is discharged to the outside through the first fluid discharge port (112).

[0091] The process by which the dry gas moves through the mid-case (110) is as follows. Referring to FIG. 5, the second fluid inlet (142) may be provided in the first end cap (150). The second fluid inlet (142) is arranged in the opposite direction to the point at which the wet gas flows in, and the dry gas flowing in through the second fluid inlet (142) moves by passing through the third cartridge (120). When the dry gas passes through the third cartridge (120), it receives moisture from the wet gas and is humidified.

[0092] At this time, the movement of dry gas from the second fluid inlet (142) to the second cartridge (120) is blocked by the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and the first endcap bulkhead (151).

[0093] The dry gas passing through the third cartridge (120) passes through the second end cap (160) and moves to the second cartridge (120). When the dry gas passes through the second cartridge (120), it receives moisture from the wet gas and is humidified.

[0094] When the dry gas passes through the second cartridge (120), the movement of the dry gas to the first cartridge (120) is blocked by the second mid-case baffle (132) and the second endcap baffle (161).

[0095] The dry gas passing through the second cartridge (120) passes through the first end cap (150) and moves back to the first cartridge (120). The dry gas passing through the first cartridge (120) is discharged to the outside through the second fluid discharge port (143).

[0096] In this way, the fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention can increase the path through which wet gas and dry gas move through the first mid-case partition wall (131), the first end-cap partition wall (151), the second mid-case partition wall (132), and the second end-cap partition wall (161), thereby increasing the time during which the wet gas and dry gas remain inside the mid-case (110).

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first mid-case partition walls (131) and second mid-case partition walls (132) are provided inside the mid-case (110), and the first mid-case partition walls (131) and the second mid-case partition walls (132) can be arranged alternately inside the mid-case (110).

[0098] In addition, the first end cap (150) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of first end cap bulkheads (151) connected to the first mid-case bulkhead (131), and the second end cap (160) may be provided with a plurality of second end cap bulkheads (161) connected to the second mid-case bulkhead (132).

[0099] When three cartridges (120) are arranged inside the mid-case (110) as shown in FIG. 5, the first mid-case bulkhead (131), the first end-cap bulkhead (151), the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second end-cap bulkhead (161) may be provided one each.

[0100] However, when four or more cartridges (120) are arranged inside the mid-case (110), a plurality of the first mid-case partition wall (131), the first end-cap partition wall (151), the second mid-case partition wall (132), and the second end-cap partition wall (161) may be provided to form a path for wet gas and dry gas.

[0101] When a plurality of first mid-case partition walls (131) and second mid-case partition walls (132) are provided inside the mid-case (110), the first mid-case partition walls (131) and the second mid-case partition walls (132) may be arranged alternately inside the mid-case (110).

[0102] In addition, when a plurality of the first endcap bulkheads (151) and the second endcap bulkheads (161) are provided, the first endcap bulkhead (151) can be connected to the first mid-case bulkhead (131), and the second endcap bulkhead (161) can be connected to the second mid-case bulkhead (132).

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first packing member (171) may be provided between the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and the first endcap bulkhead (151), and the second packing member (172) may be provided between the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second endcap bulkhead (161).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, the first packing member (171) according to an embodiment of the present invention is positioned between the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and the first end-cap bulkhead (151), thereby ensuring the airtightness of the mid-case (110) while also sealing the space between the cartridges (120). In addition, the first packing member (171) enables sealing between the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and the first end-cap bulkhead (151).

[0105] In addition, the first packing member (171) can be bonded to the mid-case (110) in a non-adhesive manner by being pressurized by the first mid-case bulkhead (131) and the first end-cap bulkhead (151). This allows the first packing member (171) to be easily replaced without damage to the cartridge (120) or the mid-case (110).

[0106] As the second packing member (172) according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged between the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second endcap bulkhead (161), the airtightness of the mid-case (110) can be secured while the space between the cartridges (120) can be sealed. In addition, the space between the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second endcap bulkhead (161) can be sealed through the second packing member (172).

[0107] In addition, the second packing member (172) can be bonded to the mid-case (110) in a non-adhesive manner by being pressurized by the second mid-case bulkhead (132) and the second end-cap bulkhead (161). This allows the second packing member (172) to be easily replaced without damage to the cartridge (120) or the mid-case (110).

[0108] A first bypass flow path (181) for moving fluid may be provided between the first mid-case partition wall (131) and the cartridge (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, a second bypass flow path (182) for moving fluid may be provided between the second mid-case partition wall (132) and the cartridge (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Additionally, a bypass path (180) for moving fluid may be provided between the inner wall of the mid-case (110) and the cartridge (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, the bypass path (180), the first bypass path (181), and the second bypass path (182) may be paths that bypass the wet gas passing through the cartridge (120).

[0111] When the movement path of wet gas and dry gas is increased through the above-described mid-case bulkhead (130) and the end cap bulkhead (141), the humidification efficiency can be high in a cartridge placed close to the first fluid inlet (111).

[0112] However, since only wet gas with low moisture content passes through the cartridges positioned at a point away from the first fluid inlet (111), the humidification efficiency may be reduced. If the humidification efficiency is reduced in the cartridges positioned at a point away from the first fluid inlet (111), there is a problem in that the plurality of cartridges (120) positioned inside the humidifier cannot be used evenly.

[0113] If the plurality of cartridges (120) are not used evenly, the replacement times of the plurality of cartridges (120) may be formed at different times, which may cause a problem of difficulty in maintenance.

[0114] The above bypass flow path (180), the first bypass flow path (181), and the second bypass flow path (182) may be provided to prevent this. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the wet gas passes through the first cartridge (120) through the first fluid inlet (111), some of the wet gas may be bypassed through the bypass flow path (180).

[0115] The wet gas that bypasses the first cartridge (120) through the bypass path (180) may contain a lot of moisture. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wet gas that bypasses the first cartridge (120) through the bypass path (180) can supply moisture to the wet gas that directly passes through the first cartridge (120).

[0116] The wet gas that has passed through the first cartridge (120) passes through the second cartridge (120). Referring to Fig. 7, at this time, some of the wet gas may be bypassed through the second bypass path (182).

[0117] The wet gas that bypasses the second cartridge (120) through the second bypass passage (182) may contain a lot of moisture. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wet gas that bypasses the second cartridge (120) through the second bypass passage (182) can supply moisture to the wet gas that directly passes through the second cartridge (120).

[0118] The wet gas that has passed through the second cartridge (120) passes through the third cartridge (120). Referring to Fig. 7, at this time, some of the wet gas may be bypassed through the first bypass path (181).

[0119] The wet gas that bypasses the third cartridge (120) through the first bypass passage (181) may contain a lot of moisture. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wet gas that bypasses the third cartridge (120) through the first bypass passage (181) can supply moisture to the wet gas that directly passes through the third cartridge (120).

[0120] In this way, by providing the bypass path (180), the first bypass path (181), and the second bypass path (182), it is possible to prevent the moisture content of the wet gas from continuously decreasing as it passes through a plurality of the cartridges (120).

[0121] More specifically, by bypassing a portion of the wet gas through the bypass passage (180), the first bypass passage (181), and the second bypass passage (182), moisture can be supplied to the wet gas that passes directly through the cartridge.

[0122] By bypassing a portion of the humid gas through the above-mentioned bypass path (180), the first bypass path (181), and the second bypass path (182), moisture can be supplied to the humid gas that has directly passed through the cartridge, thereby preventing a decrease in humidification efficiency in a cartridge positioned at a point away from the first fluid inlet (111). This allows the overall humidification performance within the humidifier to be improved.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second fluid inlet (142) and the second fluid outlet (143) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in the first end cap (150). Specifically, the second fluid inlet (142) and the second fluid outlet (143) may be provided in the first end cap (150), and the second fluid inlet (142) and the second fluid outlet (143) may not be provided in the second end cap (160).

[0124] Figures 9 and 10 are drawings showing that two cartridges (120) are provided inside the mid-case (110), and one first mid-case partition wall (131) is provided inside the mid-case (110).

[0125] In addition, FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing that the first end cap (150) is provided with one first end cap bulkhead (151) while the second end cap (160) is not provided with a bulkhead.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first fluid inlet (111) and the second fluid outlet (143) may be arranged in the same direction with respect to the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131). In addition, the first fluid outlet (112) and the second fluid inlet (142) may be arranged in the same direction with respect to the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131).

[0127] Specifically, in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the second fluid outlet (143) may be arranged in the direction in which the first fluid inlet (111) is arranged based on the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131). In addition, in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the second fluid inlet (142) may be arranged in the direction in which the first fluid outlet (112) is arranged based on the first endcap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131).

[0128] In this way, when two cartridges (120) are arranged inside the mid-case (110), the path through which wet gas or dry gas moves can be increased through one first mid-case partition wall (131) and one first endcap partition wall (151).

[0129] In addition, based on the first end cap bulkhead (151) and the first mid-case bulkhead (131), the first fluid inlet (111) and the second fluid outlet (143) are arranged in the same direction, and the first fluid outlet (112) and the second fluid inlet (142) are arranged in the same direction, so that the wet gas and the dry gas can move in directions facing each other.

[0130] A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time according to an embodiment of the present invention can form a movement path of dry gas and wet gas by changing the positions of the mid-case partition wall (130) and the end cap partition wall (141) according to the number of the cartridges (120) arranged inside the mid-case (110).

[0131] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time according to an embodiment of the present invention can easily change the positions of the first fluid inlet (111), the first fluid outlet (112), the second fluid inlet (142), and the second fluid outlet (143) by forming a movement path of dry gas and wet gas while changing the positions of the mid-case partition wall (130) and the end cap partition wall (141).

[0132] The fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has the following effects.

[0133] A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time according to an embodiment of the present invention has a partition wall inside a mid-case and an end cap, thereby increasing the length of a path through which dry gas or wet gas moves, and thus has the advantage of increasing the retention time of dry gas or wet gas.

[0134] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time according to an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage in that it can form a dry gas path and a wet gas path while blocking the dry gas path and the wet gas path from each other by providing a packing member between the mid-case partition wall and the end cap partition wall.

[0135] In addition, the fuel cell humidifier for increasing the fluid residence time according to an embodiment of the present invention has a packing member between the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead, thereby improving the airtightness between the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead, and has the advantage of being able to firmly install the packing member inside the humidifier by pressurizing the packing member when the mid-case bulkhead and the end-cap bulkhead are coupled to each other.

[0136] In addition, a fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid residence time according to an embodiment of the present invention has a first bypass flow path between a first mid-case partition wall and a cartridge, a second bypass flow path between a second mid-case partition wall and a cartridge, and a bypass flow path between an inner wall of the mid-case and a cartridge, thereby preventing the humidity of the humid gas from continuously decreasing as it passes through the cartridge, thereby having the advantage of improving the overall humidification performance inside the humidifier.

[0137] 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 mid-case having a first fluid inlet through which a first fluid is introduced and a first fluid outlet through which the first fluid is discharged; A mid-case bulkhead provided inside the mid-case and dividing the space inside the mid-case between a plurality of cartridges; An end cap having a second fluid inlet through which a second fluid is introduced and a second fluid outlet through which the second fluid is discharged, and coupled to the mid-case; A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized by including an end cap partition provided inside the end cap and dividing the space of the end cap.

2. In paragraph 1, The above end cap includes a first end cap coupled to one side of the mid case and a second end cap coupled to the other side of the mid case, The above endcap bulkhead includes a first endcap bulkhead that divides the space of the first endcap, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the mid-case bulkhead includes a first mid-case bulkhead extending from one end of the mid-case to the inside of the mid-case so as to form a movement passage on the other side inside the mid-case.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead are connected while being arranged in a parallel line.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that a first packing member is arranged between the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead, thereby connecting the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, It includes an inner case and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case, and includes a cartridge disposed inside the mid case. Three or more of the above cartridges are provided inside the above mid-case, The above endcap bulkhead includes a second endcap bulkhead that divides the space of the second endcap, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the mid-case bulkhead includes a second mid-case bulkhead extending from the other end of the mid-case to the inside of the mid-case so as to form a movement passage on one side of the inside of the mid-case.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the second end cap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead are connected while being arranged in a parallel line.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that a second packing member is arranged between the second endcap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead, thereby connecting the second endcap bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, Inside the above mid-case, a plurality of first mid-case bulkheads and second mid-case bulkheads are provided, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the first mid-case bulkhead and the second mid-case bulkhead are arranged alternately inside the mid-case.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The first end cap is provided with a plurality of first end cap bulkheads connected to the first mid-case bulkhead, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the second end cap is provided with a plurality of second end cap bulkheads connected to the second mid-case bulkhead.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that a first bypass path for moving fluid is provided between the first mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that a second bypass path for moving fluid is provided between the second mid-case bulkhead and the cartridge.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that a bypass path for moving fluid is provided between the inner wall of the mid-case and the cartridge.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are provided in the first end cap.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, Based on the first endcap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead, the first fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet are arranged in the same direction, A fuel cell humidifier for increasing fluid retention time, characterized in that the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet are arranged in the same direction based on the first end cap bulkhead and the first mid-case bulkhead.

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