KOHLER: Shaping the Future of the Hydrogen Industry
The hydrogen industry is undergoing a major transformation, positioning itself as a key driver of global energy policy.
Among the most promising developments is green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources. This innovative energy solution is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable future.
One of hydrogen’s biggest advantages is its versatility, making it indispensable across various industries:
- Transportation – Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional combustion engines.
- Industrial Applications – Hydrogen serves as a raw material in chemical processes and as a reducing agent in steel production, significantly lowering CO₂ emissions.
- Power Generation – Hydrogen plays a vital role in energy storage, helping to stabilize the electricity grid and support renewable energy sources.
Optimizing Hydrogen Production with Expanded Metal Mesh
The production of fuel cells and water electrolyzers relies on high-precision sheet metal components, including bipolar plates and porous transport layers (PTLs). These components require exceptional conductivity, heat dissipation, and flow characteristics—all of which are enhanced by expanded metal structures made of titanium or stainless steel.
- Electrolysis Process – Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, facilitated by PTLs with a mesh structure that ensures efficient electron conduction and thermal management.
- Fuel Cells – Bipolar plates act as essential carriers for the fuel cell stack, ensuring current conduction and structural stability.
Given the stringent requirements for hydrogen production, absolute precision is critical. Even minor defects in the PTLs or bipolar plates can affect efficiency and hydrogen yield.
Precision Leveling: A Key to Hydrogen Industry Success
For hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers to achieve maximum performance, perfectly leveled sheet metal is essential. KOHLER Maschinenbau GmbH, a leading expert in industrial sheet metal processing, provides cutting-edge part leveling machines and strip feeding lines that ensure:
- Stress-free, flat sheet metal for optimized further processing
- Improved material flow and efficiency in manufacturing
- High-precision leveling for both thin and expanded metal sheets
Custom Solutions for the Hydrogen Industry
KOHLER understands the unique challenges of hydrogen production and offers tailor-made solutions to meet specific manufacturing needs. Our expertise includes:
- Precision leveling for ultra-thin and highly sensitive materials
- Specialized strip feeding and roller feeding systems
- Customized coiler configurations for delicate production processes
- Leveling of pre-formed bipolar plate components
Hydrogen: The Energy of the Future?
Studies indicate that hydrogen and electrification will be essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. As the hydrogen economy expands, KOHLER is at the forefront, providing innovative solutions that help overcome the technical challenges of hydrogen production.
