Module for a humidifier of a fuel cell system, plate half for a module, humidifier having modules, and method for producing a module

Abstract

The invention disclosed here relates to a module (10) for a humidifier (50) of a fuel cell system (100), wherein: a dry side (11) has a tunnel structure (14, 15) for conducting a dry gas in a tunnel direction (T1) through the module (10); a moist side (12) has a planar guide structure (16); the guide structure (16) has a row of inlet holes (19) arranged next to one another for conducting the moist gas into the module (10), and a row of outlet holes (20) arranged next to one another for conducting the moist gas out of the module (10); the guide structure (16) has upper guide ribs (21), which are formed next to one another at a distance, and lower guide ribs (22), which are formed next to one another at a distance, for conducting the moist gas in a guide direction (L1) from the inlet holes (19) to the outlet holes (20); the upper guide ribs (21) are formed at a distance from the lower guide ribs (22) and above the lower guide ribs (22); and the tunnel structure (14, 15) extends in the tunnel direction (T1) transversely to the guide direction (L1) and is positioned between the upper guide ribs (21) and lower guide ribs (22) which are arranged one above the other. The invention further relates to a plate half (23, 24) and to a method for producing the module (10) and to a humidifier (50) having a plurality of modules (10).

Description

[0001] 25-0643

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] Module for a humidifier of a fuel cell system, plate half for a module,

[0005] Humidifiers with modules and methods for manufacturing a module

[0006] The invention disclosed herein relates to a module for a humidifier of a fuel cell system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a module comprising a dry side, a wet side, and a moisture-permeable membrane for guiding a dry gas through a tunnel structure and humidifying it with a wet gas. The invention further relates to a plate half and a method for manufacturing the module, as well as a humidifier with several stacked modules.

[0007] In the field of fuel cell systems, it is common to use humidifiers to improve the efficiency and lifespan of the fuel cells. These humidifiers are responsible for enriching the dry gas entering the fuel cells with moisture to ensure optimal fuel cell operation. Well-known fuel cell systems typically include modules that use a membrane to transfer moisture from a moist gas to a dry gas. The membranes are often arranged in a flat or corrugated structure to maximize the contact area between the gases and thus achieve correspondingly high efficiency in the desired moisture transfer.

[0008] According to known technology, modules of this type consist of a multitude of components that must be carefully assembled to ensure effective and stable moisture transfer. These components often include complex structures to direct the gas flow as desired and ensure that the dry gas is uniformly humidified. Despite current efforts, challenges exist regarding the efficiency, stability, and complexity of manufacturing such modules. In particular, uneven distribution of the moist gas can lead to inefficient humidification, which can impair the performance of the fuel cell system. Furthermore, in practice, highly efficient structures often result in reduced module stability. 25-0643

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] The object of the present invention is to create improved methods and devices for humidifying a dry gas in a fuel cell system.

[0011] The aforementioned problem is solved by the claims. In particular, the aforementioned problem is solved by the module according to claim 1, as well as by the plate half, the humidifier, and the method according to the dependent claims. Further advantages of the disclosed invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. Features described in connection with the module also apply in connection with the plate half, the humidifier, and the method, and vice versa, so that the disclosure always makes and / or can make reciprocal references to the individual aspects.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a module for a humidifier of a fuel cell system is proposed. The module comprises:

[0013] - a dry side for guiding a dry gas through the module,

[0014] - a moist side for passing moist gas through the module to humidify the dry gas on the dry side,

[0015] - a moisture-permeable membrane between the dry side and the wet side,

[0016] - wherein the dry side has a tunnel structure for guiding the dry gas through the module in a tunnel direction,

[0017] - wherein the moist side has a plate-shaped guiding structure,

[0018] - wherein the guide structure has a series of adjacent inlet holes for guiding the moist gas into the module and a series of adjacent outlet holes for guiding the moist gas out of the module,

[0019] - wherein the guiding structure has upper guide ribs, which are arranged next to each other at a distance from each other, and lower guide ribs, which are arranged next to each other at a distance from each other, for guiding the moist gas in a guiding direction from the inlet holes to the outlet holes,

[0020] - wherein the upper guide ribs are spaced apart from and positioned above the lower guide ribs,

[0021] - wherein the tunnel structure extends in the tunnel direction transversely to the guiding direction and is positioned between the superimposed upper guide ribs and lower guide ribs.25-0643

[0022] - 3 -

[0023] The proposed module enables a particularly compact humidifier design. This compact design is achieved primarily through the positioning of the tunnel structure within the guide structure. The module allows for a correspondingly reduced overall height of the humidifier, resulting in more flexible and / or simpler installation. These advantages are particularly beneficial in mobile systems, such as vehicles, where available installation space is typically limited. Furthermore, the proposed module offers high stability. This stability is enhanced by the guide ribs, the ability to directly connect multiple guide structures, and / or the option of attaching them to a frame structure. The proposed module also enables highly efficient humidification of the dry gas.This can be achieved in particular because intermediate and / or fastening elements, which are necessary with conventional modules, can also be dispensed with.

[0024] The inlet and outlet holes can each be tunnel-shaped. The inlet holes can extend parallel to each other. The outlet holes can also extend parallel to each other. The inlet and outlet holes can have a round or a square cross-section. The inlet holes, outlet holes, and tunnel structures can each be understood as closed or substantially closed tunnel structures. The guide ribs can, at least considered individually, form an open or substantially open channel structure.

[0025] The terms "wet side" and "dry side" can refer to components, component areas, and / or component sections of the module in and / or along which the respective gas flows. "Dry gas" can refer to a gas that is drier than the wet gas and / or has a lower moisture content. For example, "dry gas" can refer to a gas that is supplied to the cathode of a fuel cell via the humidifier in the fuel cell system. "Wet gas" can refer to a gas that is more humid than the dry gas. For example, "wet gas" can refer to a gas that is discharged from the cathode of the fuel cell via the humidifier in the fuel cell system.

[0026] The fact that a tunnel structure extends in a tunnel direction transverse to a guiding direction can be understood to mean that the tunnel structure in the tunnel direction is at an angle between 0° and 180° and in particular orthogonal or substantially 25-0643

[0027] - 4 -

[0028] The tunnel structure extends orthogonally to the guiding direction. The phrase "positioned between superimposed upper guide ribs and lower guide ribs" can be understood to mean that the tunnel structure can be positioned below the upper guide ribs, particularly directly below them, and above the lower guide ribs, particularly directly above them. That is, the tunnel structure can be positioned directly between the superimposed upper and lower guide ribs. According to one embodiment, the guide structure may have only a single row of adjacent upper guide ribs and / or only a single row of adjacent lower guide ribs. The upper guide ribs can form part of the upper surface of the guide structure, and the lower guide ribs can form part of the lower surface of the guide structure.The upper guide ribs can have a top surface that forms part of the upper surface of the guide structure and a bottom surface that can be in contact with an outer surface of the tunnel structure. The lower guide ribs can have a bottom surface that forms part of the underside of the guide structure and a top surface that can be in contact with an outer surface of the tunnel structure.

[0029] The inlet and outlet holes can be located between the top and bottom surfaces of the panels. The tunnel structure, and in particular a tunnel wall of the tunnel structure, can define a tunnel volume through which the dry gas is guided. The respective tunnel structure can define a single, continuous tunnel volume. The tunnel structure can extend along the entire length, or at least approximately the entire length, of the guide ribs in the guiding direction. The guiding direction can be understood as the longitudinal direction of the module. The tunnel direction can be understood as the transverse and / or width direction of the module. A direction from the lower guide ribs to the upper guide ribs can be understood as the vertical direction of the module. The guide ribs can extend parallel to each other.The upper guide ribs and the lower guide ribs can be arranged in pairs directly above each other in the vertical direction.

[0030] The upper half of the panel may have an upper panel frame. The lower half of the panel may have a lower panel frame. The upper panel frame may be connected to the lower panel frame by a material-fit and / or form-fit connection.

[0031] For example, the upper panel frame can be glued and / or screwed to the lower panel frame. Between the upper panel frame and the lower 25-0643

[0032] - 5 -

[0033] The plate frame can be designed with a sealant, for example in the form of a sealing tape and / or a sealing cord. The sealant can be applied, for example, in the four corner sections of the upper and / or the lower plate frame.

[0034] The module can be configured as a repeating module, so that several modules, especially stacked next to and / or on top of each other, can form a module system for the humidifier. In this context, a humidifier can be understood as a functional component for achieving a desired humidity level in a fuel cell, and in particular in the membrane of the fuel cell of the fuel cell system. A humidifier can also be understood as a humidifier for a cathode system, in particular for a cathode system of a PEM fuel cell system. In this context, a fuel cell can be understood as a fuel cell stack with multiple fuel cells.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guide structure may have a single row of adjacent inlet holes and a single row of adjacent outlet holes. This specific arrangement of the inlet and outlet holes enables a simplified and more efficient flow of the moist gas through the module. Furthermore, this arrangement allows the module to be manufactured particularly easily, quickly, and robustly. The arrangement of the inlet and outlet holes in a single row also results in a particularly flat and therefore space-saving module.

[0036] The invention described herein further comprises a module in which

[0037] - the plate-shaped guide structure has a plate top and a plate bottom, - the dry side has a first tunnel structure and a second tunnel structure, - the first tunnel structure and the second tunnel structure extend parallel to each other and in the tunnel direction perpendicular to the guide direction,

[0038] - the first tunnel structure is positioned between the superimposed upper guide ribs and lower guide ribs and

[0039] - the second tunnel structure is positioned on the upper surface of the plate at the upper guide ribs or on the lower surface of the plate at the lower guide ribs.

[0040] The second tunnel structure allows for the creation of a repeatable module that can be stacked on top of each other as many times as desired. With such modules, the humidifier can be manufactured particularly quickly and easily. 25-0643

[0041] - 6 -

[0042] Furthermore, it is possible for the tunnel structure to be positioned on the upper and lower guide ribs using a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. This allows the module to be manufactured in a particularly compact and stable manner. It also enables secure and precise positioning of the tunnel structure within the module. Additionally, it is possible for the lower outer surface of the upper guide ribs to be positioned exclusively on an upper outer surface of the tunnel structure, and vice versa.

[0043] In the module disclosed here, the membrane can be configured as a tunnel structure. That is, the membrane can be understood as part of the tunnel structure and / or the tunnel structure can incorporate the membrane. The tunnel structure can be understood as a membrane tunnel and / or a membrane pocket. The membrane and / or the tunnel structure can be supported by nonwoven fabric.

[0044] Furthermore, it is possible for the maximum height of the tunnel structure to lie entirely within a projection of the inlet and / or outlet holes. This means that, in an imaginary extension of the inlet and / or outlet holes towards the tunnel structure, the tunnel structure would lie at least within, and in particular completely within, the cross-section of the inlet and / or outlet holes. This allows for a particularly compact design of the module. The compact construction also enables high stability. The maximum height of the tunnel structure can be at least within the height of the guide structure and / or the plate halves described herein.

[0045] In the module described here, it is also possible for the midpoint of the maximum height of the tunnel structure to lie at the center of a projection of the inlet and / or outlet holes. This also contributes to a compact and stable construction. Furthermore, it allows for particularly uniform humidification. The midpoint of the maximum height can be the midpoint on an imaginary line extending in the vertical direction described above from a lower outer surface of the

[0046] The tunnel structure extends to an upper outer surface of the tunnel structure.

[0047] According to another design variant, the tunnel structure can be designed in a pocket shape. This pocket shape allows the tunnel structure to be positioned in the module in a space-saving and stable manner. The pocket shape also enables efficient 25-0643

[0048] - 7 -

[0049] Utilization of the membrane area within the module, which allows for a correspondingly advantageous humidification.

[0050] Furthermore, the tunnel structure of the module described here can have an inner and an outer tunnel surface, with the outer surface forming a guide surface for directing the moist gas from the inlet holes to the outlet holes. This allows for a particularly space-saving design of the module. Each tunnel structure can have an upper outer surface (or tunnel surface) and a lower outer surface (or tunnel surface), with the upper outer surface forming a guide surface for directing the moist gas between the upper guide ribs and the lower outer surface forming a guide surface for directing the moist gas between the lower guide ribs.

[0051] Furthermore, with the module proposed here, it is possible that

[0052] - the guiding structure has an upper plate half and a lower plate half,

[0053] - the upper half of the plate has the upper guide ribs,

[0054] - the lower half of the plate has the lower guide ribs and

[0055] - the inlet holes and outlet holes are formed by a connection between the upper half of the plate and the lower half of the plate.

[0056] The two-part configuration of the module offers advantages in injection molding. For example, there is no need for slides in the tunnel and / or hole structures, which would have to be extracted from cavities after injection molding when manufacturing a one-piece guide structure. Furthermore, the two-part configuration allows retaining edges to be incorporated into the guide structure during injection molding. After the two plate halves are assembled, these edges hold the tunnel structure in the desired position in a space-saving, simple, and reliable manner. This would not be possible with a one-piece guide structure.

[0057] Furthermore, with the present module it is possible that

[0058] - the upper half of the plate has an upper plate frame,

[0059] - the lower half of the plate has a lower plate frame,

[0060] - at least one lower retaining edge is provided on the upper plate frame and / or at least one upper retaining edge is provided on the lower plate frame to hold the tunnel structure between the upper plate half and the lower plate half. 25-0643

[0061] - 8 -

[0062] As mentioned above, this allows the tunnel structure to be held in the desired position between the plate halves particularly easily yet reliably. Holding edges can be continuous or interrupted. The holding edges can extend straight along a line, be curved, or zigzag. For even better interlocking between the guide structure and the tunnel structure, additional holding edges can be incorporated into the guide structure in the tunnel direction.

[0063] With the module described here, it is also possible that

[0064] - the at least one upper retaining edge extends over at least half the length of the upper plate frame in the guiding direction and / or over at least half the width of the upper plate frame in the guiding direction and / or

[0065] - the at least one lower retaining edge extends over at least half the length of the lower plate frame in the guiding direction and / or over at least half the width of the lower plate frame in the guiding direction.

[0066] The retaining edges, which extend over at least half the length or width of the panel frames, ensure improved stability and strength of the entire structure. Relatively long retaining edges result in a more even distribution of forces, thereby increasing the module's mechanical integrity. The retaining edges also facilitate module assembly by enabling precise alignment and connection of the upper and lower panel halves to the tunnel structure. This reduces the need for additional adhesives or fasteners, thus simplifying manufacturing processes. The requirement that the retaining edges extend over at least half the length and / or width of the panel frame means that the total length of each retaining edge in one direction corresponds to at least half the length of a panel frame in either the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention described herein, a plate half for a conductor structure of a module as described in detail above is proposed. The plate half is configured such that it forms a conductor structure of a module as described above with a complementary plate half. Thus, the plate half offers the same advantages as those described in detail above with reference to the plate halves of the conductor structure. 25-0643

[0068] - 9 -

[0069] Another aspect of the invention relates to a humidifier comprising several modules configured and designed as described above. The humidifier has several stacked modules, thus offering the advantages described above.

[0070] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a module comprising two plate halves, as described in detail above, is proposed. The method comprises the following steps:

[0071] - Providing the upper plate half and one lower plate half,

[0072] - Providing a first tunnel structure and a second tunnel structure,

[0073] - Positioning the first tunnel structure between the upper plate half and the lower plate half and

[0074] - Positioning the second tunnel structure on the upper half of the plate or on the lower half of the plate.

[0075] During the manufacturing process, it is possible to insert sealants, such as sealing tapes, sealing rings, and / or sealing cords, between the panel halves before joining them. Furthermore, the modules can be screwed together in a stack. This screwing can be carried out, in particular, over or through the panel frames.

[0076] Further features and combinations of features of the proposed invention will become apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the figures. All features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the description, and the figures, including design details and spatial arrangements, can be significant both individually and in combination with one another.

[0077] They each show schematically:

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a module according to a first embodiment,

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a module according to a second embodiment,

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a module according to a third embodiment, 25-0643

[0081] - 10-

[0082] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0083] Fig. 5 shows a cutaway side view of the module according to the first embodiment,

[0084] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of the module according to the first embodiment,

[0085] Fig. 7 shows a lower plate half of a module according to one of the four illustrated embodiments,

[0086] Fig. 8 shows an enlarged detail view of the lower half of the plate.

[0087] Fig. 9 shows a fuel cell system with a humidifier,

[0088] Fig. 10 shows a vehicle with the fuel cell system and the humidifier and

[0089] Fig. 11 is a flowchart to explain a method for manufacturing a module according to the first embodiment.

[0090] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a module 10 according to a first embodiment. The module 10 comprises a dry side 11 and a wet side 12, which are separated from each other by a moisture-permeable membrane 13 (not shown in Fig. 1). The membrane 13 shown in Fig. 1 is part of a second tunnel structure 15. The second tunnel structure 15 extends in a tunnel direction T1 transverse to a guide direction L1. The dry side 11 is designed to guide a dry gas through the module 10, while the wet side 12 serves to guide a moist gas through the module 10 in order to humidify the dry gas on the dry side 11. The wet side 12 has a plate-shaped guide structure 16, which comprises a plate top 17 and a plate bottom 18. The guide structure 16 has a series of adjacent inlet holes 19 for introducing the moist gas into the module 10.The guide structure 16 has an upper plate half 23 and a lower plate half 24. The upper plate half 23 has an upper plate frame 31 and the lower plate half 24 has a lower plate frame 34. As can be seen with reference to Fig. 1, the inlet holes are 19 and 25-0643.

[0092] - 11 -

[0093] the outlet holes 20 (not shown in Fig. 1) are formed by a connection between the upper plate half 23 and the lower plate half 24.

[0094] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a module 10 in a second embodiment. The module 10 according to the second embodiment does not have a second tunnel structure 15. As shown in Fig. 2, the guide structure 16 has upper guide ribs 21, which are spaced apart from one another to guide the moist gas from the inlet holes 19 in the direction L1.

[0095] Figure 3 shows a module 10 according to a third embodiment. In the module shown in Figure 3, sealing cords 32 are provided at the four corner sections of the plate frames 31, 34 for a sealing function between the plate frames 31, 32 and between the plate halves 23, 24.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a module 10 according to a fourth embodiment. In the module shown in Figure 4, sealing strips 33 are provided at the four corner sections of the plate frames 31, 34 for a sealing function between the plate frames 31, 32 and between the plate halves 23, 24. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a screw connection 30 in the four corner sections of the plate frames 31, 34, via which not only the illustrated plate halves 23, 24 are screwed together, but also further stacked plate halves 23, 24 can be screwed together.

[0097] Fig. 5 shows a sectional side view of module 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows not only the inlet holes 19 but also the outlet holes 20. The inlet holes 19 and the outlet holes 20 are each arranged side by side in a single row.

[0098] Fig. 6 shows an enlarged sectional view of module 10 according to the first embodiment. As can be seen in Fig. 6, the upper guide ribs 21 are spaced apart from and positioned above the lower guide ribs 22. More precisely, the upper guide ribs 21 and the lower guide ribs 22 are arranged in pairs, one above the other and spaced apart from each other. The first tunnel structure 14 is positioned between the superimposed upper guide ribs 21 and lower guide ribs 22. The first tunnel structure 14 is also positively and force-fitted to the upper guide ribs 21 and the lower guide ribs 22. Furthermore, Fig. 625-0643

[0099] - 12 -

[0100] It can be seen that the first tunnel structure 14 and the second tunnel structure 15 extend parallel to each other and in the tunnel direction T1 perpendicular to the guide direction L1, each defining a tunnel volume 39. The second tunnel structure 15 is positioned on the upper surface 17 of the plate at the upper guide ribs 21. The first tunnel structure 14 and the second tunnel structure 15 are each designed in a pocket-like shape. A maximum height 25 of the tunnel structure 14 lies entirely within a projection of the inlet holes 19. The midpoint 26 of a maximum height 25 of the tunnel structure 14 is located at the center of a projection of the inlet holes 19. The depicted tunnel structures 14, 15 each have an inner tunnel side 27 and an outer tunnel side 28, with the outer tunnel side 28 forming a guide surface 29 for directing the moist gas in the guide direction L1 from the inlet holes 19 to the outlet holes 20.

[0101] Fig. 7 shows a lower plate half 24 of a module 10 according to one of the four illustrated embodiments. In the illustrated lower plate half 24, two upper retaining edges 35 in the tunnel direction T1 and two upper retaining edges 36 in the guide direction L1 are formed on the lower plate frame 34 for holding the first tunnel structure 14 between the upper plate half 23 and the lower plate half 24. The upper retaining edges 35, 36 extend in the guide direction L1 and in the tunnel direction T1 over more than half the length of the lower plate half 24. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged detail view of the lower plate half 24, in which the lower guide ribs 22 can be seen more clearly. The lower plate half 24, together with a complementary upper plate half 23, can form the ladder structure 16 for the module 10 described herein.

[0102] Fig. 9 shows a fuel cell system 100 with a fuel cell 60 and a humidifier 50. The fuel cell 60 has a cathode 61 and an anode 62. The humidifier 50 has several stacked modules 10.

[0103] Figure 10 shows a vehicle 200 in the form of a passenger car. The vehicle 200 has a fuel cell system 100 as described above, comprising a humidifier 50, a fuel cell 60, and a fuel tank 70. The vehicle 200 also has two electric motors 80 for propelling the vehicle 200. The fuel cell system 100 is configured to generate electrical current in the vehicle 200, which can be used to power the electric motors 80. 25-0643

[0104] - 13-

[0105] Fig. 11 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a module 10 according to the first embodiment. In a first step S1, the upper plate half 23, the lower plate half 24, the first tunnel structure 14, and the second tunnel structure 15 are provided. In a second step S2, the first tunnel structure 14 is positioned in the lower plate half 24. In a third step S3, the upper plate half 23 is positioned on the lower plate half 24 and thus also on the first tunnel structure 14. In a fourth step S4, the second tunnel structure 15 is positioned on the upper plate half 24. This process can be repeated until a module stack for the humidifier 50 has the desired number of modules 10.

[0106] The invention disclosed herein allows for further design principles in addition to those illustrated. That is to say, the invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments explained with respect to the figures. For example, the guide structure 16 could be designed as a single piece and / or monolithically. Furthermore, it is possible to position sealant between the plate halves 23, 24 during the manufacturing of the module 10 and / or to screw the plate halves 23, 24 together after the stacking process.-0643

[0107] - 14 -

[0108] Reference symbol list

[0109] module

[0110] dry side

[0111] damp side

[0112] membrane

[0113] first tunnel structure

[0114] second tunnel structure

[0115] Guiding structure

[0116] Top of plate

[0117] underside of plates

[0118] Inlet hole

[0119] outlet hole

[0120] upper guide rib

[0121] lower guide rib

[0122] upper plate half

[0123] lower half of the plate

[0124] Height of the tunnel structure

[0125] center

[0126] Tunnel interior

[0127] Tunnel exterior

[0128] Guide surface

[0129] screw connection

[0130] upper plate frame

[0131] Sealing cord

[0132] Sealing tape

[0133] lower plate frame

[0134] upper retaining edge

[0135] upper retaining edge

[0136] Tunnel volume

[0137] humidifier

[0138] Fuel cell

[0139] cathode

[0140] anode

[0141] fuel tank

[0142] Electric motor 5-0643

[0143] 100 fuel cell systems, 200 vehicles

[0144] T1 Tunnel direction

[0145] L1 Direction

Claims

25-0643 - 16- Patent claims 1. Module (10) for a humidifier (50) of a fuel cell system (100), comprising: - a dry side (11) for passing a dry gas through the module (10) - a moist side (12) for passing a moist gas through the module (10) in order to humidify the dry gas on the dry side (11), - a moisture-permeable membrane (13) between the dry side (11) and the wet side (12), - wherein the dry side (11) has a tunnel structure (14, 15) for guiding the dry gas in a tunnel direction (T1) through the module (10), - wherein the moist side (12) has a plate-shaped guide structure (16), - wherein the guide structure (16) has a series of adjacent inlet holes (19) for guiding the moist gas into the module (10) and a series of adjacent outlet holes (20) for guiding the moist gas out of the module (10), - wherein the guide structure (16) has upper guide ribs (21) which are arranged next to each other at a distance from each other, and lower guide ribs (22) which are arranged next to each other at a distance from each other, for guiding the moist gas in a guiding direction (L1) from the inlet holes (19) to the outlet holes (20), - wherein the upper guide ribs (21) are spaced apart from and positioned above the lower guide ribs (22), - wherein the tunnel structure (14, 15) extends in the tunnel direction (T1) transversely to the guide direction (L1) and is positioned between the superimposed upper guide ribs (21) and lower guide ribs (22).

2. Module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the guide structure has a single row of adjacent inlet holes (19) and a single row of adjacent outlet holes (20).

3. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the plate-shaped guide structure (16) has a plate top (17) and a plate bottom (18), - wherein the dry side (11) has a first tunnel structure (14) and a second tunnel structure (15),25-0643 - 17- - wherein the first tunnel structure (14) and the second tunnel structure (15) extend parallel to each other and in the tunnel direction (T1) transverse to the guide direction (L1), - wherein the first tunnel structure (14) is positioned between the superimposed upper guide ribs (21) and lower guide ribs (22) and - wherein the second tunnel structure (15) is positioned on the upper surface of the plate (17) at the upper guide ribs (21) or on the lower surface of the plate (18) at the lower guide ribs (21).

4. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tunnel structure (14) is positioned in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner on the upper guide ribs (21) and on the lower guide ribs (22).

5. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (13) is configured as a tunnel structure (14, 15).

6. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum height (25) of the tunnel structure (14) is entirely within a projection of the inlet holes (19) and / or the outlet holes (20).

7. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the midpoint (26) of a maximum height (25) of the tunnel structure (14) is located at the center of a projection of the inlet holes (19) and / or the outlet holes (20).

8. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tunnel structure (14) is designed in a pocket shape.

9. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the tunnel structure (14) has an inner tunnel side (27) and an outer tunnel side (28) and - wherein the outer side of the tunnel (28) forms a guiding surface (29) for directing the moist gas in the guiding direction (L1) from the inlet holes (19) to the outlet holes (20).

10. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the guide structure (16) has an upper plate half (23) and a lower plate half (24),25-0643 - 18- - wherein the upper plate half (23) has the upper guide ribs (21), - wherein the lower plate half (24) has the lower guide ribs (22) and - wherein the inlet holes (19) and the outlet holes (20) are formed by a connection of the upper plate half (23) with the lower plate half (24).

11. Module (10) according to claim 10, - wherein the upper plate half (23) has an upper plate frame (31), - wherein the lower plate half (24) has a lower plate frame (34), - wherein at least one lower retaining edge is provided on the upper plate frame (31) and / or at least one upper retaining edge (35, 36) is provided on the lower plate frame (34) for holding the tunnel structure (14, 15) between the upper plate half (23) and the lower plate half (24).

12. Module (10) according to claim 11 , - wherein at least one upper retaining edge (35, 36) extends over at least half the length of the upper plate frame (31) in the guiding direction (L1) and / or over at least half the width of the upper plate frame (31) in the tunnel direction (T1) and / or - wherein at least one lower retaining edge extends over at least half the length of the lower plate frame (34) in the guiding direction (L1) and / or over at least half the width of the lower plate frame (34) in the tunnel direction (T1).

13. Plate half (23, 24) for a conductor structure (16) of a module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate half (23, 24) forms a conductor structure (16) of a module (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12 with a complementary plate half (23, 24).

14. Humidifier (50) with multiple modules (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the modules (10) are arranged stacked on top of each other.

15. Method for manufacturing a module according to one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: Providing the upper plate half (23) and a lower plate half (24), providing a first tunnel structure (14) and a second tunnel structure (15),- 19- - Positioning the first tunnel structure (14) between the upper plate half (23) and the lower plate half (24) and - Positioning the second tunnel structure (15) on the upper plate half (23) or on the lower plate half (24).

Images