The Evolution of HCI Energy
powered by innovation
While traveling the world as an energy industry executive, Ray Ansari was constantly evaluating power systems and looking for smarter ways to meet user needs. He founded HCI Energy, LLC to offer equipment instruments and controls automation design and consulting. As the company evolved and began integrating renewable energy solutions into its arsenal within the last decade, Ray discovered a new challenge in an obvious unmet need.
How could HCI Energy develop a solution for bringing reliable and environmentally friendly power to areas where resources are scarce, transportation is unreliable and environmental conditions add complexity?
The Problem
With a formidable challenge in front of them, the Hybrid team started by identifying the problem. Historically, when remote off-grid users needed reliable power, they installed an environmentally hostile diesel generator, which required a continuous supply of diesel fuel and consistent technical support. These ongoing requirements presented inherent problems with system reliability and a rising total cost of ownership. Perhaps most significantly, when applying this legacy technology, the opportunity for power outages was high if fuel or support could be compromised in any way.
The Solution
To address these issues, Ray and his team of experts developed the Hybrid Cube. This power solution presents a cost-effective option that is less hostile to the environment and far more efficient to operate for any situation in which a diesel generator is considered a viable energy source. Using a combination of solar, wind, battery storage and DC generators, the Cube provides reliable power to even the most remote locations. Plus, its innovative, self-contained design makes it highly portable via standard international transportation channels and protocols.
Learn more about our patented Hybrid Cube design, and how its seamless delivery and deployment can positively impact any situation. Read more
Meet the People Powering HCI Energy
Ray Ansari
Founder & CEO
Ray leverages more than three decades of engineering experience spanning energy, telecom infrastructure and automation, among other industry verticals. Most recently, he served in executive-level roles with industry-leading firms where he led the development of innovative technologies. Throughout his career, his responsibilities have included everything from the design of electrical power and controls for industrial process plants to the development of stationary fuel cell systems for numerous markets.
Internationally, Ray has been at the forefront of leveraging current technologies to serve clients on all continents. He founded HCI Energy to further facilitate the deployment of current energy innovation and help clients benefit from the leading-edge technologies. Ray holds an MBA from Oklahoma City University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Joe Heller
President
Joe has built a successful career in various leadership roles across businesses ranging from start-ups to international conglomerates. Most recently, he’s spent more than two decades starting, owning and operating companies within the natural gas and power marketing industry. In these roles, his responsibilities have ranged from managing one of the nation’s largest gas marketing storage books to building trade desks for global energy businesses.
Joe’s leadership, guidance and insight have driven companies to compete and thrive in existing and new markets. Respected as an innovative problem-solver with a visionary approach to strategic planning, he joined HCI Energy in 2018 to oversee its projected exponential growth. Joe holds an MBA from University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in business management with an economic/financial focus from Simpson College.
Tim Tierney
VP, Product Development
With a diverse background in IT management, project planning and telecom solutions, Tim brings a wealth of leadership and process improvement skills to the group. Throughout his career, he’s established vast technical skills that translate across verticals, which have been fundamental in propelling HCI Energy forward as a leader in reliable power for critical infrastructure. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Wichita State University.
Kevin Dunagan
Engineering Manager
Leveraging expertise and experience in product development, engineering, manufacturing, quality and ISO/TS conformity, international business and customer relations, Kevin is integral in HCI Energy’s efforts to deliver tailored energy solutions to clients around the globe. He is responsible for innovating and coordinating resources and technologies, implementing safety protocols, propelling engineering efficiencies and best practices, and mentoring and supervising the engineering team.
Kevin Kowalik
VP, Sales and Marketing
With more than 20 years of combined Division I coaching and corporate sales experience, Kevin is essential to HCI Energy’s team and its continued success. He capitalizes on his vast expertise in building relationships and identifying ways to maximize the value of people and technical resources to help clients develop and execute cost-effective energy strategies across the country. Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a master’s degree from the University of Kansas.
Jared Anderson
Mechanical Design Engineer
By combining a willingness to get his hands dirty with a keen ability to solve even the most complex technical problems in seeing projects from concept to completion, Jared plays a critical role in product and process innovation at HCI Energy. Prior to joining the HCI team, Jared spent five years gaining experience and knowledge in companies innovating and building hydrogen fuel cell and alternative energy solutions. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas.
Bernie Dugan
Project Coordinator
With a unique background spanning entrepreneurship, business leadership and energy manufacturing, Bernie brings an insightful perspective to the HCI Energy team that helps drive continued innovation and thought leadership. Previous roles in product engineering, prototyping and development of build sequences for power generation systems have served as an important foundation for his current role, where he oversees procurement and facilities management while being the lead electrical/mechanical technician.
Ben Kalny
Board Member
Having founded and/or funded a number of entrepreneurial endeavors, Ben relies on a broad exposure to numerous and diverse industries to help the HCI Energy team excel. He has a strong real estate investment track record, unique knowledge of manufacturing and technology, and an unparalleled problem-solving skill set. Ben holds a J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law and a B.S. in Business, summa cum laude, from Tusculum College.
Bill Cole
Board Member
Utilizing his project management and training skills, Bill provides dynamic and insightful leadership to the HCI Energy team. Having spent the last 12 years consulting in various engineering sectors and establishing positive connections across the domestic and international utility and energy communities, he is integral to all business development and strategic planning efforts. He holds a BA from the University of Colorado, as well as an MBA from the University of Kansas.
John Christy
Advisor to the Board
As a Certified Financial PlannerTM, John works with business owners to evaluate risk, address business continuity issues and implement strategic financial plans that lead to continued business growth and development. He plays an integral role in the HCI team by leveraging his knowledge of economics and risk management to ensure the group’s strategic vision is met. John graduated from Kansas State University with a business degree emphasizing finance and economics.