Czero Inc. is an engineering services firm that partners with cleantech companies providing early-stage, concept-to-prototype research and development support. CEO Guy Babbitt highlighted how the company is making strides in energy-related technology.
The name Czero is derived from ‘Carbon Zero’ emissions, reflecting the company’s passion for the clean energy transition. Czero’s work centers on scalable, cost-effective solutions to reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, improve energy storage and delivery, and decrease harmful emissions to make energy cleaner.
“It’s exciting to be involved in so many cutting-edge projects with the potential to make a substantial impact on the energy sector,” Mr. Babbitt said. “We’re helping develop solutions that make sustainability possible, from long-duration energy storage to hybridized military automotive equipment. At Czero,
we strive for a collective effort towards environmental protection.”
Since its founding in 2007, Czero’s north star continues to be making energy cleaner. The team of 30 professional designers and engineers have completed over 400 projects for this purpose. Czero is just as likely to work with a renewable energy company as a traditional oil and gas company seeking to improve their clean technology.
“We work with clients from many different sectors,” Mr. Babbitt added. “From the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to national U.S. labs, universities, and startup companies, we help advance
technologies that eventually grow to impact industries all around the globe.”
Czero’s work spans a wide spectrum of innovations; whether the partner is developing new technology, accelerating product development, improving designs, or just gaining insight into system performance, Czero’s team work with them to deliver cutting-edge solutions to complex problems. The 16,000-squarefoot facility in Colorado provides space to support a client’s needs, regardless of size.
Bridging concept & production
Czero’s unique position in the industry bridges the gap between conceptual ideas and production-ready systems. Typically, a project arrives at Czero after an initial idea has been outlined by other professionals or entrepreneurs in the field. Czero supports these innovators by applying a detailed engineering process of analysis-led design, to create a working prototype that undergoes rigorous testing.
From day one, Czero has been a ‘measure twice, cut once’ company. Modeling and
simulation engineers collaborate with design and controls teams to model, test, and iterate to refine the design before it is built, according to Mr. Babbitt: “What we do is essential for product development. We work as a team to brainstorm a variety of approaches, and then use modeling and simulation technology to decide the best one.
“A lot goes into this multifaceted process, as we consider the economic feasibility of a project with technoeconomic analysis, plus how effective the result will be in lowering environmental impacts.”
The collaborative approach between Czero’s engineers and clients is integral to creating optimal solutions. The company’s sophisticated equipment enables it to simulate how a design will operate in various conditions, allowing engineers to fine-tune designs for effectiveness and durability. By checking the sensitivity of the system and involving system and controls engineers early in the design process, Czero ensures the final prototype will work well for the full range of conditions it may experience.
“Through continuous learning, we stand at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that help protect the planet”
Connected across industries
The company’s facility is equipped with a fabrication facility, an in-house machine shop, a panel-build shop, and a comprehensive selection of professional testing equipment. With an environmental testing chamber, a high-speed engine dynamometer test cell, and more, the company has diverse operational and testing capabilities.
“Our extensive development and testing capabilities allow us to take designs to the next level,” Mr. Babbitt said. “We use our facility and experience to solve even the
most demanding challenges, while adhering to project timelines. If a design requires additional equipment, we have a trusted network to rely on.”
At the heart of Czero’s success is its commitment to fostering strong, long-term relationships with both clients and suppliers.
“We are big believers in long-term relationships, and this extends into our supply chain,” Mr. Babbitt emphasized.
This philosophy of collaboration ensures that Czero delivers innovative and effective prototypes. The company’s early clients continue to be partners, a testament to the
results Czero consistently provides.
“By fostering partnerships based on trust and collaboration, we create the most innovative and effective prototypes for our clients,” Mr. Babbitt explained. “We build loyalty with both our customers and suppliers, allowing us to offer a collaborative approach to every project.”
Making energy cleaner
Czero’s impact spans multiple sectors of the energy industry, including renewables and fossil fuels. Its diverse projects range from carbon capture and sequestration to energy storage, hydrogen infrastructure, and wave energy capture.
One of Czero’s most notable current projects focuses on thermochemical and long-duration energy storage. In partnership with the California Energy Commission and RedoxBlox, Czero is developing a prototype for a long-duration energy storage demonstration.
“Projects like this are really exciting to participate in because of the substantial
impact they will have on the energy sector,” Mr. Babbitt noted. “By developing these technologies and proving their effectiveness, we encourage their implementation into various industries, supporting the global energy transition.”
Czero is also working with the Department of Energy on a large-scale demonstration project aimed at increasing energy efficiency of electricity generation. By combining fuel cells and gas turbines in a hybrid cycle, the company hopes to achieve a 70% efficiency rate for converting natural gas to electricity – nearly double the current efficiency of gas turbines. Operating at temperatures of around 800°C, this project presents significant challenges in terms of complex control measures. Nonetheless,
Czero’s team is well-equipped to offer a complete solution.
“We have an amazingly talented and highly educated team,” Mr. Babbitt said. “Our employees are incredibly passionate about what they do, which is what allows us to deliver such challenging projects. They are
at Czero because they want to have a positive impact on climate change and make a real difference.”
Driving sustainable change
Mr. Babbitt’s passion for environmentalism has been a driving force behind Czero’s mission. “I have been a passionate environmentalist since I was very young, and I’ve always wanted to make a difference,” he said. “Being able to leverage my passion, alongside my team, is what really excites me about working at Czero. We can make huge changes to sustainability here.”
With a commitment to innovation, Czero remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies that support environmental protection. The mission to drive sustainability reflects the company’s broader goal: creating a more sustainable planet through technological advancement.
“Through continuous learning, we stand at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies
that help protect the planet,” Mr. Babbitt said, expressing the company’s dedication to advancing sustainability measures for years to come.
Since its inception, the company has expanded its team, enhanced its facilities, and gained experience from a wide array of projects. Czero plans to continue this path of sustainable growth by hiring additional staff, investing in more advanced equipment, and continually improving its capabilities.
“We have a deep understanding of many different areas of the energy sector,” Babbitt said, in conclusion. “At Czero, we want to learn about new technologies, techniques, and tools to continually expand our capabilities. As a company, our success is driven by our desire to improve and strengthen operations for a more sustainable planet.” n
