Articles tagged with "Fuel Cell"
Fuel Cell Power Pack Design Contest Winner
September 28, 2005 We've written previously about Medis Technologies and their plans to deliver portable fuel cells to market in the near future. One of the exhibits at the CTIA IT show at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco that opened yesterday was the new fuel cell Power Pack design from Medis that resulted from a national design competition. Medis initiated the design contest to encourage submission of designs for its Power Pack that were "aspirational, cool and sleek" and the winning design from Antonio Russomanno, is slick and you might well find one in your pocket before very long. (read more...)
LIFECar project promises an efficient high performance fuel cell sports car within three years
September 23, 2005 A wholly British partnership yesterday unveiled plans to develop the world’s first environmentally clean sports car, powered by a fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electricity. The partnership is made up of legendary British sports car manufacturer, the Morgan Motor Company, QinetiQ, Cranfield and Oxford Universities, BOC and OSCar. The new vehicle, known as LIFECar, will be ultra quiet and its exhaust systems will produce only water vapour. It promises a clean vehicle combined with sound motoring performance and stylish good looks. (read more...)
Toshiba Methanol Fuel Cell MP3 player
September 18, 2005 Toshiba’s rapidly developing expertise in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology has been regularly reported in Gizmag over the last year or two, - when the portable power revolution begins, and batteries begin to give way to miniature fuel cells, Toshiba will be one of the significant global contenders. This week the Japanese giant announced that it has developed two prototype direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) units and begun tests to validate their operation with mobile audio players. Each unit integrates the DMFC that Toshiba announced in June 2004 (the world's smallest), bringing its practical use a major step closer. (read more...)
Purdue University creates new method to drive fuel cells for portable electronics
September 1, 2005 Engineers at Purdue University have developed a new way of producing hydrogen for fuel cells to automatically recharge batteries in portable electronics, such as notebook computers, and eliminate the need to use a wall outlet. The findings were presented last Sunday (August 28) during the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C., and also will be detailed in a peer-reviewed paper to appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Combustion and Flame. The researchers developed the new method earlier this year and envision a future system in which pellets of hydrogen-releasing material would be contained in disposable credit-card-size cartridges. Once the pellets were used up, a new cartridge would be inserted into devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, notebook computers, digital cameras, handheld medical diagnostic devices and defibrillators. (read more...)
New Portable Methanol Fuel Cell System
August 24, 2005 UltraCell Corporation has announced a new fuel cell power source for portable electronic devices that has twice the energy density of lithium batteries. UltraCell's reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) technology uses a revolutionary micro reformer to generate fuel-cell-ready hydrogen from a highly concentrated methanol solution. This new portable power system has the power density of a hydrogen fuel cell but uses readily available, low cost methanol fuel in a convenient, compact package. Weighing just 40 ounces, the power unit is about the size of a paperback novel. (read more...)
Fujitsu Triples Charging Capacity of Fuel Cells for Mobile Phones
Tokyo, July 6, 2005 Fujitsu today announced its co-development with NTT DoCoMo of a prototype high-capacity micro fuel cell and the prototype development of an external recharger for FOMA handsets. For the prototype micro fuel cell device, the concentration of the methanol fuel used was raised from 30%, the concentration used for the companies' previous fuel cells, to a remarkably higher concentration of over 99%. This enables the prototype device to charge up to three FOMA handset batteries with just 18 cc of methanol. (read more...)
Honda Unveils World’s First “Fuel Cell Family”
June 30, 2005 American Honda Motor today announced the lease of its FCX, an advanced hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, to the world’s first individual customers, Jon and Sandy Spallino of Redondo Beach, California. It may seem an inconsequential event to many, but the first fuel cell vehicle getting into provate hands is a big deal, because until now, it's all been trial programs with government organisations. So fill your glasses and let's toast the beginning of hydrogen powered automobiles for the masses. Marking a historic achievement in the evolution of the automobile and the advancement of future transportation technology, the Spallinos become the world’s first fuel cell family, having signed an agreement to lease a 2005 Honda FCX for a period of two years. (read more...)
IBM and Sanyo Demonstrate Fuel Cell Prototype for ThinkPad Notebooks with 8 hour refill time
April 29, 2005 IBM and SANYO Electric have demonstrated a prototype micro direct methanol fuel cell system for IBM ThinkPad notebooks. Leveraging SANYO's latest advancements in fuel cells that increase the longevity of notebook batteries, IBM and SANYO jointly developed a basic design of a fuel cell power source. Based on the design, the companies developed a prototype fuel cell system that could supply up to 8 hours of power per cartridge on current and future ThinkPad models. The SANYO system does not require altering the standard ThinkPad notebook design. (read more...)
Microbial fuel cell promises high yield hydrogen source and wastewater cleaner
April 29, 2005 The hydrogen economy is looming, and it seems a weekly occurance to see additional announcements of technology adding to the momentum. This week from Penn State University comes the news of an electrically-assisted microbial fuel cell (MFC) that does not require oxygen and uses bacteria to coax four times as much hydrogen directly out of biomass than can be generated typically by fermentation alone. (read more...)
US Army deploys first Fuel Cell truck
April 5, 2005 General Motors and the U.S. Army yesterday announced they are partnering to introduce the world's first fuel cell-powered truck into U.S. military service. The U.S. Army took delivery of the crew cab pickup at the GM research facility outside of Rochester, NY, where the vehicle's two fuel cell power modules were made. Marking the occasion was Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was instrumental in securing the funds in the 2005 Department of Defense appropriations on behalf of GM's experimental truck. (read more...)
Intelligent Energy shows the ENV fuel-cell motorcycle prototype
March 18, 2005 A British company has released details of what it claims is the world's first purpose-built, fuel-cell motorbike. The Emissions Neutral Vehicle is dubbed ENV, pronounced "en vee" and is the creation of British energy solutions company Intelligent Energy. Powered by a 6kW 48 volt motor and with energy supplied from Intelligent Energy's 1kW hydrogen fuel cell, the ENV is currently capable of 50mph (80kmh) and is still under development - by the time the bike reaches market (no time frame yet), it can be expected it will reach most speed limits and exceed its current range of 100 miles (160 kilometres). The ENV weighs just 80 kilograms, has disc brakes and a belt drive and will face some very tough competition in the fuel cell two-wheel market as it evolves over the next few years. (read more...)
Fuel cell submarines offer underwater stealth
November 7, 2004 While fuel cell automobiles promise reduced emissions on land, the high seas have long enjoyed a virtual amnesty from air emission regulations. There is no effective way to regulate pollution emmissions from ships, yet the fuel cell has a bright future under the water as the best alternative to nuclear energy. The fuel cell has many advantages for submarines, the most compelling being that of completely silent running. A fuel cell submarine such as the new 212 and 214 from HDW can lurk beneath the waves invisibly for three weeks at a time. Unlike other non-nuclear submarine variants such as gas turbine and diesel engines, fuel cells can also be distributed throughout a ship for increased design flexibility, which in turn reduces shipbuilding costs. The company that makes this new monster also made the world's first wartime submarine, and is now offering retrofits. (read more...)
Hydrogen transportation boosts portable fuel cells
November 15, 2004 Voller Energy Limited, the world's first developer of fuel cell technology portable generators and battery chargers has announced that the new VE100 v2 portable fuel cell system can use metal hydride canisters which have been approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to transport hydrogen for portable applications. (read more...)
NEC Fuel cell laptop to go on sale this year
October 29, 2004 Japanese electronics company NEC has shown the latest prototype of a laptop with built-in fuel cell, claiming the prototype has 10 hours life, extending the life of the traditional battery powered laptop by up to 50%. Early versions of the NEC fuel cell laptop have been shown several times over the last two years, but this time the company intends to put a fuel cell laptop on the market in Japan before the end of 2004. Whatsmore, NEC expects that the efficiency of the fuel cell can be boosted to increase "battery life" to more than 40 hours between refills by 2006. (read more...)
Medis Technologies To Develop Fuel Cells For Tablet PCs
Medis Technologies Ltd. has announced that it has received an order from General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, to deliver five prototype fuel cell power packs and associated cartridges as power sources for 10 prototype tablet computers in support of the United States Air Force (USAF) Wearable Computer Power Program. The aim of the initial project is to demonstrate extended field operation and the potential to reduce reliance on battery operation. The strategic intention is that the program will lead to a follow-on spiral development program with an objective of replacing the current ground air traffic control computers. (read more...)
Quark fuel-cell roadgoing QUAD
Peugeot's futuristic prototype two-seater, 4WD Quark was built to showcase the company's fuel cell technology. The Quark has a removable interactive interface, which appears to be a PDA on steroids. The unit serves the same purpose as an ignition key and is used in conjunction with an instrument panel. Positioned in its housing, it provides information concerning the traction system and the fuel cell, speed, SATNAV, etc ... protected by a small transparent and waterproof cover, it allows the vehicle to be started when in place and immobilises it when removed. Far more than just a show floor dummy, the Quark competed successfully at the recent Michelin Bibendum Challenge. (read more...)
Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters
Honda Motor Company has announced its intentions to hotly contest the sustainable future of two wheel transport by showing several new prototype model developments surrounding fuel cell, electric and hybrid (petrol/electric) scooters. Building on its success with fuel cell automobile technology, the most significant announcement was a scooter powered by its light, compact fuel cell system, the Honda FC Stack. (read more...)
MTI demonstrates integrated PDA and Smartphone fuel cells
A new cord-free rechargeable methanol fuel cell for handheld devices has been demonstrated which is expected become available later this year heralding the arrival of the first viable alternative to batteries for powering handheld devices. inevitable move from battery to fuel cell technology. The company expects that the fuel cell will offer ten times the power from an equivalent sized battery and make a significant impact on the military and commercial portable electronics markets. (read more...)
LPG-powered Portable fuel cell system is 25% smaller
Voller Energy, the world’s first developer of fuel cell technology portable generators, has launched an updated version of its VE100. The VE100 v2 is smaller and lighter than the VE100 and delivers more power output. The VE100 v2 will be unveiled at the Fuel Cell Forum in Lucerne, Switzerland on 30 June 2004. Advance orders for the VE100 v2 can be taken immediately. (read more...)
Fuel cell toy
There's plenty to recommend this fuel cell kit from British company Thames & Kosmos. There are many hours of fun and learning for yourself and your children as you assemble and experiment with a reversible fuel cell - the kit provides a playful introduction to one of the most significant technologies of the 21st Century and enables you to build a model car that runs on WATER! (read more...)
Breakthrough to enable handheld fuel cells soon!
A new membrane has been released which will enable the manufacture of fuel cells which deliver all-day power to portable electronic devices. The new DMFC membrane is claimed to deliver substantial performance and system cost advantages over both traditional lithium ion batteries and existing fuel cell membrane technology. The membrane enables fuel cells which are more efficient, able to run longer, and are smaller, lighter, quieter and less expensive. (read more...)
Hitachi demonstrates fuel-cells for handhelds:expected by 2005
The search for a viable alternative to conventional nickel cadmium and lithium ion batteries is on as the power consumption requirements of laptops and portable computing devices in all their modern guises increases. (read more...)
Hand-portable fuel cell power-pack
Monday October 20, 2003: A briefcase-sized portable fuel cell system that provides 110v or 50 Hz AC mains supply and 12v DC battery charging has been unveiled at the Grove Fuel Cell event in London. (read more...)
Honda's next-generation Fuel Cell
Thursday October 16, 2003: Honda's latest example of rapidly advancing fuel cell technology employs a newly developed stack structure to deliver high performance, increased range and power generation at temperatures ranging from -20'C to +95'C. (read more...)
Home Energy Station to expand fuel cell applications
Tuesday October 7, 2003: Honda has established an experimental Home Energy Station (HES) that generates hydrogen from natural gas for use in fuel cell vehicles and can also supply electricity and hot water to the home. (read more...)
