Posted on 08/23/2005 11:38:19 PM PDT by NickatNite2003
WASHINGTON A fuel cell developer is claiming twice the power density of lithium batteries in a new methanol fuel cell for mobile gear.
UltraCell Corp. (Livermore, Calif.) said Tuesday (Aug. 23) its reformed methanol fuel cell scheme uses "micro reformer" technology developed under a military contract to generate hydrogen from a highly concentrated methanol solution used in fuel cells.
UltraCell said its portable power system achieves the power density of a hydrogen fuel cell while using cheap methanol fuel. The unit weighs 40 ounces, the company said.
The micro reformer technology was developed under a U.S. Army contract. An early system provided 45 watts of continuous power, UltraCell said.
(Excerpt) Read more at informationweek.com ...
Shoot! I'll take one of the 40 ouncers at 45 watts - heck, I wonder if you can parallel them???
How long can it deliver the power? Is this a starting point or an end point?
These were designed to replace small batteries including laptops. Their life, per refill, is about the same as a laptop battery. Cost, right now is another issue, but they are definitely the future of portable power.
My reading of the article, seems to
put forth that they last twice as long
as current Laptop batteries.
BFLR = Bump for later reading.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.