Embossed Electrode Plate Structure for Uniform Electrolysis Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrolysis panel production technologies face challenges in achieving optimal mechanical stability, even fluid distribution, and efficient electrical current management, particularly in large-scale hydrogen production systems.

Innovation Solution

The electrode plate features a three-dimensional, rectangular active field with a fishbone pattern of embossed linear elements, providing enhanced mechanical stability and even fluid distribution. The embossed structure allows for the use of thin metal sheets and facilitates the management of electrical currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a flat metal sheet is used for the electrode plate, then the manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the mechanical stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transforming the flat two-dimensional metal sheet into a three-dimensional structured surface through embossing. The embossed elements (ribs, waves, pyramids, or hollow structures) add vertical dimensionality to the otherwise planar electrode plate, thereby enhancing mechanical stability and fluid distribution capabilities without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process or material composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Weight of moving object

If the metal sheet is made thinner to reduce weight and cost, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The embossed three-dimensional structures add structural rigidity through geometric reinforcement in the vertical dimension. This allows thin metal sheets to achieve the mechanical stability of thicker sheets by distributing stresses across the embossed features (ribs, waves, pyramids, or hollow structures), thereby enabling weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If a flat surface is used for fluid distribution, then the manufacturing is simple, but the fluid distribution uniformity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid distribution uniformityVSAvoidsurface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embossed elements create three-dimensional flow channels and distribution patterns on the electrode plate surface. These vertical structures (ribs, waves, pyramids, or hollow structures) guide fluid flow more effectively than a flat surface, creating multiple flow paths and improving distribution uniformity across the electrode area while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If embossed structures are added to improve fluid distribution and mechanical stability, then the performance improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The embossed structures are integrated into the electrode plate manufacturing process as a surface forming operation rather than a separate component assembly. This approach adds three-dimensional functionality (improved fluid distribution and mechanical stability) through a relatively simple stamping or rolling process, avoiding the need for complex multi-component assemblies while achieving enhanced system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design ensures improved mechanical stability, efficient fluid and electrolyte distribution, and effective electrical current management, optimizing the performance of large-scale electrolysis systems for hydrogen production.

Implementation Method 1

The linear embossed strips are arranged in a row and column pattern such that alternating raised and recessed linear embossed strips are formed... enabling an even fluid distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

The embossed structure enables the conduction of electrical currents via the inserted metal sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

A device for generating hydrogen by electrolysis... The water is fed into a carrier gas stream so that at least a portion of the water is absorbed in evaporated form by the carrier gas stream. The thus-charged carrier gas stream is finally fed to an electrolyzer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4355930B1Electrode plate for an electrolysis system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4355930B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4355930B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4355930B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

An electrode plate (1) for an electrolysis system (10), said electrode plate being made of sheet metal, in particular for producing hydrogen, has an active field (3) and a frame region (2) surrounding the active field, said frame region having a basic rectangular shape. The frame region (2) is formed on a base plane (E) of the undeformed sheet metal. The active field (3) has an embossed structure (6) in the form of individual embossed elements (14, 15, 16, 17) which are raised and recessed starting from the base plane (E), including a plurality of linear embossed strips (14, 15), which are positioned in an arrangement of rows and columns such that raised linear embossed strips (14) and recessed linear embossed strips (15) are formed in an alternating manner in the direction of the rows as well as in the direction of the columns, wherein all of the linear embossed strips (14, 15) of one row are inclined in an identical manner with respect to the longitudinal side of the active field (3) and a flow direction (DR) which is parallel thereto, and the linear embossed strips (14, 15) of the following row have an equal and opposite inclination.