Air humidifier
The humidifier design uses a partition wall to create a vortex for liquid water separation in the exhaust air stream, addressing the challenge of liquid water removal and pressure drop in fuel cell systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MAHLE INT GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing humidifiers for fuel cell systems face challenges in effectively separating liquid water from the dehumidified exhaust air stream while maintaining a low pressure drop during airflow.
The humidifier design incorporates a partition wall with an opening in the deflection area, creating a vortex in the exhaust air stream to separate liquid water into a separate collection chamber, while the airflow continues through a deflection area with minimal pressure loss.
This design efficiently separates liquid water from the exhaust air stream, reducing its presence in the dehumidified air and minimizing pressure drop, thereby optimizing the humidification process.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025085254_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 100A23016WG
[0002] December 3, 2025
[0003] 1
[0004] humidifier
[0005] The present invention relates to an air humidifier for transferring moisture from a moist exhaust air stream to a dry supply air stream for a fuel cell system, in particular of a motor vehicle.
[0006] For an optimized fuel cell process, it is advantageous to humidify the supply air stream fed to the cathode side of the respective fuel cell, i.e., to increase its water content. Since water is produced on the cathode side anyway during the fuel cell process, the exhaust air stream from the cathode side of the respective fuel cell contains a comparatively high amount of moisture in the form of gaseous, liquid, or vaporous water. The moisture from the exhaust air stream can be used to humidify the supply air stream, while simultaneously dehumidifying the exhaust air stream. A humidifier of the type mentioned above is used for this purpose. Depending on the operating state of the fuel cell system, the humid exhaust air stream may even contain liquid water, which can be detrimental to the humidifier. Furthermore, the dehumidified exhaust air stream may still contain liquid water, which can also be detrimental.
[0007] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least an alternative embodiment of a humidifier of the type described above, characterized in particular by improved separation of liquid water from the dehumidified exhaust air stream. Simultaneously, an embodiment is sought that results in a low pressure drop during the flow through the humidifier. 03.12.2025
[0008] 2
[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0010] The invention is based on the general concept of separating an exhaust air chamber from a water collection chamber within the housing of an air humidifier by means of a partition wall, wherein the partition wall has an opening in a deflection area of the exhaust air chamber. This opening is open to the water collection chamber on one side and to the exhaust air chamber on the other. During operation of the air humidifier, the dehumidified exhaust air flows along the partition wall in the exhaust air chamber until reaching the deflection area. In the deflection area, the exhaust air flows over the opening in the wall. The water collection chamber is not directly traversed by the exhaust air flow, thus forming a dead space. Nevertheless, a portion of the exhaust air flow can enter the water collection chamber when passing over the opening in the wall, creating a vortex in the dead space in the area of the opening. Water droplets carried in the exhaust air flow are separated from the exhaust air flow within the vortex and remain in the water collection chamber.Positioning the wall opening in the deflection area promotes or improves the formation of the flow vortex in the dead space. Simultaneously, the flow deflection, due to inertial forces, draws the liquid water carried in the exhaust air stream into the flow vortex because of its greater inertia, thus facilitating water separation. In this way, the proportion of liquid water in the dehumidified exhaust air stream can be significantly reduced.
[0011] The same principle applies to water separation in the moist exhaust air stream, i.e., before it passes through the humidifier. However, this study focuses solely on the separation of liquid water from the dehumidified exhaust air stream. 03.12.2025
[0012] 3
[0013] Specifically, the invention proposes equipping the humidifier with a humidifier block through which the exhaust air stream and the supply air stream can flow separately, thereby transferring moisture from the exhaust air stream to the supply air stream. Furthermore, the humidifier comprises a housing in which the humidifier block is arranged, and which has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction that are perpendicular to each other. The housing also includes an exhaust air inlet for supplying the moist exhaust air stream to the humidifier block, an exhaust air outlet for removing the dehumidified exhaust air stream from the humidifier block, a supply air inlet for supplying the dry supply air stream to the humidifier block, and a supply air outlet for removing the humidified supply air stream from the humidifier block.Within the housing, an exhaust air discharge chamber can be formed on the underside of the housing, guiding the dehumidified exhaust air stream from the humidifier block to the exhaust air outlet. Furthermore, a water collection chamber can be formed on the underside of the housing, below the exhaust air discharge chamber, and may, in particular, have a water drain opening. This water collection chamber is separated from the exhaust air discharge chamber by a partition. The exhaust air discharge chamber can include a deflection area between the humidifier block and the exhaust air outlet, which redirects the exhaust air stream. According to the invention, the partition in the deflection area can have an opening that fluidically connects the water collection chamber to the exhaust air discharge chamber.
[0014] Such a humidification block can be formed, for example, using membranes that are permeable to moisture or water but essentially impermeable to air. In this context, the terms "moist," "dry," "dehumidified," and "humidified" are to be understood relatively, so that the dehumidified exhaust air contains less moisture than the moist exhaust air. (December 3, 2025)
[0015] 4 and that the humidified supply air contains more moisture than the dry supply air.
[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing can be configured in the area of the wall opening such that the exhaust airflow generates a flow vortex in a dead space that forms in the area of the wall opening, at least in the water collection chamber. In other words, the exhaust air discharge chamber, the deflection area, the water collection chamber, and the partition are coordinated in such a way that the exhaust airflow passing over the wall opening generates the aforementioned flow vortex in the dead space. In particular, the wall opening and / or the dead space and / or the flow deflection in the deflection area can be dimensioned accordingly to generate the desired flow vortex in the dead space.
[0017] In the present context, a “configuration” corresponds to a “design” and / or a “setup”, so that the phrase “configured so that” is synonymous with the phrase “designed so that” and / or “set up so that”.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the deflection area can be configured to deflect the exhaust airflow by at least 45° with respect to a deflection axis running parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing, so that the exhaust airflow in the exhaust air discharge chamber flows away from the water collection chamber from the wall opening onwards. While the gaseous exhaust airflow can easily follow these flow deflections, the liquid water droplets carried in the exhaust airflow cannot follow this flow deflection due to their greater mass. In this way, the supply of the liquid water carried in the exhaust airflow to the flow vortex in the dead space, i.e., in the water collection chamber, is promoted. In particular, the deflection area can be configured to deflect the exhaust air- 03.12.2025
[0019] 5. The airflow is deflected by approximately 90° with respect to the deflection axis. For example, the exhaust airflow can flow parallel to the transverse direction of the housing towards the wall opening and, after the deflection, flow away from the wall opening towards the exhaust air outlet in the deflection area, essentially parallel to the vertical direction of the housing.
[0020] In another embodiment, the water collection chamber may have a vortex zone in the area of the wall opening, which is fluidically connected through the wall opening to the deflection zone of the exhaust air discharge chamber and is configured to form a flow roller that rotates about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. Such a flow roller is characterized by the fact that its extent parallel to the axis of rotation, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the housing, is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, its diameter measured transversely to the axis of rotation or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing. With the aid of such a flow roller, a comparatively large volume flow can be rotated at comparatively low flow velocities. Thus, a comparatively large amount of liquid water can be separated from the exhaust air stream with a low pressure loss.
[0021] Advantageously, the water collection chamber can have a collection area containing a water drain opening through which water that has accumulated in the water collection chamber can be discharged or drained. Furthermore, the water collection chamber can have a connecting area located between the vortex area and the collection area, forming a constriction. In particular, the connecting area can directly connect the vortex area to the collection area fluidically. The water collection chamber can then have a free cross-section perpendicular to the housing transverse direction, which varies along the housing transverse direction and which forms a constriction at 03.12.2025.
[0022] 6 exhibits a minimum. This configuration promotes the formation of the flow vortex in the vortex region. Furthermore, it hinders the intake of liquid water from the collection area towards the vortex region.
[0023] Advantageously, the partition wall can be arranged vertically between the humidifier block and a housing base with a water drain opening. This is preferably the aforementioned water drain opening of the collection area. Furthermore, the distance between the partition wall and the housing base, measured vertically between the wall opening and the water drain opening, can have a minimum, and this distance can vary, particularly along the transverse direction of the housing. Specifically, the minimum distance is located in the connection area and preferably at the constriction. Thus, the minimum distance can define the smallest free cross-section of the water collection space transverse to the housing transverse direction.
[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the partition and / or the housing may have at least one air guide element, i.e., a type of spoiler, in the vortex region, configured to promote vortex formation. With the aid of such an air guide element, it is particularly possible to influence the location of the vortex formation, the size of the vortex, and the rotational speed of the vortex.
[0025] In the advantageous embodiment, the partition wall can extend in a curved shape in the deflection area to support the deflection of the exhaust airflow. A curved partition wall, or a curved section of the partition wall, promotes low-resistance flow deflection, which is beneficial. 03.12.2025
[0026] 7. The pressure drop in the supply air stream during the flow through the humidifier is reduced. For example, the partition wall in the deflection area towards the exhaust air discharge room can be concavely curved.
[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, a spoiler, i.e., an air guide element, can be formed on the partition and / or on the housing, e.g., on an opening edge limiting the wall opening. This spoiler is configured to assist in deflecting the exhaust airflow and / or in promoting vortex formation in the dead space. For example, such a spoiler can be arranged on an upstream area of the wall opening, thus assisting in deflecting the exhaust airflow. Additionally or alternatively, such a spoiler can be arranged on an downstream corner area of the wall opening, facilitating the inflow of a portion of the exhaust airflow into the water collection chamber or the vortex area, thereby promoting vortex formation in the dead space.
[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one flow guide element may be arranged in the deflection area of the exhaust air discharge chamber, configured to assist in deflecting the exhaust air flow. Such a flow guide element reduces the pressure drop in the supply air flow associated with the flow deflection.
[0029] Another advantageous embodiment proposes that the partition wall, from an outlet side of the humidifier block where the humidified exhaust air stream exits the humidifier block, has a distance measured in the housing height direction. This distance can then increase along the outlet side of the humidifier block in the direction of flow that the exhaust air stream has in the exhaust air discharge chamber. In this way, a pressure drop in the exhaust air stream is reduced. 03.12.2025
[0030] 8
[0031] The volume of the exhaust airflow increases along the outlet side in the direction of flow. Since the distance also increases along the outlet side, a larger cross-sectional area is available for the increasing volume flow, making a homogeneous exhaust airflow achievable, characterized by a low pressure drop.
[0032] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.
[0033] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.
[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.
[0035] They show, schematically,
[0036] Figure 1 shows a highly simplified, general sectional view of a humidifier in the area of a water collection chamber, 03.12.2025
[0037] 9
[0038] Figure 2 shows a sectional view as in Figure 1, but in a more specific embodiment.
[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a humidifier 1, which serves to transfer moisture from a moist exhaust air stream 3 to a dry supply air stream 2 for a fuel cell system (not shown here), in particular a motor vehicle (also not shown here), comprises a humidifier block 4. The humidifier block 4 is media-separated and can be flowed through by the exhaust air stream 3 and the supply air stream 2 of the fuel cell system. It is configured such that, as moisture flows through the humidifier block 4, it is transferred from the exhaust air stream 3 to the supply air stream 2. The humidifier 1 also has a housing 5 in which the humidifier block 4 is arranged. The housing 5 has or defines a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a vertical direction Z, which are perpendicular to each other. In Figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal direction X is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.The housing transverse direction Y extends horizontally in Figures 1 and 2, while the housing height direction Z extends vertically in Figures 1 and 2.
[0040] The housing 5 has an exhaust air inlet 8 for supplying the moist exhaust air stream 3 to the humidifier block 4, an exhaust air outlet 9 for removing the dehumidified exhaust air stream 3 from the humidifier block 4, a supply air inlet 6 for supplying the dry supply air stream 2 to the humidifier block 4, and a supply air outlet 7 for removing the humidified supply air stream 2 from the humidifier block 4. Within the housing 5, an exhaust air discharge chamber 11 is formed on a lower surface 10 with respect to the housing height direction Z, which directs the humidified exhaust air stream 3 from the humidifier block 4 to the exhaust air outlet 9. Furthermore, within the housing 5, on the lower surface 10 with respect to the housing height direction Z, there is a
[0041] 10. A water collection chamber 12 is formed below the exhaust air discharge chamber 11. This chamber has a water drain opening 13 and is separated from the exhaust air discharge chamber 11 by a partition wall 14. The exhaust air discharge chamber 11 has a deflection section 15 between the humidifier block 4 and the exhaust air outlet 9, which is configured to deflect the exhaust air flow 3. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the exhaust air flow 3 flows essentially horizontally, from left to right, i.e., in the transverse direction Y of the housing, up to the deflection section 15. From the deflection section 15 onwards, the exhaust air flow 3 flows essentially vertically, from bottom to top, i.e., in the vertical direction Z of the housing.
[0042] The partition 14 has a wall opening 16 in the deflection area 15, which fluidically connects the water collection chamber 12 with the exhaust air discharge chamber 11. During operation of the humidifier 1, the exhaust air stream 3 does not flow through the water collection chamber 12, creating a dead space 17 in the area of the wall opening 16. In this dead space, the exhaust air stream 3 forms a vortex 18. The vortex 18 rotates about an axis of rotation 19, which extends essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing. Liquid water carried in the exhaust air stream 3 can be separated by the vortex 18 and fed into the water collection chamber 12. This water separation, or the feeding of the water into the water collection chamber 12, is indicated by an arrow 20 in Figures 1 and 2.
[0043] The housing 5 is configured in the area of the wall opening 16 such that the exhaust airflow 3 in the dead space 17, which forms in the area of the wall opening 16 at least in the water collection chamber 12, generates the flow vortex 18 or supports or promotes the generation of the flow vortex 18. The flow deflection in the deflection area 15 influences the formation of the flow vortex 18. In particular, the flow vortex 18 rotates opposite to the orientation of the flow deflection in the deflection area 15. The deflection area 15 03.12.2025
[0044] Here, 11 is configured to deflect the exhaust airflow 3 by approximately 90° with respect to a deflection axis 21 running parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing, such that the exhaust airflow 3 flows away from the water collection chamber 12 in the exhaust air discharge chamber 11 from the wall opening 16. In Examples 1 and 2, after being deflected from the wall opening 16, the exhaust airflow 3 flows essentially vertically upwards, i.e., in the housing height direction Z. In the examples shown here, the orientation of the flow deflection with respect to the deflection axis 21 is counterclockwise. The flow vortex 18 rotates clockwise around the axis of rotation 19.
[0045] The water collection chamber 12 can have a vortex region 22 in the area of the wall opening 16, which is fluidically connected to the deflection region 15 of the exhaust air discharge chamber 11 via the wall opening 16. The vortex region 22 is configured to form a flow roller 23, which rotates around the axis of rotation 19 running parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the housing. In other words, the vortex region 22 is specifically designed so that the flow vortex 18 forms a flow roller 23. Such a flow roller 23 is characterized by a significant extent parallel to the axis of rotation 19. For example, the flow roller 23 can have a length in the longitudinal direction X of the housing that is at least twice as large as the diameter of the flow roller 23 measured transversely to the axis of rotation 19.
[0046] The water collection chamber 12 can have a collection area 24 in which the water drain opening 13 is located. Furthermore, the water collection chamber 12 can have a connecting area 25 located between the vortex area 22 and the collection area 24, connecting the vortex area 22 to the collection area 24. A constriction 26 can be formed in the connecting area 25. The water collection chamber 12 has a free cross-section 27 transverse to the housing transverse direction Y, which has a minimum in the constriction 26.
[0047] Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the free cross-section 27 varies in steps along the housing transverse direction Y, namely, it is constant up to the constriction 26, has its minimum there, and is then larger and again constant. In contrast, Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the free cross-section 27 varies continuously along the housing transverse direction Y and, in particular, decreases up to the constriction 26, has its minimum there, and increases again from the constriction 26 onwards.
[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the partition 14 is arranged between the humidifier block 4 and a housing base 28, which has the water drain opening 13, with respect to the housing height direction Z. A distance 29, measured in the housing height direction Z, between the partition 14 and the housing base 28 can vary along the housing transverse direction Y and has a minimum between the wall opening 16 and the water drain opening 13. Advantageously, this minimum distance 29 is located in the connection area 25 and preferably in the constriction 26, so that the minimum distance 29 coincides with the minimum of the free cross-section 27. In the example of Figure 1, the distance 29 varies in steps. In particular, the distance 29 is the same and constant before and after the constriction 26 and has its minimum within the constriction 26. In the example of Figure 2, the distance 29 decreases in the housing transverse direction Y up to the minimum.The gradient decreases steadily until the narrow point 26 and then increases steadily again until the wall opening 16.
[0049] The partition 14 and / or the housing 5 can have at least one air guide element or a spoiler 30, 31 in the vortex region 22. The respective spoiler 30, 31 is configured to support vortex formation in the vortex region 22. Figure 1 shows two such spoilers 30, 31 by way of example; these are subsequently referred to as the first spoiler 30 and the second spoiler 31. 03.12.2025
[0050] 13
[0051] The two spoilers 30, 31 can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively. The first spoiler 30 is formed on an upstream area of the wall opening 16 at the partition 14 and supports flow deflection at this point. The second spoiler 31 is formed on a side wall 32 of the housing 5 and is located above an downstream area of the wall opening 16. The second spoiler 31 supports the inflow of a portion of the exhaust air stream 3 into the vortex region 22 and thus supports the formation of the flow vortex 18 or the flow roller 23. The first spoiler 30 can be formed on an opening edge that delimits the wall opening 16 and is located at the partition 14.
[0052] While in the example of Figure 1 the partition 14 is configured flat, in the example of Figure 2 it can be curved, at least in the deflection area 15, such that a curved section 38 of the partition 14 supports the deflection of the exhaust air flow 3. In the example of Figure 2, the partition 14 is concavely curved in its curved section 38, i.e., in the deflection area 15 towards the exhaust air discharge chamber 11.
[0053] According to Figure 2, the partition 14 or the housing 5 can have at least one air guide element 33 in the vortex region 22, similar to a spoiler, which is configured to support vortex formation in the vortex region 22. In the example shown in Figure 2, such an air guide element 33 is formed on the partition 14 and projects into the vortex region 22.
[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one flow guide element 34 may be arranged in the deflection area 15 of the exhaust air discharge chamber 11. The flow guide element 34 is configured to assist in deflecting the exhaust air flow 3. In the example shown, the flow guide element 34 is curved to achieve the desired deflection.
[0055] 14 of the exhaust air stream 3 to achieve the lowest possible pressure increase.
[0056] According to Figures 1 and 2, the partition 14 has a distance in the housing height direction Z measured from an outlet side 35 of the humidifier block 4, at which the dehumidified exhaust air stream 3 exits the humidifier block 4.
[0057] 36. In the example of Figure 1, the distance 36 is in one flow direction.
[0058] The distance 37, which the exhaust air stream 3 possesses in the exhaust air discharge chamber 11, is constant along the outlet side 35 of the humidifier block 4. In the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the flow direction 37 extends horizontally and from left to right, i.e., in the transverse direction Y of the housing. In the example of Figure 2, however, the partition 14 is shaped or configured such that the distance 36 between the outlet side 35 of the humidifier block 4 and the partition 14 increases along the outlet side 35 in the flow direction 37. In the deflection area 15, the distance 36 reaches its maximum in Figure 2. There, the exhaust air stream 3 has its maximum volume flow rate.
[0059] 5
[0060] 15
[0061] Reference symbol list Air humidifier Supply air flow Exhaust air flow Humidifier block Housing Supply air inlet Supply air outlet Exhaust air inlet Exhaust air outlet Housing underside Exhaust air discharge chamber Water collection chamber Water drain opening Partition Deflection area Wall opening Dead space Flow vortex Rotation axis Arrow Deflection axis Vortex area Flow roller Collection area Connection area Constriction A23016WQ 2.2025
[0062] 16 7 Free cross-section 8 Housing base 9 Spacing 0 Spoiler 1 Spoiler 2 Side wall 3 Air guide element 4 Flow guide element 5 Outlet side 6 Spacing 7 Flow direction
[0063] 38 curved section
Claims
1. 100A23016WG December 3, 2025 17 Claims 1. Humidifier (1) for transferring moisture from a moist exhaust air stream (3) to a dry supply air stream (2) for a fuel cell system, in particular of a motor vehicle, - with a humidifier block (4) that is separated from the exhaust air stream (3) and the supply air stream (2) is media-separated and allows moisture to be removed from the exhaust air stream (3) transfers to the supply air flow (2), and - with a housing (5) in which the humidifier block (4) is arranged and which has a housing longitudinal direction (X), a housing transverse direction (Y) and a housing vertical direction (Z) that are perpendicular to each other, - wherein the housing (5) has an exhaust air inlet (8) for supplying the moist exhaust air stream (3) to the humidifier block (4), an exhaust air outlet (9) for removing the dehumidified exhaust air stream (3) from the humidifier block (4), a supply air inlet (6) for supplying the dry supply air stream (2) to the humidifier block (4) and a supply air outlet (7) for removing the humidified supply air stream (2) from the humidifier block (4), - wherein in the housing (5) with respect to the housing height direction (Z) an exhaust air discharge chamber (11 ) is formed on a housing underside (10) which leads the dehumidified exhaust air flow (3) from the humidifier block (4) to the exhaust air outlet (9), - wherein in the housing (5) on the underside of the housing (10) with respect to the housing height direction (Z) below the exhaust air discharge chamber (11 ) a water collection chamber (12) is formed, which is separated from the exhaust air discharge chamber (11 ) by means of a partition wall (14), - wherein the exhaust air discharge chamber (11) between the humidifier block (4) and the exhaust air outlet (9) has a deflection area (15) which deflects the exhaust air flow (3), and December 3, 2025 18 - wherein the partition wall (14) in the deflection area (15) has a wall opening (16) which fluidically connects the water collection chamber (12) with the exhaust air discharge chamber (11).
2. Humidifier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, - that the housing (5) in the area of the wall opening (16) is configured such that the exhaust air flow (3) in a dead space (17) which forms in the area of the wall opening (16) at least in the water collection space (12) generates a flow vortex (18) or supports and / or promotes the generation of a flow vortex (18).
3. Humidifier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, - that the deflection area (15) is configured to deflect the exhaust air flow (3) by at least 45° with respect to a deflection axis (21) running parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) of the housing, so that the exhaust air flow (3) in the exhaust air discharge space (11) flows away from the water collection space (12) from the wall opening (16).
4. Humidifier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the water collection chamber (12) in the area of the wall opening (16) has a vortex region (22) which is fluidically connected through the wall opening (16) to the deflection region (15) of the exhaust air discharge chamber (11) and which is configured to form a flow roller (23) which rotates about a rotation axis (19) running parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) of the housing.
5. Humidifier (1) according to claim 4, December 3, 2025 19 characterized by this, - that the water collection chamber (12) has a collection area (24) in which a water drain opening (13) is located, - that the water collection chamber (12) has a connecting area (25) located between the vortex area (22) and the collection area (24) and which forms or contains a constriction (26), and - that the water collection chamber (12) has a free cross-section (27) transverse to the housing transverse direction (Y), which varies in particular along the housing transverse direction (Y) and which has a minimum in the constriction (26).
6. Humidifier (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, - that the partition (14) is arranged between the humidifier block (4) and a housing base (28) having a water drain opening (13) with respect to the housing height direction (Z), and - that a distance (29) measured in the housing height direction (Z) between the partition (14) and the housing bottom (28) varies along the housing transverse direction (Y) and has a minimum between the wall opening (16) and the water drain opening (13).
7. Humidifier (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, - that the partition (14) and / or the housing (5) in the vortex region (22) has at least one air guide element (33) configured to support vortex formation in the vortex region (22).
8. Humidifier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that December 3, 2025 20 - that the partition (14) extends in a curved shape in the deflection area (15) to support the deflection of the exhaust air flow (3).
9. Humidifier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that at least one spoiler (30, 31) is formed on the partition (14) and / or on the housing (5) which is configured to assist in deflecting the exhaust airflow (3) and / or in assisting in creating vortices in the dead space (17).
10. Humidifier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that in the exhaust air discharge room (11) in the deflection area (15) at least one flow guide element (34) is arranged which is configured to support the deflection of the exhaust air flow (3).
11. Humidifier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that the partition (14) has a distance (36) measured in the housing height direction (Z) from an outlet side (35) of the humidifier block (4) at which the dehumidified exhaust air stream (3) exits the humidifier block (4), and - that the distance (36) in a flow direction (37) which the exhaust air flow (3) has in the exhaust air discharge room (11) increases along the outlet side (35) of the humidifier block (4). *****