Our mission
Arco is focused on the de-carbonization of heavy transportation, availability of large volume & low-cost green hydrogen
Our vision
We choose simplicity in design. Our patents consist of simple yet effective architectures that lead to significant cost reduction.
Our values
Over 20 years of experience and competitive technology applicable in many fields. Deep knowledge in the market and sectors of material handling, heavy duty applications and fuel cell production process chemistry.
The company was founded in Bologna as Roen Est Srl in 1999 in collaboration with the ENEA, developing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology.
In 2003 the Arcotronics Nissei group acquired 60% of Roen Est, renaming it Arcotronics Fuel Cells. A new acquisition took place in 2007 when the Morphic group acquired 100% of Arcotronics FC and renamed it Morphic Exergy. In 2011 Morphic Exergy was relocated abroad. The company was then reconstituted in Italy in 2018 as Arco FC. With a view to growth, in 2022 Arco FC moves its headquarters to Boston United States under the name of Arco Technologies.
Several tens of millions of euros have been invested in research and development between 1999 and 2022 which represent the background of Intellectual Property (IP) now in the hands of Arco Technologies Inc.
1999 - FOUNDATION OF THE COMPANY
Back in 1999, our company was born, where a dream became a reality, paving the way for our remarkable journey.
The company was founded in Bologna in collaboration with the ENEA research center, developing polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) technology.
In 2000 the first fuel cells are sold on the market.
2001 - INVENTION OF OMEGA
We pioneered PEMFC technology, introducing game-changing MEGA patent for reliable and industrialized production, maintenance, and refurbishing.
In 2001 the company patented the MEGA Memebrane Electrode Gasket Assembly (EP1241724A2).
This invention made a significant impact, allowing PEMFC production reliable and industrializable, aside from making maintenance and refurbishing possible (Read the Paper).
Nowadays, every major PEM fuel cell producer uses MEGA technology.
Our company has never stopped inovating and has always been capable of self-sustaining through smart market investments.
2004 - FIRST HEAVY DUTY FUELL-CEL
For the first time in our history, we have successfully developed the right technology to build the first functional and stable fuel cell, marking a significant milestone.
The first heavy duty application fuel cell module was developped between 2001 and 2002.
In 2004, Arco provided a 12kW and 20kW fuel cell module to Micro-Vett for “NEO”, the first european level vehicle prototype for large scale and zero emissions people and material transportation.
The vehicle was equipped with a 60kWh battery pack coupled with a fuel cell.
It had a charge capacity of 3600kg and had 250km autonomy.
2007 - AEROSPACE & NAVAL
In 2003, upon request from ASI, a O2 – H2 200Watt fuel cell stack was developed for stratospheric balloons.
From 2007 to 2011, with the collaboration of Environment Park and Azimut Benetti, the first 15kW APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) for naval applications was made and tested on field.
2008 - FIRST MATERIAL HANDLING FUEL-CELL
Just four years after the initial fuel cell development, we achieved a significant result by creating a specialized fuel cell designed specifically for material handling applications.
In 2008, the new heavy duty stack generation was developped in collaboration with Viene.
These stacks aimed to increase power while lowering production costs. From the initiative was born MIRA, a fully automated DC power module for material handling
This modeule turned out to be extremely efficient and is still being continuously evolved and produced, 14 years after its debut.
2010 - OUR TECHNOLOGY REACHES THE BIG PUBLIC
After 17 years since the foundation of our company, we have finally emerged onto the big stage, ready to showcase our offerings to the wider audience.
Another one of Arco’s goals was to make fuel cells available to the average consumer in terms of cost, reliability and safety. The Electrum and Penta HC generators came on the market in 2004 and 2005. Both capable of generating respectively 1kW and 5kW of electricity in total absence of noise and emissions thanks to the use of fuel cells.
The peculiarities of the Penta HC were that it was powered by neutral gas (easily available by all consumers) and inside it, our proprietary reformer (which generated hydrogen from natural gas) and a carboncapture system were integrated, together with the fuel cell (production of blue hydrogen).
In April of 2010, the Max-e 3600 (12 VDC | 12Amp | 150 watt maximum power), an extremely compact charger, designed for the Recreational Vehicles sector. Arco developed a singular fuel for it: Hydronite (a solution of NBH4). Inside Max-e, the Hydronite reacted on a catalytic reactor designed ad oc, generating pure hydrogen, which would then feed the system.
Max-e was a big hit in its niche and brought extremely sophisticated technology to everyone, at a competitive price.
2011 - REALIZATION OF AN AIR INDEPENDENT PROPULSION FOR THE NAVY
We realized an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) for the navy, revolutionizing maritime capabilities with advanced and self-sustaining propulsion technology.
In 2003, upon request from ASI, a liquid-cooled 200Watt fuel cell stack was developed for stratospheric balloons.
From 2007 to 2011, with the collaboration of Environment Park and Azimut Benetti, the first 15kW APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) for naval applications was made and tested on field.
In 2012 a collaboration with Selmar for naval propulsion systems and submarine AIPs was developed.
2017 - LI-ION BATTERY PACK PRODUCTION
We embarked on the production of Li-ion battery packs, advancing the world of energy storage and powering a sustainable future.
Starting from 2017, Arco integrated a new strategic business by producing Li-ion battery packs (LiBPs). LiBPs is a Lithium battery pack lign which has 4 times faster recharge time and 4 times longer life cycle than lead batteries.
Today, Arco FC batteries cost € 2.74 / cycle, compared to the € 5.32 of regular lead batteries.
2019 - DIRECTLINK® ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEM
DirectLink, our advanced energy system, is the result of our relentless pursuit of innovation, setting new standards in the industry.
The patented DIRECTLINK ™ system is born from the skills developed in the world of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This system is an integration of batteries and fuel cells that allows the optimal balance between these two components, synergically enhancing both technologies positive aspects without interposing a DC-DC converter which would increase the cost and lower the efficiency. Through DIRECTLINK ™ the LiBPs technology and the PEMFC self-balance eachother in order to always work at the point of maximum efficiency. This synergy allows + 15% energy efficiency, compared to the best systems and 20% less cosst and a significantly longer system life.
In addition, the technology integrates HYDROREC ™, an additional patent, which allows a 100% fuel utilization coefficient avoiding any energy loss. The result is a hybrid battery + fuel cell system that gives the vehicle an autonomy of 4 to 10 hours with refueling times of 3 minutes at a total cost lower than that of lead-acid batteries.
2022 - DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE AEM ELECTROLYSER
Pioneering the development of innovative AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolysers, we are actively and tangibly driving the transformation of sustainable hydrogen production.
Starting from 2022, Arco FC has gained qualified personnel and significant know-how to produce traditional alkaline electrolyzers, AEM and PEM.
Traditional alkaline electrolyser production will begin in 2023.
2023 and Beyond - WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
We continue to push the boundaries of technology and embrace new frontiers, we envision a future filled with sustainable solutions, interconnected systems, and improved quality of life for all.
Arco Technologies has significant know-how to produce a novel AEM (anion exchange membrane) electrolyzer based on proprietary CCM (catalyst coated membrane) formulation and stack design.