Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Layout for Uniform Humidification Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hollow fiber membrane modules in humidification devices for fuel batteries face challenges in achieving improved humidification performance and increased contribution ratio of membranes to the membrane separation function, particularly in regions away from the outlet portion and radially inner regions.

Innovation Solution

A hollow fiber membrane module configuration with a cylindrical outer case and inner case, featuring a double tube portion forming an annular space and communication windows around the circumference, allowing fluid to flow from the inner case to the annular gap and then to an external outlet, reducing direct fluid flow to the outlet and enhancing membrane separation function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single cylindrical case with hollow fiber membranes is used, then the device structure is simple, but the contribution ratio of hollow fiber membranes to membrane separation function is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcontribution ratio of hollow fiber membranes to membrane separation function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple cylindrical cases (first case, second case, etc.) arranged in series. Each case contains hollow fiber membranes that contribute to the membrane separation function. This segmentation allows each case to be optimized for membrane utilization while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple cylindrical cases are nested or arranged in a compact configuration where the first case, second case, and subsequent cases are positioned to maximize space utilization. The cases are connected in series to form a continuous flow path through all membrane elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If hollow fiber membranes are placed in the vicinity of the center of the case, then the device structure is compact, but these membranes are less likely to greatly contribute to the membrane separation function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcontribution ratio of hollow fiber membranes

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow velocity and residence time are optimized at different locations within each case. The series connection of multiple cases creates varying local conditions along the flow path, ensuring that membranes at different positions (including central regions) operate under optimal conditions for moisture transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The series arrangement of multiple cases ensures continuous moisture transfer action throughout the entire system. Gas flows sequentially through each case, allowing cumulative moisture removal across all membrane surfaces, including those in central regions that would be less effective in a single-case configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If the outlet portion is positioned to provide direct communication from the annular gap, then the device structure is simple, but regions away from the outlet and radially inner regions have reduced membrane contribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecase structureVSAvoidmembrane separation function contribution in radially inner regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet communication is segmented across multiple cases rather than provided directly from a single annular gap. Each case has its own flow path and outlet connection, ensuring that gas flows through all membrane regions including radially inner regions before exiting. This prevents short-circuiting and ensures uniform utilization of all membrane surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration improves the contribution ratio of hollow fiber membranes to the membrane separation function and enhances dehumidification/humidification performance by allowing more efficient fluid flow and countercurrents, thereby improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

due to the membrane separation function of the hollow fiber membranes 530, moisture in the wet gas moves toward the dry gas to humidify the dry gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS20240157302A1Hollow fiber membrane module and dehumidification and humidification device

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 NOK CORP

AI summary

Provided are a hollow fiber membrane module and a dehumidification/humidification device which allow an improved contribution ratio of hollow fiber membranes to a membrane separation function and improved dehumidification/humidification performance to be achieved. An outer case 100 is provided with a double tube portion 120 forming an annular space K radially externally of an annular gap S on one end side, with a communication portion 121 providing communication between the annular gap S and the one end side of the annular space K, and with an outlet portion 122 providing communication between the annular space K and the outside of the outer case 100, while an inner case 200 is provided with a hollow region which is open on the other end side and with a plurality of windows 221 providing communication between the hollow region and the annular gap S.