Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers and Green Hydrogen

As part of the global energy transition, green hydrogen has become a highly sought-after resource. To make it available on an industrial scale, highly efficient and high-performance fuel cells are essential. HELD’s double belt presses enable the continuous production of membranes, components, and functional materials used in electrolysis, hydrogen systems, and fuel cells.

Applications in the Energy Sector: PEM, MEA, GDL, BPP

In technologies such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen systems, manufacturing precision determines performance and service life. Even the smallest deviations in membrane electrode assemblies (MEA), bipolar plates, or sealing systems can significantly affect efficiency. HELD Technology provides tailor-made solutions with its isobaric double belt presses for the precise production of functional layers, laminates, and composite materials. The systems ensure homogeneous temperature and pressure distribution, guaranteeing reproducible quality in the production of components for PEM electrolyzers and fuel cell stacks. With this level of precision, HELD lays the foundation for reproducible, efficient, and scalable production.

At HELD’s Technology Park, customers manufacture a reinforced proton exchange membrane (PEM) on an isobaric double belt press.

Additional continuous presses from HELD are in operation at customer sites to produce the so-called gas diffusion layer (GDL). The gas diffusion layer is one of the key components of modern fuel cells and plays a decisive role in cell efficiency and durability. The GDL ensures uniform transport of reaction gases (hydrogen and oxygen) to the electrode surface. It also regulates the removal of water from the reaction zone, thereby controlling the membrane’s moisture balance. It meets the highest requirements in electrical and thermal conductivity, contributing to efficient energy generation. Through continuous compacting and consolidation, a uniform, porous material with defined thickness, optimal conductivity, and high compressive strength is produced. It is used in PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers.

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the central functional layer of every PEM fuel cell (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell). HELD customers manufacture MEA3 or MEA5 on the double belt press. Under uniform pressure and controlled temperature, the PEM film, catalyst layers, and gas diffusion layers are bonded together. The MEA composite is then cooled and smoothed within the press reaction zone and prepared for subsequent stack assembly through appropriate finishing processes. The actual electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen takes place within the MEA, generating electrical energy, heat, and water. It ensures uniform gas distribution via the GDL. In terms of water management, the MEA provides optimal membrane humidification for stable performance. The MEA thus combines membrane films made of PFSA or alternative ion-exchange polymers with the gas diffusion layer, catalyst-coated membranes (CCM), and functional layers (electrically conductive, thermally conductive, hydrophobic).

With HELD’s isobaric double belt press, PEM, GDL, MEA, and BPP can be manufactured precisely, continuously, and at large scale. The result: high efficiency, uniform layer structure, and maximum performance for modern hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.