Interview with Mario Gargano
Sales Manager Business Line Energy
Innovation for Cefla > BU Engineering > Product Innovation
How was the customer made the focus of innovation design processes as regards the FUEL CELLS already illustrated by BU Director Massimo Milani?
“The customer is always the focus during what we call the ‘active listening phase’ and works alongside us as we investigate every feasible solution. As our meetings with customers progress, we develop further tangible advantages in addition to the ones envisaged at the beginning of the project.
[Editor’s note. The CHP (cogeneration) version of the Bloom Energy Server™ fuel cell module produces electrical and thermal energy, raising efficiency (> 85%) and reducing in-atmosphere pollutant emissions (Nox, Sox, Co).
Fuel cells convert the chemical energy of the fuels into electricity and heat, but without any combustion as occurs with traditional cogeneration.
Power remaining equal, electrical efficiency is 20% higher, and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced.]
At this time, we are the only company in Italy distributing an industrial, scalable Fuel Cell product. We also have a CHP version of the Fuel Cell system in operation (the only one in Europe) at our facilities in Imola.
We explore ideas in close collaboration with our customers: it’s the customer, of course, who has an understanding of the process, but it’s together that we understand how to optimise processes.”
How was this innovation designed? Is it possible to take a “creative” approach to innovation?
“Nova is a highly innovative project as we’ve combined fuel cell technology with heat recovery. This process involved close teamwork with the manufacturer to find a solution that maximises performance and reliability.
Once you’ve decided on the end result you want to obtain, the ‘creativity’ lies in analysing all viable solutions so it can be achieved in terms of materials, architecture and flexibility.”
How much has technology influenced this innovative process?
“The technology in use is already innovative in itself. Additionally, the innovation we propose lies in delivering this technology to the Italian market before other competitors.
This scenario means that Fuel Cells will be able to play a leading decarbonization role in the future by drawing on a mix of energies (e.g. photovoltaic, heat pumps and other, even greener, sources).”
Does Cefla pursue Open Innovation in collaboration with research bodies and universities?
“As we’ve moved ahead, we’ve naturally established ties with the research facilities and universities with whom we’ve already begun collaborating and exchanging info.
These joint efforts will allow us to assess and compare the solutions being implemented.”
