JP2005034715A - Hollow fiber membrane module and humidifier of fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hollow fiber membrane module capable of enhancing a membrane separation action, and the humidifier of a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: Since a baffle plate 8 is arranged in this hollow fiber membrane module and the filling density of hollow fiber membrane bundles 2 is enhanced at the arranging part of the baffle plate 8, the flow of drying air to the spaces between the hollow fiber membranes intensively going toward the gaps in the inner peripheral ring 10 within the hollow fiber membrane bundles 2 can be formed as shown by the black line arrows in the Fig. The drying air is certainly passed through the spaces between the hollow fiber membranes and the hollow fiber membranes are effectively utilized as a whole to apply the membrane separation action. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled, and is applied to a humidifier for moisturizing an ion exchange membrane in a fuel cell, or for industrial use such as a membrane dryer or a deaeration membrane device. Also applies.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a fuel cell, electricity and water vapor are generated by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Since electricity generated during the reaction moves with water molecules, it is necessary to keep the ion exchange membrane moisturized at all times. In order to keep the ion exchange membrane moist, a humidifier for recovering water vapor generated by the reaction of the fuel cell and supplying it again to the fuel cell is implemented by using a hollow fiber membrane module.
[0003]
A hollow fiber membrane module used in a conventional fuel cell will be described with reference to FIG. The hollow fiber membrane module 101 includes a cylindrical module case 102 and a hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 made up of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes arranged linearly in the module case 102.
[0004]
Then, the first path (X1-X2) passing through the hollow interior of the hollow fiber membrane and the inlet 104 enters the module case 102, passes outside the hollow fiber membrane, and is discharged from the outlet 105 to the outside of the module case 102. The second path (Y1-Y2) is formed. A humidification target gas (dry air) is caused to flow toward the fuel cell by the compressor along one of the first and second paths, and a gas containing water vapor (wet air) from the fuel cell is caused to flow toward the other. As a result, the water vapor in the wet air selectively permeates through the membrane by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane to humidify the dry air, and the humidified dry air is sent to the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-245116 [Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-201120 A [Patent Document 3]
JP-A-2002-219339 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional hollow fiber membrane module shown in FIG. 9, when the gas flowing in from the inlet 104 flows to the outlet 105, as shown in FIGS. The annular gap between the outer periphery and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 103 mainly flows, and membrane separation cannot be performed using all of the many hollow fiber membranes housed in the module case 102, so that the humidification efficiency It was a bad thing.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module and a fuel cell humidifier capable of improving the membrane separation action.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention that solves the above problems,
A hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled,
A cylindrical module case in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is linearly arranged inside and provided with an inlet / outlet of gas flowing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane on the outer periphery;
An annular partition member projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the module case over the entire circumference;
An annular guide member that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the module case in which the annular partition member is disposed to secure a void,
The hollow fiber membrane bundle is characterized in that a filling density is increased at a longitudinal position of the module case in which the annular partition member and the annular guide member are arranged.
[0009]
In the fuel cell humidifier of the present invention,
A hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled,
A cylindrical module case in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is linearly arranged inside and provided with an inlet / outlet of gas flowing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane on the outer periphery;
With
A first path that enters and exits from both ends of the module case and circulates in the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane; and a second path that enters and exits from the inlet / outlet on the outer periphery of the module case and circulates outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane; Forming,
The humidification target gas is fed into one of the first and second paths, the humidified gas is fed into the fuel cell, and moisture discharged from the fuel cell is fed into the other of the first and second paths. In a fuel cell humidifier that introduces contained gas,
An annular partition member projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the module case over the entire circumference;
An annular guide member that bypasses a hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the annular partition member and the module case to secure a void;
With
The hollow fiber membrane bundle is characterized in that a filling density is increased at a longitudinal position of the module case in which the annular partition member and the annular guide member are arranged.
[0010]
In this configuration, an annular partition member is disposed in the annular gap between the inner periphery of the module case and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle, which has the lowest resistance for the gas entering and exiting from the inlet / outlet on the outer periphery of the module case. In addition, since a gap is secured in the hollow fiber membrane bundle by the annular guide member in the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a gas flow between the hollow fiber membranes can be formed toward the void in the hollow fiber membrane bundle. .
[0011]
In particular, the hollow fiber membrane bundle has an increased packing density at the longitudinal position of the module case in which the annular partition member and the annular guide member are arranged. The flow toward the air gap is concentrated.
[0012]
As a result, the gas entering and exiting from the inlet / outlet on the outer periphery of the module case once concentrates in the voids inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle, so that the gas passes through the hollow fiber membranes reliably, and the entire hollow fiber membrane is effectively used. It can be used to perform membrane separation.
[0013]
It is preferable that the annular partition member and the annular guide member are connected by a connecting portion and integrated into one part.
[0014]
In this configuration, the annular partition member and the annular guide member are a single part, and thus handling is good.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
(First embodiment)
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the humidification apparatus of the fuel cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
[0017]
The humidifier of the fuel cell according to the present embodiment is constituted by a hollow fiber membrane module 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a hollow fiber membrane module 1 as a humidifier includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled, and a hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 that is linearly arranged inside and has an outer periphery. And a cylindrical module case 3 provided with an inlet / outlet for dry air flowing outside the hollow fiber membrane. Both ends of the module case 3 are sealed and fixed by potting portions 4 and 5 so that only the inside of each hollow fiber membrane is opened to the outside.
[0018]
In the hollow fiber membrane module 1, wet gas containing water vapor after reaction discharged from the fuel cell enters and exits from both ends of the module case 3 and flows through the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane (first path (X1- X2)). Also, the dry air supplied to the fuel cell by the compressor enters and exits from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 on the outer periphery of the module case 3 and circulates outside the hollow fiber membrane (second path (Y1-Y2)). .
[0019]
In this way, since wet gas flows inside the hollow fiber membrane and dry air flows outside the membrane, moisture selectively permeates through the membrane from the inside of the high humidity membrane by the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membrane. Then, it moves out of the membrane, the dry air is humidified, and sent from the discharge port 7 to the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell.
[0020]
Here, in the hollow fiber membrane module 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a baffle plate 8 in which a double ring is connected in the module case 3 is arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction of the module case 3.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the baffle plate 8 includes an outer ring (annular partition wall member) 9 projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the module case 3 over the entire circumference, and the longitudinal length of the outer ring 9 and the module case 3. An inner peripheral ring (annular guide member) 10 that bypasses the hollow fiber membranes in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 at the same direction (center) position to secure a gap, and a connecting portion 11 that connects the outer peripheral ring 9 and the inner peripheral ring 10. Is an integrated part.
[0022]
The outer peripheral ring 9 of the baffle plate 8 is sandwiched all around between the inner periphery of the module case 3 and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. The outer peripheral ring 9 is in a state in which the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is constricted by the outer peripheral ring 9. The outer peripheral ring 9 may have any shape that matches the inner peripheral shape of the module case 3 that protrudes inwardly on the inner periphery of the module case 3.
[0023]
The inner peripheral ring 10 of the baffle plate 8 is smaller in diameter than the outer peripheral ring 9, and is arranged at the center of the module case 3 inside the outer peripheral ring 9 at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the outer peripheral ring 9 and the module case 3. . The inner peripheral ring 10 enters the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 and forms a void without passing the hollow fiber membrane inside the inner peripheral ring 10. The inner peripheral ring 10 is in a state where the inside of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is pushed out to the outer peripheral side at the portion where the inner peripheral ring 10 is disposed. In addition, since the shape which forms this space | gap is not restricted to circular especially, as the inner periphery ring 10, shapes, such as a triangular ring, a square ring, and a pentagonal ring, may be sufficient.
[0024]
The connecting portion 11 of the baffle plate 8 is a rod-like member that is straight in the radial direction between the outer ring 9 and the inner ring 10. As described above, the outer ring 9 and the inner ring 10 are connected and integrated by the connecting portion 11, so that they can be easily attached, can be prevented from being forgotten to be attached, and are easy to handle. .
[0025]
In addition, the baffle plate 8 is not limited to the shape of the single connection portion 11 shown in FIG. 3A, and the number of the connection portions 11 is set as shown in FIGS. 3B to 3D. It may be increased. 3 (b) shows two connecting portions 11, FIG. 3 (c) shows three connecting portions 11, and FIG. 3 (d) shows four connecting portions 11. Shows things. However, when the connection part 11 is increased, it must be considered that the area of the connection part 11 increases, the film area decreases, and the performance deteriorates.
[0026]
Since such a baffle plate 8 is arranged in the module case 3, as shown in FIG. 1, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 has a longitudinal length of the module case 3 in which the baffle plate 8 is arranged. At the directional position, the outer periphery is constricted and the inside is pushed to the outer peripheral side, so that the packing density is higher than the other positions.
[0027]
Specifically, the filling density of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 in the potting portions 4 and 5 is 30% to 55%, whereas the filling density of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 in the portion where the baffle plate 8 is arranged is 45% to 65%. % (Preferably 50% to 60%).
[0028]
In the hollow fiber membrane module 1 described above, the dry air enters and exits from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 on the outer periphery of the module case 3 and circulates outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane. 8 and the packing density of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is increased at the portion where the baffle plate 8 is arranged. Therefore, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. A flow of dry air can be formed between the hollow fiber membranes concentrating toward the void.
[0029]
That is, the dry air tries to flow through the annular gap between the inner periphery of the module case 3 and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 with the least resistance. The flow of the annular gap between the inner periphery of the module case 3 and the outer periphery of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is hindered, and a gap is secured inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 inside the inner peripheral ring 10 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. Therefore, a flow of dry air between the hollow fiber membranes is formed toward the inner space of the inner peripheral ring 10 in the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2.
[0030]
In particular, the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 has a higher packing density at the longitudinal position of the module case 3 in which the baffle plate 8 is arranged, and the portion of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 where the packing density is high (baffle plate 8 arrangement portion). Then, since the flow of the dry air between the hollow fiber membranes is inhibited, the flow toward the inner space of the inner ring 10 inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is concentrated.
[0031]
As a result, the dry air that enters and exits from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 on the outer periphery of the module case 3 once concentrates in the inner space of the inner ring 10 inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2, so that the space between the hollow fiber membranes can be assured. The membrane separation action can be performed by effectively utilizing the entire hollow fiber membrane.
[0032]
Below, the manufacturing method of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
[0033]
First, the baffle plate 8 is mounted in the module case 3. The hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is filled in a region inside the outer ring 9 and outside the inner ring 10 of the baffle plate 8. At this time, the filling density of the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 at the position of the baffle plate 8 is made to satisfy 45% to 65% (preferably 50% to 60%).
[0034]
Thereafter, in order to connect the module case 3 and the hollow fiber membrane, both ends of the module case 3 were sealed with an epoxy resin by using a centrifugal method to form potting portions 4 and 5. In addition to the epoxy resin, polyurethane, silicone, or the like may be used as the sealant. And the both ends of the module case 3 adhere | attached with the sealing agent are cut | disconnected, a hollow fiber membrane is opened at both ends, and the hollow fiber membrane module 1 is completed.
[0035]
(Second Embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 4, the humidification apparatus of the fuel cell which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the following embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, two baffle plates 8 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 4, the baffle plate 8 is disposed at a position that divides the longitudinal direction of the module case 3 into three equal parts.
[0037]
In the above embodiment, the dry air entering and exiting from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 on the outer periphery of the module case 3 concentrates twice in the inner space of the inner ring 10 inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. Concentration and dispersion of the dry air are repeated in the membrane bundle 2 so as to pass through the hollow fiber membranes reliably, and membrane separation can be performed by effectively using the entire hollow fiber membranes.
[0038]
(Third embodiment)
A fuel cell humidifier according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the inner ring 10 of the baffle plate 8 is separated from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 through which dry air enters and exits. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inner ring 10 of the baffle plate 8 is formed on the module case 3 on the opposite side in the radial direction from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 through which dry air enters and exits, which is formed in the module case 3. It is arranged close to the inner peripheral surface.
[0040]
In the present embodiment described above, the dry air entering and exiting from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 on the outer periphery of the module case 3 once flows inside the inner ring 10 that is once away from the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 inside the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2. Because it concentrates in the voids, the distance that passes between the hollow fiber membranes is inevitably extended, and the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes are surely passed, and the membrane separation action is performed by effectively using the entire hollow fiber membranes. be able to.
[0041]
(Fourth embodiment)
A fuel cell humidifier according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted, and the characteristic part of this embodiment will be described.
[0042]
In the present embodiment, the outer ring 9 of the baffle plate 8 is cut to form a cut portion 12 so that the baffle plate 8 can be easily attached. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer peripheral ring 9 of the baffle plate 8 is formed with an oblique cut portion (bias cut) 12 so that the diameter can be reduced.
[0043]
For this reason, the mounting of the baffle plate 8 described in the first embodiment on the module case 3 reduces the diameter of the outer ring 9 of the baffle plate 8 by winding the cutting portion 12 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner circumference of the module case 3 is advanced in that state, and the module case 3 is fitted into the annular recess 13 in the inner circumference of the module case 3 by its own elastic repulsive force.
[0044]
Alternatively, a method of attaching the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 to the baffle plate 8 in advance and attaching the baffle plate 8 to the module case 3 may be employed. In this case, since the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 is attached to the baffle plate 8 in advance, it is possible to mount the hollow fiber membrane bundle 2 with a higher packing density at the position of the baffle plate 8 without damaging the hollow fiber membrane. It becomes possible.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the membrane separation action can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA cross section in FIG. 1 of the hollow fiber membrane module according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a baffle plate according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a hollow fiber membrane module according to a third embodiment.
6 is a cross-sectional view showing a BB cross section in FIG. 5 of a hollow fiber membrane module according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 7A is a view showing a baffle plate according to a fourth embodiment. (B) is a figure which shows the state which diameter-reduced the baffle plate.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining mounting of a baffle plate in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional hollow fiber membrane module.
10 is a cross-sectional view showing a CC cross section of FIG. 9 of a conventional hollow fiber membrane module.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hollow fiber membrane module 2 Hollow fiber membrane bundle 3 Module case 4, 5 Potting part 6 Inlet 7 Outlet 8 Baffle plate 9 Outer ring 10 Inner ring 11 Connection part 12 Cutting part 13 Annular recessed part

Claims (4)

A hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled,
A cylindrical module case in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is linearly arranged inside and provided with an inlet / outlet of gas flowing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane on the outer periphery;
An annular partition member projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the module case over the entire circumference;
An annular guide member that bypasses the hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the module case in which the annular partition member is disposed to secure a void,
The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that a filling density of the hollow fiber membrane bundle is increased at a longitudinal position of the module case in which the annular partition member and the annular guide member are arranged. 2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, wherein the annular partition member and the annular guide member are connected by a connecting portion and integrated into one part. A hollow fiber membrane bundle in which a large number of hollow fiber membranes are bundled,
A cylindrical module case in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is linearly arranged inside and provided with an inlet / outlet of gas flowing outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane on the outer periphery;
With
A first path that enters and exits from both ends of the module case and circulates in the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane; and a second path that enters and exits from the inlet / outlet on the outer periphery of the module case and circulates outside the membrane of the hollow fiber membrane; Forming,
The humidification target gas is fed into one of the first and second paths, the humidified gas is fed into the fuel cell, and moisture discharged from the fuel cell is fed into the other of the first and second paths. In a fuel cell humidifier that introduces contained gas,
An annular partition member projecting inward from the inner peripheral surface of the module case over the entire circumference;
An annular guide member that bypasses a hollow fiber membrane in the hollow fiber membrane bundle at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the annular partition member and the module case to secure a void;
With
The humidifying device for a fuel cell, wherein the hollow fiber membrane bundle has an increased packing density at a longitudinal position of the module case in which the annular partition member and the annular guide member are disposed. The humidifying device for a fuel cell according to claim 3, wherein the annular partition member and the annular guide member are connected by a connecting portion and integrated into one component.

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