The approach of the NFCRC is based on two traditional university activities (Research and Education) and the non-traditional activities (Beta Testing, and Market Dynamics)
Research
Research is accomplished through a collaborative effort with
our industry and public sector members in order to address and
accelerate the development issues necessary to facilitate the
commercialization of fuel cell technology, products and their
integration.
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more . . .
Education
Education and Outreach is a principal goal of the NFCRC in order to raise awareness and understanding of the various challenges, benefits and opportunities of fuel cells.
It is also the role of the NFCRC to provide educational opportunities
within the university environment as well as through workshops
and conferences directed at the general public and sectors interested
and key in the development and commercialization of fuel cells.
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Beta Testing
Multi-month testing of prototype units serves as the heart of the NFCRC's efforts, and a key to both the development of technologies and application to the marketplace. It serves three principal roles, fundamental to the principal operations of the NFCRC:
- Beta Testing provides critical feedback to the manufacturer prior to commercial launch. The testing determines performance, reliability, and the success of engineering. The process allows for the demonstration of reliability, availability, maintainability, durability and usability (RAMDU) while concurrent system improvements are made in an objective yet scrutinizing research setting.
- Beta Testing provides a showcase, at a neutral and objective site (the university), for potential users of fuel cell technology to critically assess the attributes and liabilities.
- Beta Testing provides insight and perspective into the limiting science that, if addressed, could significantly affect the evolution of fuel cell technology.
Market Dynamics
In an effort to bridge fuel cell technology development and
its successful introduction into the marketplace, the NFCRC
is participating in a variety of initiatives through a series
of strategic alliances with industry and the public sector.
These alliances are critical in order to facilitate the deployment
of fuel cell systems. An excellent example is the NFCRC's role
as co-chair and co-administer of the California
Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative
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more . . .