FUEL CELLS
Arco Technologies Inc produces liquid-cooled PEMFCs (polymer electrolyte fuel cells).
All the key
elements of the PEMFC manufacturing process are produced in-house:
CATALYTIC INKS WITH COATED MEMBRANE
Production of the catalytic inks with which the polymer electrolyte membrane is coated: the CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) which is the electrochemical heart of the fuel cell.
MEMBRANE ELECTRODE GASKET ASSEMBLY
Arco boasts the invention of the MEGA Membrane Electrode Gasket Assembly, a technology that reduces the production costs of PEMFCs while at the same time allowing rapid maintenance.
BIPOLAR PLATES
Production of bipolar plates in composite material
With over 20 years of product development, Arco fuel cells have high power density and high reliability, can guarantee high current density without high current power loss, and a proven reliability of over 20,000 hours depending on the application.
PATENTS
Arco's fuel cell systems cover a power range from 3 to 240 kilowatts
Our patents allow for a simple and effective architecture that leads to a reduction in costs.
DIRECTLINK ™
DIRECTLINK ™ is an integration between batteries and fuel cells that allows the optimal balance between these two components, enhancing the positive qualities of both technologies. With DIRECTLINK ™ the LiFePO4 technology and the PEMFC self-balance always work at the point of maximum efficiency. This allows + 15% energy efficiency compared to the best systems and 20% less cost and a significantly increased system life.
HYDROREC ™
Introducing the patented HYDROREC™ device, a groundbreaking innovation enabling 100% fuel utilization ratio without any energy expenditure. This cutting-edge hybrid system empowers vehicles with an impressive autonomy of 4 to 10 hours, while maintaining quick refueling times of just 3 minutes.
ELECTROLYZERS
Climate change has imposed a new industrial revolution based on decarbonisation, where hydrogen is the natural substitute for fossil fuels.
Current technologies for hydrogen production are over 100 years old and are no longer adequate for the needs of this new challenge. Arco Technologies has developed a new disruptive, alkaline polymer electrolyte technology called AEM that is much simpler and more efficient than current technologies. This drastically reduces the cost of hydrogen as it does not heavily use precious metals such as platinum and iridium.
Arco will offer the market machines for the production of hydrogen in the range from 60 kW to several megawatts, as well as refueling stations for fleets of vehicles operating in closed loops such as light trucks and fork lifts.
Markets
Explore the key markets that Arco Technologies focuses on, encompassing the sectors in which we actively engage and operate.
MATERIAL HANDLING
Specifically developed for demanding forklift applications, the Arco Technologies high-power systems are the most advanced, integrated and completely automatic fuel cell generation units.
Available with a nominal voltage of 24V, 48V and 80V, the Arco FC power system has everything required for an easy plug and play operation. Starting an Arco FC power system is as easy as turning a key. Once in place in the forklift and connected to the plug, the automatic control unit will start delivery power accordingly to the load request.
Productivity
Arco FC high-power systems maintain constant power at all times, keeping the vehicle running at full speed throughout the entire shift, while conventional forklifts lose approximately 14% of their speed over the last half of the battery charge.
Lower Operational Costs
The Arco FC high-power system eliminates the need to change, charge and manage batteries during the operation. The Arco FC units run longer than lead-acid batteries and can be fueled in just 3 minutes, substantially reducing vehicle and personnel downtime.
Zero Emissions
The Arco FC high-power system is Safe, Clean and Efficient. It does not produce any harmful emissions and eliminates the costs associated with handling and storing toxic materials.
More Commercial Space
Hydrogen fueling stations replace large battery charging rooms, freeing up valuable warehouse space. Approximately 7%, of the entire area is covered to set up inventory and revenue generating operations.
Transparent Transition
Arco FC high-power systems fit seamlessly into the space occupied by DIN batteries on all lift trucks, making them a simple and cost-effective solution for professionals to adopt.
MARINE
DIRECTLINK™ power system provides the following advantage for ships:
RANGE - High energy density of hydrogen compared to battery; liquid storage for large volumes and long storage capacity
UTILIZATION - Quick refilling compared to long battery charging time
POWER - Scalable, dispatchable, distributed power for auxiliary or propulsion loads.
PROPULSION POWER - cruising and in Ports and Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
Zero emission Environmentally-Sustainable solution featuring long life.
Modular power solutions from 20kW to multi-MW power systems for marine applications based on distributed fuel cell architecture.
Marine environment compliant with safe FC compartment, integrated power management systems & controls and scalable and flexible integration into the ship architecture.
Suitable marine applications for fuel cell systems include:
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Ferries, coastal vessels, barges and cruise ships
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Hotel and Auxiliary Loads (power, heat, water)
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Cold ironing / shore power
CITY BUS
DIRECTLINK™ power systems have been designed for integration into City buses from 8 to 18 meters (35 to 60 feet).
Zero-emission City bus fleets powered by DIRECTLINK are an effective means to address air quality and climate change challenges providing affordable zero-emission transportation without compromising vehicle performances.
FC BUS
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Are an environmentally sustainable solution
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Can operate in low emission zones
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Operate over a longer range and on more demanding routes
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Offer much higher energy density than batteries to maximize payload
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Are refueled quickly (10 min), ensuring the Bus is on the road generating revenue for the fleet operator
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Offer high energy efficiency
TRUCKS
The need for zero-emission heavy-duty commercial trucks has never been greater.
Significant carbon and NOx emissions contributing to climate change and health issues come from urban freight transport in trade corridors.
When it comes to heavy transport, weight matters, and fuel cells are lighter than batteries and provide a longer range. DIRECTLINK offers the same high torque that comes with battery electric vehicles, but at lower weight.
The estimated weight difference between trucks with electric batteries and trucks with hydrogen fuel cells; An electric battery truck with a 480-kWh battery pack with a 400-km range, weighs approximately 2500 kg.
While a hydrogen fuel cell truck with a range of about 800-1200 km is estimated to have a weight around 800 kg.
This enables the use electric trucks without negatively impacting performance.
FC TRUCKS
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Are an environmentally sustainable solution leading to better air quality
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Can operate in low emission zones
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Operate over a longer range and on more demanding routes
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Offer much higher energy density than batteries to maximize payload
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Are refueled quickly (10 min), ensuring the truck is on the road generating revenue for the fleet operator
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Offer high energy efficiency
AERONAUTICAL
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are game changers to many industries.
From infrastructure and construction site inspections to agriculture and disaster response, ‘drones’ permit missions a lower cost per hour than ever before.
DIRECTLINK technology enables a UAV fleet to fly significantly longer and can improve the run-time of other mass sensitive electrically powered technology.
Also, VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircrafts represent another valuable market for FCs in the immediate future where Arco Technologies systems bring the benefits of low thermal and noise signature as well as extended run-times.
Unmanned systems powered by DIRECTLINK operate longer than their battery counterparts, with the same benefits of low thermal and noise signature.
Users see improved reliability over small internal combustion engines, providing safe and low maintenance operation.
Key Facts About DIRECTLINK™ Powered UAVs
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Hydrogen is a safe and readily-available energy source
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Refilling is quick and easy – typically taking less than 3 minutes
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Reduced noise, compared to internal combustion engines, results in lower acceptable flight altitudes
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DIRECTLINK™ operates more efficiently at high altitudes than internal combustion engines, enabling effective use in mountainous regions
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DIRECTLINK™ produces no emissions
LIGHT RAIL
A new growing market segment for FCs is that of fuel cell hydrogen trains – Hydrails – that use hydrogen as fuel to generate electricity for power traction.
According to a recent study, “Hydrogen trains, with zero-emission, are the best cost-competitive solution to replace diesel trains and the fuel cells and hydrogen trains can replace 30% of diesel vehicles by 2030”.
This kind of transport can be deployed for set connections where the regional networks are not electrified.
In this field the application of Arco Technologies technology will allow longer runs with less refueling stops and high speed – all with zero emissions.
The fast-refueling solutions based on the Arco FC technology will eliminate the need for engine idling at train stations due to long refueling time required (contrary to diesel units); this means time saving and economical value added.
The choice of Arco FC technology means:
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Zero tailpipe emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases;
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Lower noise pollution and increased passenger comfort including low vehicle vibration
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Avoiding cost of future rail electrifications
STATIONARY APPLICATION
DIRECTLINK™ technology allows the stationary applications of fuel cells that can be connected to the electricity grid or not.
Supplemental power and back-up electricity systems to improve reliability and quality of power supply for critical infrastructure (e.g. data centers, hospitals, public security, schools, nursing homes etc.).
Fuel cell powered back-up systems have a strong value proposition by flexibly safeguarding the supply during power failures with a local zero-emission technology alternative, typically for a bridging time of up to 72 hrs.
Base-load electricity for off-grid or isolated microgrids and even as a complement to renewable energy sources. Fuel cells can act a reliable, versatile and flexible off-grid power source in various remote areas.