Cylindrical cartridge and fuel cell humidifier including cylindrical cartridge

Abstract

A cylindrical cartridge according to the present invention comprises: an inner case having a cylindrical shape; and a humidification membrane disposed inside the inner case, wherein a window in the shape of a hole is provided on the outside of the inner case. A fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the present invention includes: a mid-case; end caps coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case; and the cylindrical cartridge disposed inside the mid-case.

Description

Cylindrical cartridge and fuel cell humidifier including cylindrical cartridge

[0001] The present invention relates to a cylindrical cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge, and more particularly, to a cylindrical cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge, which can manufacture a fuel cell humidifier in various shapes while improving the degree of design freedom by mounting a cylindrical cartridge in a mid-case.

[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 moisture in the hot and humid air discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell to humidify the dry air 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. Membrane 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 air supplied by the air compressor.

[0007] Humidifiers for fuel cells exchange moisture between hot, humid exhaust gas and dry air through a hollow fiber membrane with internal cavities. To maximize the efficiency of this exchange, the hot, humid exhaust gas and dry air must pass through the membrane, allowing the moisture exchange to occur.

[0008] A fuel cell humidifier can be manufactured using a cartridge having multiple hollow fiber membranes arranged within it. The cartridge may be a unit module having multiple hollow fiber membranes arranged within it, and multiple cartridges may be provided within the mid-case of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0009] The cartridge may be equipped with a window through which exhaust gas may be introduced or discharged. High-temperature, humid exhaust gas introduced through the exhaust gas inlet provided in the mid-case of the fuel cell humidifier passes through the cartridge window located adjacent to the exhaust gas inlet and moves to the hollow fiber membrane, where it exchanges moisture with dry air. The exhaust gas, having undergone the exchange of dry air and moisture, passes through the cartridge window located adjacent to the exhaust gas outlet and is discharged outside the mid-case of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0010] The cartridges used in fuel cell humidifiers may have a rectangular cross-section. However, fuel cell humidifiers using cartridges with a rectangular cross-section have the following problems:

[0011] In the case of a fuel cell humidifier using a cartridge with a rectangular cross-section, there is a problem in that the expansion of the design of the fuel cell humidifier is limited due to the rectangular shape of the cartridge.

[0012] In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure stability of the cartridge dimensions due to the cartridge shape having a rectangular cross-section that is not symmetrical, and there is a problem that the pressure is not distributed evenly inside the fuel cell humidifier due to the cartridge shape having a rectangular cross-section that is not symmetrical.

[0013] In addition, when fixing the humidifying film through a potting material, there is a problem in that a rectangular cross-section cartridge must be potted after attaching a separate part, such as a sub-case, to both ends of the cartridge to prevent leakage of the potting material.

[0014] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and more specifically, relates to a cylindrical cartridge capable of manufacturing a fuel cell humidifier in various shapes while improving the degree of design freedom by mounting a cylindrical cartridge in a mid-case, and a fuel cell humidifier including a cylindrical cartridge.

[0015] A cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment is a cartridge mounted on a fuel cell humidifier, and includes an inner case having a cylindrical shape; a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case; and a window having a hole shape is provided on the outside of the inner case.

[0016] The window of the cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment may be formed in a circular shape.

[0017] The diameter of the window of the cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment may be 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0018] The window of the cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment may extend along the outer side of the inner case while forming a curvature.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a first window portion including a plurality of windows in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to an exhaust gas inlet may be provided on one side of the inner case of the cylindrical cartridge, and a second window portion including a plurality of windows in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to an exhaust gas outlet may be provided on the other side of the inner case.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the plurality of windows included in the first window portion and the second window portion of the cylindrical cartridge form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and when the direction in which the inner surface of the window extends is referred to as the axial direction, the axial directions formed by one window and another window among the plurality of windows arranged in one column may intersect each other.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the length of the inner surface of the window of the cylindrical cartridge may be the same as the thickness of the inner case.

[0022] The inner case of the cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment may include a first inner case and a second inner case detachably coupled to the first inner case.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the length of the first inner case of the cylindrical cartridge is formed to be longer than the length of the second inner case, and a support part having a cross-section formed as a closed surface may be provided at at least one end or the other end of the first inner case.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cross-section of the support portion of the cylindrical cartridge may be formed in a circular shape.

[0025] A cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment further includes a potting portion for fixing a plurality of the humidifying films, wherein the potting portion can fix a plurality of the humidifying films to the support portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second inner case of the cylindrical cartridge may be provided with a hook portion that protrudes outwardly of the second inner case while forming a fastening hole, and the first inner case may be provided with a fastening protrusion that is inserted into the fastening hole and protrudes outwardly of the first inner case.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first inner case of the cylindrical cartridge may be provided with a hook portion that protrudes outwardly of the first inner case while forming a fastening hole, and the second inner case may be provided with a fastening protrusion that is inserted into the fastening hole and protrudes outwardly of the second inner case.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the diameter of the inner case of the cylindrical cartridge may be 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0029] A fuel cell humidifier including a cylindrical cartridge according to one embodiment is a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that humidifies gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, the humidifier including: a mid-case; an end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case; and a cylindrical cartridge disposed inside the mid-case; wherein the cylindrical cartridge includes an inner case formed in a cylindrical shape and a humidifying membrane disposed inside the inner case; and a window formed in a hole shape is provided on the outside of the inner case.

[0030] The present invention relates to a cylindrical cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge. By manufacturing the cartridge in a cylindrical shape, the dimensional stability can be improved while the pressure generated inside the fuel cell humidifier can be uniformly distributed, thereby improving the performance and quality of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0031] In addition, the present invention can improve the degree of freedom in designing a fuel cell humidifier equipped with a plurality of cartridges by using a cylindrical cartridge having a symmetrical shape, and thus has the advantage of being able to manufacture a fuel cell humidifier in various shapes.

[0032] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of stably fixing the humidifying film through the potting portion by forming the length of the first inner case to be longer than the length of the second inner case and providing a support portion formed of a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case.

[0033] In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that a separate component for preventing leakage of potting material can be omitted by forming the length of the first inner case to be longer than that of the second inner case and providing a support portion formed of a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case.

[0034] In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that it can shorten the penetration time of exhaust gas by arranging a plurality of windows while forming a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and forming the axial directions formed by one window and another window among the plurality of windows arranged in one column to intersect each other.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a mid-case and an end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a cylindrical cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a first inner case and a second inner case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a potting portion formed on a support portion provided at one end and the other end of a first inner case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a cylindrical cartridge mounted on a mid-case of various shapes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing cylindrical cartridges formed with different lengths according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first inner case and a second inner case being connected through a hook portion and a connecting protrusion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 is a side view of a cylindrical cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of AA of Fig. 8.

[0044] FIG. 10(a) is a drawing showing that the axial directions formed by a plurality of windows arranged in one column are not parallel to each other but extend in different directions and intersect each other according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(b) is a drawing showing that the axial directions formed by a plurality of windows arranged in one column are parallel.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The present invention relates to a cylindrical cartridge and a fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge. The cylindrical cartridge, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and is mounted on a mid-case, allows for improved design freedom and enables the manufacture of a fuel cell humidifier in various shapes. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] A humidifier for a fuel cell including a cylindrical cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mid-case (10), an end cap (20), and a cylindrical cartridge (100).

[0051] Referring to Fig. 1, the mid-case (10) may be a housing having an internal space, and a cartridge having a humidifying film may be provided inside the mid-case (10). The mid-case (10) may be provided with an exhaust gas inlet (11) into which exhaust gas discharged from the stack is introduced, and an exhaust gas outlet (12) for discharging the exhaust gas.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 1, an end cap (20) may be coupled to one side and the other side of the mid-case (10). The end cap (20) may be provided with an air inlet (21) capable of supplying dry air to the mid-case (10) and an air outlet (22) capable of discharging humidified air from the mid-case (10).

[0053] Specifically, the end cap (20) coupled to one side of the mid-case (10) may be provided with the air outlet (22), and the end cap (20) coupled to the other side of the mid-case (10) may be provided with the air inlet (21). The air outlet (22) is connected to a fuel cell stack, and humidified air discharged through the air outlet (22) may be supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0054] High temperature and humid exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack can be introduced into the mid-case (10) through the exhaust gas inlet (11) provided in the mid-case (10). The exhaust gas introduced into the mid-case (10) supplies moisture to the dry air supplied to the mid-case (10) through the air inlet (21) of the end cap (20).

[0055] The exhaust gas that has supplied moisture to the dry air can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust gas discharge port (12) provided in the mid-case (10). The dry air humidified through the mid-case (10) is discharged through the air discharge port (22), and the humidified air is supplied to the fuel cell stack. A packing member (30) may be provided between the end cap (20) and the mid-case (10) to prevent air leakage.

[0056] A fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge having a plurality of humidifying membranes, and the cartridge may be a unit module having a plurality of the humidifying membranes. A fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of cartridges.

[0057] Although a rectangular cartridge (40) including a humidifying film (41) is illustrated in FIG. 1, a fuel cell humidifier including a cylindrical cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention may use a cylindrical cartridge (100) disclosed in FIG. 2 instead of the rectangular cartridge (40).

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical cartridge (100) may be placed inside the mid-case (10). The cylindrical cartridge (100) may include an inner case (110) formed in a cylindrical shape, and a humidifying film (140) placed inside the inner case (110). In addition, a plurality of windows (150) formed in the shape of holes may be provided on the outside of the inner case (110).

[0059] Hereinafter, a cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is included in a fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0060] The features of the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention described below can be applied to all fuel cell humidifiers including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inner case (110) and a humidifying film (140).

[0062] The inner case (110) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the inner case (110) may be extended in a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the inner case (110) may be formed in a cylindrical shape while being formed in a symmetrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the inner case (110) may also be formed in an asymmetrical shape.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of windows (150) in the shape of holes may be provided on the outside of the inner case (110). The windows (150) may be holes that allow exhaust gas to enter the inner case (110) or discharge exhaust gas within the inner case (110).

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first window portion (161) including a plurality of windows (150) in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to an exhaust gas inlet (11) may be provided on one side of the inner case (110). In addition, a second window portion (162) including a plurality of windows (150) in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to an exhaust gas outlet (12) may be provided on the other side of the inner case (110).

[0065] Exhaust gas can be introduced into the inner case (110) through the plurality of windows (150) provided in the first window section (161). In addition, exhaust gas disposed inside the inner case (110) can be discharged to the outside of the inner case (110) through the plurality of windows (150) provided in the second window section (162).

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4, the humidifying film (140) is placed inside the inner case (110). Through the humidifying film (140), the exhaust gas discharged from the stack and the drying gas exchange moisture.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the humidifying membrane (140) may be a hollow fiber membrane, and a plurality of the humidifying membranes (140) may be arranged in the inner case (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the humidifying membrane (140) may be formed of various types of humidifying membranes as long as it can humidify the gas to be supplied to the stack.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, a cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a potting portion (170) for fixing a plurality of the humidifying films (140). The potting portion (170) may fix a plurality of the humidifying films (140) to the inner case (110).

[0069] The above potting part (170) can be formed on one side and the other side of the inner case (110), and a plurality of the above humidifying films (140) can be fixed to one side and the other side of the inner case (110) through the potting part (170).

[0070] Since the inner case (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed in a cylindrical shape, dimensional stability is improved while pressure generated within the fuel cell humidifier can be uniformly distributed. This improves the performance and quality of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0071] Specifically, in the case of a rectangular cartridge (40), it must be designed considering the horizontal and vertical dimensions, but if the inner case (110) is formed in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to design considering only the diameter of the inner case (110), thereby improving dimensional stability.

[0072] In addition, in the case of a rectangular cartridge (40), the pressure may be distributed unevenly due to the rectangular shape. However, in the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure can be distributed evenly by forming the inner case (110) into a cylindrical shape.

[0073] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the design freedom of a fuel cell humidifier by forming the inner case (110) into a cylindrical shape.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 5, by forming the inner case (110) into a cylindrical shape, the mid case (10) on which the inner case (110) is mounted can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0075] In the case of a rectangular cartridge (40), there is a problem in that it is difficult to change the shape of the mid-case (10) due to its rectangular shape. Specifically, when the mid-case (10) is formed in a cylindrical shape or a hexagonal shape, there is a problem in that it is difficult to evenly place the rectangular cartridge (40) inside the mid-case (10).

[0076] However, the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention can manufacture the mid-case (10) in various shapes by forming the inner case (110) in a cylindrical shape.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical inner case (110) can be stably placed in a cylindrical, square, or hexagonal mid-case (10), thereby enabling the shape of the mid-case (10) to be easily changed. The mid-case (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured in a polygonal shape in addition to a cylindrical, square, or hexagonal shape.

[0078] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can easily change the length of the inner case (110) as shown in FIG. 6 by forming the inner case (110) into a cylindrical shape.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, the length of the inner case (110) formed in a cylindrical shape can be changed and manufactured according to the size of the fuel cell humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, thereby enabling the inner case (110) to be mounted on fuel cell humidifiers of various sizes.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the window (150) may be formed in a circular shape. In addition, the diameter of the window (150) may be formed in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0081] If the diameter of the above window (150) is smaller than 3 mm, difficulties may arise in manufacturing (molding) and mass production management for forming a plurality of the above windows (150) in the inner case (110).

[0082] In addition, when the diameter of the window (150) is smaller than 3 mm, a high pressure drop may be formed by the window (150). Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the window (150) according to the embodiment of the present invention is larger than 3 mm.

[0083] If the diameter of the window (150) is greater than 10 mm, there may be a high risk of a short circuit in the humidifying film (140) inside the inner case (110). Specifically, if the diameter of the window (150) is greater than 10 mm, a short circuit may occur in the humidifying film (140) as the pressure flowing through the window (150) increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the window (150) according to an embodiment of the present invention be smaller than 10 mm.

[0084] The diameter of the inner case (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0085] If the diameter of the inner case (110) is smaller than 25 mm, the inner cases (110) can be densely arranged inside the mid case (10), but there is a problem in that productivity and manufacturing cost are disadvantageous as a large number of the inner cases (110) must be arranged inside the mid case (10). Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the inner case (110) is larger than 25 mm.

[0086] If the diameter of the inner case (110) is greater than 50 mm, there is a problem in that it is difficult to place multiple inner cases (110) inside the mid-case (10). Accordingly, the degree of design freedom for manufacturing a fuel cell humidifier may be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the inner case (110) is less than 50 mm.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 2, the inner case (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first inner case (120) and a second inner case (130). The second inner case (130) is detachably coupled to the first inner case (120), and the inner case (110) can be manufactured by assembling the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130).

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the first inner case (120) may be formed into a semicircle, and the cross-section of the second inner case (130) may also be formed into a semicircle. By assembling the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) having a semicircular cross-section, the inner case (110) having a cylindrical shape can be manufactured.

[0089] However, the cross-sections of the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) are not limited to being formed into a semicircle, and if the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) can be assembled to produce the inner case (110) having a cylindrical shape, the cross-sections of the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) may be formed into various shapes.

[0090] When manufacturing the inner case (110) by assembling the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130), a hook portion (131) and a fastening protrusion (122) can be used to fasten the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the second inner case (130) may be provided with a hook portion (131) that protrudes outward from the second inner case (130) while forming a fastening hole (132).

[0092] The above hook portion (131) is extended from the second inner case (130) in a direction toward the first inner case (120), and a fastening hole (132) in the shape of a hole may be formed in the center of the hook portion (131).

[0093] The first inner case (120) may be provided with a fastening projection (122) that is inserted into the fastening hole (132) and protrudes outwardly of the first inner case (120). The fastening projection (122) protrudes outwardly of the first inner case (120), and the fastening projection (122) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the fastening hole (132).

[0094] When manufacturing the inner case (110) by assembling the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130), the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) can be fastened by inserting the fastening protrusion (122) of the first inner case (120) into the fastening hole (132) of the second inner case (130).

[0095] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inner case (120) may be provided with a hook portion, and the second inner case (130) may be provided with a fastening protrusion. Specifically, the first inner case (120) may be provided with a hook portion that protrudes outwardly of the first inner case (120) while a fastening hole is formed therein, and the second inner case (130) may be provided with a fastening protrusion that is inserted into the fastening hole and protrudes outwardly of the second inner case (130).

[0096] When manufacturing the inner case (110) by assembling the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130), the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) can be fastened by inserting the fastening protrusion of the second inner case (130) into the fastening hole of the first inner case (120).

[0097] As described above, the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) can be fastened through the hook portion (131) and the fastening protrusion (122), but the present invention is not limited to fastening the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) through the hook portion (131) and the fastening protrusion (122).

[0098] The first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) may be fastened by a snap-fit, press-fit, or other method. In addition, the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) may be fastened by various methods other than the snap-fit, press-fit, or other methods.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2, the length of the first inner case (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed to be longer than the length of the second inner case (130), and a support part (121) having a closed cross-section may be provided at one or more of one end or the other end of the first inner case (120).

[0100] The first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed asymmetrically, and the length of the first inner case (120) may be formed to be longer than the length of the second inner case (130).

[0101] In addition, the support part (121) having a closed cross-section may be provided at one end and the other end of the first inner case (120), and the cross-section of the support part (121) may be formed in a circular shape.

[0102] Specifically, the central portion of the first inner case (120) may have a semicircular cross-section, and one end and the other end of the first inner case (120) may have a circular cross-section.

[0103] The second inner case (130) may have a semicircular cross-section, and the second inner case (130) may be assembled between the support members (121) provided at one end and the other end of the first inner case (120) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 4, the potting part (170) that fixes the humidifying film (140) can be formed on the support part (121). Specifically, the potting part (170) can fix a plurality of the humidifying films (140) to the support part (121).

[0105] In the case of a rectangular cartridge (40), when fixing the humidifying film through the potting material, separate parts such as sub-cases must be combined at both ends of the cartridge to prevent leakage of the potting material, and then potting must be performed.

[0106] However, since the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention has the support portion (121) formed as a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case (120), it is possible to avoid using a separate component to prevent leakage of the potting material.

[0107] Specifically, since the support member (121) forms a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case (120), leakage of the potting material through the support member (121) can be prevented.

[0108] The above potting part (170) fixes a plurality of the above humidifying films (140) to the above support part (121), and prevents leakage of the potting material through the above support part (121) while stably fixing the above humidifying films (140) to the above potting part (170).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 8, the first window portion (161) and the second window portion (162) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of windows (150), and the plurality of windows (150) included in the first window portion (161) and the second window portion (162) may form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Here, the row direction may be a direction parallel to the direction in which the inner case (110) extends, and the column direction may be a direction perpendicular to the row direction.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 9, when the direction in which the inner surface (151) of the window (150) extends is referred to as the axial direction (152), the axial directions (152) formed by one window (150) and another window (150) among a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column may intersect each other.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 10(a), the axial directions (152) formed by a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column according to an embodiment of the present invention may not be parallel to each other but may extend in different directions and intersect each other.

[0112] Fig. 10(b) is a drawing showing that the axial directions (152) formed by a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column are parallel. When using the inner case (110) having a cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 10(b), if the axial directions (152) formed by a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column are parallel, the length of the inner circumferential surface (151) of the window (150) may become longer.

[0113] As the length of the inner surface (151) of the window (150) increases in this way, there is a problem in that the penetration distance of exhaust gas passing through the window (150) increases.

[0114] Specifically, when using the inner case (110) having a cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 10(b), if the axial direction (152) formed by a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column is formed in parallel, the length of the inner circumferential surface (151) of the window (150) can be changed depending on the position where the window (150) is arranged and the curvature of the inner case (110).

[0115] In this way, when the inner circumferential surfaces (151) of the plurality of windows (150) are formed to have different lengths, the penetration distances of the exhaust gas passing through the plurality of windows (150) become different, and the exhaust gas flowing into the plurality of windows (150) may flow unevenly into the inner case (110).

[0116] In particular, at a point where the penetration distance of exhaust gas passing through the window (150) is large, exhaust gas may not flow smoothly into the inner case (110).

[0117] In this way, if the exhaust gas flowing into the plurality of windows (150) flows unevenly into the inner case (110), the humidifying film (140) inside the inner case (110) cannot be used evenly, and thus, short circuits and damage may occur at specific points of the humidifying film (140).

[0118] However, the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may extend in different directions so that the axial directions (152) formed by a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column are not parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

[0119] This allows the exhaust gas to smoothly flow into the inner case (110) while reducing the penetration distance through which the exhaust gas passes through the plurality of windows (150).

[0120] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of windows (150) arranged in one row, as shown in Fig. 10(a), formed in an axial direction (152) that are not parallel to each other but extend in different directions, thereby enabling the exhaust gas to have the same penetration distance through the plurality of windows (150). Through this, the exhaust gas flowing into the plurality of windows (150) can be uniformly introduced into the inner case (110).

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the inner surface (151) of the window (150) may be the same as the thickness of the inner case (110). Specifically, the axial direction (152) of the window (150) may be adjusted so that the length of the inner surface (151) of the window (150) is the same as the thickness of the inner case (110), thereby making it possible to form the same penetration distance for exhaust gas to pass through a plurality of the windows (150).

[0122] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the axial directions (152) formed by all windows (150) arranged in one column are not parallel to each other, but may extend in different directions and intersect each other.

[0123] However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the axial directions (152) formed by all windows (150) arranged in one column intersecting each other. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the axial directions of some of the plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column may be parallel to each other, and the axial directions of some of the plurality of windows (150) arranged in one column may not be parallel to each other but may intersect while extending in different directions.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the window (150) may extend along the outer side of the inner case (110) while forming a curvature. Referring to FIG. 9, the window (150) may extend along the shape of the inner case (110) while forming a curvature on the inner and outer sides of the window (150). Here, the inner side may be a direction toward the inside of the inner case (110), and the outer side may be a direction toward the outside of the inner case (110).

[0125] Since the inner case (110) is formed in a cylindrical shape, if the window (150) does not extend while forming a curvature, an angular point may be formed around the window (150), causing a short circuit in the humidifying film (140).

[0126] Therefore, it is preferable that the window (150) extends along the outer side of the inner case (110) while forming a curvature, and for this purpose, a curvature may be formed on the inner and outer sides of the window (150). Here, the window (150) may extend along the outer side of the inner case (110) while forming the same curvature as the curvature formed by the cylindrical inner case (110).

[0127] The cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention described above have the following effects.

[0128] The cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention have the advantage of being able to evenly distribute the pressure generated inside the fuel cell humidifier while improving dimensional stability by manufacturing the cartridge in a cylindrical shape, thereby improving the performance and quality of the fuel cell humidifier.

[0129] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the design freedom of the fuel cell humidifier equipped with a plurality of cartridges by using a cylindrical cartridge having a symmetrical shape, and thus have the advantage of being able to manufacture the fuel cell humidifier in various shapes.

[0130] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention have the advantage of being able to stably fix the humidifying film through the potting portion by forming the length of the first inner case to be longer than the length of the second inner case and providing a support portion formed of a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case.

[0131] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention have the advantage of not having to use a separate part to prevent leakage of the potting material by forming the length of the first inner case to be longer than the length of the second inner case and providing a support part formed of a closed surface at one end and the other end of the first inner case.

[0132] In addition, the cylindrical cartridge and the fuel cell humidifier including the cylindrical cartridge according to the embodiment of the present invention have the advantage of shortening the penetration time of exhaust gas by arranging a plurality of windows while forming a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and forming the axial directions formed by one window and another window among the plurality of windows arranged in one column to intersect each other.

[0133] 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 cartridge mounted on a fuel cell humidifier, Inner case made of a cylindrical shape; It includes a humidifying film placed inside the inner case; A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that a window in the shape of a hole is provided on the outside of the inner case.

2. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the above window is formed in a circular shape.

3. In paragraph 2, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the diameter of the above window is 3 mm to 10 mm.

4. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the window extends along the outer side of the inner case while forming a curvature.

5. In paragraph 1, One side of the inner case is provided with a first window section including a plurality of windows in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to the exhaust gas inlet. A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the other side of the inner case is provided with a second window portion including a plurality of windows in the shape of holes and arranged adjacent to the exhaust gas discharge port.

6. In paragraph 5, The plurality of windows included in the first window section and the second window section form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, When the direction in which the inner surface of the above window extends is called the axial direction, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the axial directions formed by one window and another window among a plurality of windows arranged in one column intersect each other.

7. In paragraph 6, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the length of the inner surface of the above window is the same as the thickness of the inner case.

8. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the inner case includes a first inner case and a second inner case detachably connected to the first inner case.

9. In paragraph 8, The length of the first inner case is formed to be longer than the length of the second inner case, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that at least one end or the other end of the first inner case is provided with a support portion having a cross-section formed as a closed surface.

10. In paragraph 9, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the cross-section of the above support portion is circular.

11. In paragraph 9, It further includes a potting part for fixing a plurality of the above humidifying films, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the potting part fixes a plurality of the humidifying films to the support part.

12. In paragraph 8, The second inner case is provided with a hook portion that protrudes outward from the second inner case while forming a fastening hole. A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the first inner case is provided with a fastening protrusion that is inserted into the fastening hole and protrudes outward from the first inner case.

13. In paragraph 8, The first inner case is provided with a hook portion that protrudes outward from the first inner case while forming a fastening hole. A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the second inner case is provided with a fastening protrusion that is inserted into the fastening hole and protrudes outward from the second inner case.

14. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical cartridge characterized in that the diameter of the inner case is 25 mm to 50 mm.

15. In a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell that humidifies gas to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, Midcase; An end cap coupled to one side and the other side of the above mid-case; A cylindrical cartridge disposed inside the above mid-case; The above cylindrical cartridge, It includes an inner case having a cylindrical shape and a humidifying film disposed inside the inner case; A fuel cell humidifier including a cylindrical cartridge characterized in that a window in the shape of a hole is provided on the outside of the inner case.

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