This Vertx Film spotlights FC Renew, an East Tennessee-based company enabling the transition to hydrogen energy via fuel cell renewal. Learn how FC Renew is revolutionizing hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Vertx Partners is proud to announce a new partnership with FC Renew. FC Renew was founded by Dr. Philip A. Stuckey, PhD, a Case Western Reserve University alum who has pioneered a groundbreaking process he likens to an “oil change for your hydrogen fuel cell.” FC Renew’s proprietary technology not only enhances the durability of fuel cells but also promises to revolutionize their applications across various sectors.
Fuel Cell Renewal
Dr. Stuckey is a seasoned expert with 18 years of experience in proton-exchange membrane fuel cell research and development. He is driven by a vision of cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. One barrier to this future is the expense and reduced lifetime of fuel cells.
“Hydrogen fuel cells degrade over time,” explains Dr. Stuckey. “Instead of aiming for a fuel cell that lasts the entire lifetime of a vehicle, we take a different approach. Our cells may last 30,000 hours, and through an iterative process, we reduce the need for expensive component replacements.”
FC Renew’s technology enables current fuel cells rated for 150,000 miles to extend their lifetime six-fold – up to 1.2 million miles. With the global shift toward reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, hydrogen fuel cells present a compelling alternative. Dr. Stuckey emphasizes, “Only a few options are feasible: you have nuclear, you have batteries, and you have hydrogen fuel cells.”
Vertx Partners & FC Renew
However, the journey from innovation to commercialization is often fraught with challenges. That’s where Vertx Partners enters the picture. Vertx is helping FC Renew work toward a Phase III SBIR to transition its technology into the commercial sector. “Vertx is helping us expand capability, increase visibility within the government, and find application partners,” says Dr. Stuckey.
“What a company like FC Renew represents for the future is incalculable,” says Vertx President Sean Frisbee. “By partnering with Vertx, Dr. Stuckey’s technology is even more likely to make a difference.”
Indeed, the collaboration between FC Renew and Vertx Partners exemplifies the power of synergy in advancing sustainable technology. “If you’re starting a hard-tech company with technology the DoD may be interested in, having a conversation with Vertx Partners would be valuable,” says Dr. Stuckey.
FC Renew’s University of Tennessee Collaboration
In addition to Vertx Partners, FC Renew’s partnership with the University of Tennessee and the support of initiatives like the Spark Incubator are instrumental in realizing its vision.
“Our partnership with the University of Tennessee is invaluable. We need access to world-class facilities to actually get the R&D results we’re seeking,” explains Dr. Stuckey. “The Spark Incubator also brings along resources that help us develop in a business sense.”
FC Renew’s mission is clear: pave the way for longer-lasting, more efficient hydrogen-powered heavy equipment. By extending the operational lifetime of fuel cells six-fold, they reduce emissions and offer a better return on investment for their clients.
“Our goal is development and commercialization, and Vertx is certainly looking forward to helping us achieve that in the next two to five years,” summarizes Dr. Stuckey.
For companies seeking to unlock the full potential of their technology, FC Renew and Vertx Partners make for a compelling partnership. Pair your business with Vertx Partners by contacting us today!