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 Hitachi Unveils Fuel Cell to be Used as Recharger of Mobile Devices
Publication Date:31-July-2006
11:00 PM US Eastern Timezone 
Source:Kouji Kariatsumari, Nikkei Electronics 
Hitachi, Ltd. has unveiled a prototype direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) to be used as an external recharger of mobile devices at "HITACHI uVALUE Convention 2006" that is being held at Tokyo International Forum from July 26 to 27, 2006. Although a mobile phone handset manufactured by Hitachi was being recharged in the exhibition booth, a spokesperson explains that "the prototype has been designed for use in mobile devices that are rechargeable via the USB interface."

The DMFC includes four units of power generation cells. The foldable main body can be spread into the shape of a left angle bracket (<) upon power generation. With the main body spread open, the four surfaces of the chassis work as the air electrodes for each of the power generation cells. The fuel cell is equipped with a control circuit and a capacitor that can store electricity before charging the mobile devices. This time, instead of using a detachable fuel cartridge, the company has adopted the so-called satellite structure in which methanol is injected into the fuel cell body.

As to the specifications of the fuel cell, "this is merely a conceptual model without using a state-of-the-art membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The suitable fuel concentration has not been determined, either. The development mainly focused on making a pocketable prototype," comments the spokesperson. As a result, the fuel cell measures about 9 x 9 x 2 cm. Although information on methanol concentration and fuel tank volume in the fuel cell is not unveiled, the company claims that its power generation capacity reaches approximately 3 Wh, which is sufficient to fully recharge a mobile phone once.
 
 

 
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