Publication date: 30-September-2003 
Source: Nikkei BP Network

The company predicts that for PCs, the current rechargeable batteries will be replaced with fuel cells to become the mainstream. As for digital cameras and PDAs, it is presumed that fuel cells, lithium manganese primary batteries, and the next generation lithium-ion batteries will coexist.

For the low-output field, such as Walkmans and radios, it predicts that in addition to fuel cells' primary batteries including alkaline manganese batteries, and rechargeable batteries including electric double layer capacitor, solar batteries, and energy sources using natural energies, such as human body temperature and movement, will be introduced.

In the field, such as in a laptop, where high density energy of 1,000Whr/L or higher is required, it predicts that among fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) will be insufficient in generating enough output density, and a modified type that supplies hydrogen from methanol will be in use. At present, the output density of DMFC is 50mW/cm2. The company says "DMFC cannot be used until it reaches 100mW/cm2."

At present, the top data is 50mW/cm2, and has reached the limit with the conventional material. It is believed that unless a new material is developed, making further progress seems unlikely. On the other hand, the modified type, whose development is underway by Casio, can increase the output density by the use of pure hydrogen, and can reduce the size. However, at present, it is "like a handcrafted work of art." How it can be developed into a mass-production line, and the cost can be reduced are the key factors, the company said.

In the field where a medium level of energy density of 800-500Whr/L or more is required, such as digital cameras and PDAs, it is predicted that while modified fuel cells or DMFC will be used, the mainstream will still be the next-generation, lithium-ion batteries.

In the field, such as Walkmans, radios, and electronic dictionaries, where the energy density of 300Whr/L or less is enough for operation, among fuel cells DMFC will presumably be the mainstream. The company is already investigating DMFC that is replaceable for AA batteries.