New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.batteries.frost.com), World Micro Fuel Cell Market for Industrial Portable Devices, finds that the market expects to produce 75 million units by 2013, demonstrating a high market growth rate due to a ramp-up in commercialization.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the World Micro Fuel Cell Market for Industrial Portable Devices, then send an e-mail to Johanna Haynes, Corporate Communications, at johanna.haynes@frost.com, your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.

The micro fuel cell market for industrial portable devices has gained a boost with the significant growth of the heavy-duty device markets.

"Rugged portable devices' improved performances are dependant on their power supply and often demand increased efficiency, lower cost, smaller size and lighter weight attributes," notes Frost & Sullivan Director Sara Bradford. "The need to match the enhanced functionalities of portable devices is a considerable challenge, while micro fuel cells have the potential to provide extended device run times."

Fuel cells for such devices must be able to operate safely for long periods under inclement weather and dusty conditions. They must also be resistant to high shock and vibration, while surviving drops on hard surfaces.

Nickel-based and now lithium ion chemistries currently power these types of heavy-duty devices. These battery chemistries have only increased about one to two percent in energy density since 2002, though industrial portable devices continue to increase their power demand.

The emerging micro fuel cells market holds great promise as a solution to the power demands of the industrial portable devices market. Market participants are working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) both on system design and distribution of refueling cartridges. This will positively impact commercialization of the market.

"However, the lack of a set fuel cell standard, in terms of both cartridge design and composition, could slow the commercialization process," notes Bradford. "The numerous competing designs could create distribution issues in addition to incompatibilities with device OEMs, thereby slowing market growth."

The market is addressing the fuel cell standard concern by forming groups within prominent international standards organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), dealing with electrical, electronic and related technologies.

World Micro Fuel Cell Market for Industrial Portable Devices is part of the Batteries Growth Partnership Service, which also includes research services in the following markets: consumer micro fuel cells, world alkaline battery market, world consumer secondary lithium battery market, world ultracapacitor market, world zinc-air battery market, world industrial secondary battery market, lead acid battery markets and others. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership service, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective, and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com.