TRM
04-02-2004, 08:54 PM
Micro Fuel Cells Poised for Market Entry
Micro fuel cells have been touted as the future power source of portable electronics. And for good reason. This technology could be the solution to the growing disparity between the limited power that rechargeable batteries can provide and the increasing requirements of mobile device users. Indeed, lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery technology is not expected to significantly improve in capacity in the coming years (less than 5% a year). Meanwhile, mobile devices are becoming more power-hungry as they incorporate a lengthening list of features. Enter: micro fuel cells.
These diminutive fuel cells—electrochemical energy conversion devices that form water from hydrogen and oxygen and in the process, generate electricity and heat—are extremely promising because they can support the trend toward more device features. Moreover, they can dramatically improve energy storage and increase the running time of electronic devices. And just as important, they allow users to recharge in mere seconds. Instead of waiting for hours for a conventional rechargeable battery to regain full power, users can simply drop in a new fuel cartridge. Additionally, these fuel cartridges are expected to be at least 50% lighter and much smaller than equivalent battery packages. They will likely cost as much as disposable alkaline batteries—about $1-3 per cartridge. Compare that to notebook computer Li-ion batteries, which usually retail for $150 or more per unit.
Because compressed or liquefied hydrogen is difficult to transport for use in small fuel cells, methanol—also called methyl alcohol or wood alcohol—is used as the source of hydrogen in fuel cells for portable electronics. Air, meanwhile, provides the oxygen. These direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) can generate electricity continuously as long as an outside source provides hydrogen and oxygen. Additionally, DMFCs benefit from the high energy density of methanol. According to Bill Acker, president and CEO of New York-based MTI Micro Fuel Cells, a gallon (3.8 liters) of methanol could keep a typical cell phone running for about a decade.
The earliest applications for DMFCs will likely appear late this year or next year. They could first be employed as chargers or separate power sources. Moreover, military applications are expected to be one of their first uses because such applications prioritize continuous operation and a lighter load for soldiers. Micro fuel cells should also capture industrial uses early on—particularly in remote monitoring equipment and in warehouse scanning operations. Initially, most DMFCs will enter the market as hybrid power sources—combined with an energy storage device such as a super capacitor or a battery. By securing these early applications, micro fuel cells could be prepared to penetrate bigger markets, such as notebook and tablet PCs, later in 2005 or in 2006.
But developers of DMFCs still have some major technical hurdles to overcome, including low overall efficiency and power density. This is because conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM)-based DMFCs are only able to realize about 30% of their power-generating potential. These systems are burdened by inefficiencies such as unreacted methanol and water condensation. Miniaturizing these devices is also problematic because their reaction zone needs a large surface area and sizeable physical volume in order to generate significant power. Additionally, DMFCs often have to be ventilated—they have to collect oxygen as well as release water vapor—so small fans and pumps are often required. All of these factors—their inefficiency, large size and ventilation needs—help to push up the cost of PEM-based fuel cell designs.
Moreover, the technology must also surmount business challenges in order to enter mainstream markets. These include fuel-cartridge distribution, safety concerns and the need for standards. For example, the industry must address the fact that consumers can’t bring methanol on commercial flights due to a lack of standards controlling the fuel’s transport by consumers. Currently, the International Electrotechnical Commission (Geneva, Switzerland), the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and Underwriters Laboratories (Northbrook, IL) are developing regulations. Another challenge will be standardizing the size and shape of cartridges, as retailers would be averse to carrying dozens or hundreds of stock-keeping units (SKUs). Some expect fuel cell and electronic product companies to collaborate on some common formats. NEMA, a standards organization, is already working on this.
Such technical and business challenges will not stop the march of micro fuel cells to market. Indeed, innovations in the industry are already addressing many of the limitations of PEM-based designs. For example, Washington-based Neah Power Systems is working on a new silicon architecture that can overcome PEM problems surrounding efficiency, size and cost. Ultimately, micro fuel cells will become the enablers of a truly mobile lifestyle—one that is free from all wires, all the time.
Sources:
Micro Fuel Cells Strive for Commercialization
Gregg Makuch
Power Electronics Technology, February 1, 2004
powerelectronics.com/mag/power_micro_fuel_cells_3
Fuel Cells
Jon Titus
ECN, March 1, 2004
www.reed-electronics.com/ecnmag/article/CA387991
Micro fuel cells have been touted as the future power source of portable electronics. And for good reason. This technology could be the solution to the growing disparity between the limited power that rechargeable batteries can provide and the increasing requirements of mobile device users. Indeed, lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery technology is not expected to significantly improve in capacity in the coming years (less than 5% a year). Meanwhile, mobile devices are becoming more power-hungry as they incorporate a lengthening list of features. Enter: micro fuel cells.
These diminutive fuel cells—electrochemical energy conversion devices that form water from hydrogen and oxygen and in the process, generate electricity and heat—are extremely promising because they can support the trend toward more device features. Moreover, they can dramatically improve energy storage and increase the running time of electronic devices. And just as important, they allow users to recharge in mere seconds. Instead of waiting for hours for a conventional rechargeable battery to regain full power, users can simply drop in a new fuel cartridge. Additionally, these fuel cartridges are expected to be at least 50% lighter and much smaller than equivalent battery packages. They will likely cost as much as disposable alkaline batteries—about $1-3 per cartridge. Compare that to notebook computer Li-ion batteries, which usually retail for $150 or more per unit.
Because compressed or liquefied hydrogen is difficult to transport for use in small fuel cells, methanol—also called methyl alcohol or wood alcohol—is used as the source of hydrogen in fuel cells for portable electronics. Air, meanwhile, provides the oxygen. These direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) can generate electricity continuously as long as an outside source provides hydrogen and oxygen. Additionally, DMFCs benefit from the high energy density of methanol. According to Bill Acker, president and CEO of New York-based MTI Micro Fuel Cells, a gallon (3.8 liters) of methanol could keep a typical cell phone running for about a decade.
The earliest applications for DMFCs will likely appear late this year or next year. They could first be employed as chargers or separate power sources. Moreover, military applications are expected to be one of their first uses because such applications prioritize continuous operation and a lighter load for soldiers. Micro fuel cells should also capture industrial uses early on—particularly in remote monitoring equipment and in warehouse scanning operations. Initially, most DMFCs will enter the market as hybrid power sources—combined with an energy storage device such as a super capacitor or a battery. By securing these early applications, micro fuel cells could be prepared to penetrate bigger markets, such as notebook and tablet PCs, later in 2005 or in 2006.
But developers of DMFCs still have some major technical hurdles to overcome, including low overall efficiency and power density. This is because conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM)-based DMFCs are only able to realize about 30% of their power-generating potential. These systems are burdened by inefficiencies such as unreacted methanol and water condensation. Miniaturizing these devices is also problematic because their reaction zone needs a large surface area and sizeable physical volume in order to generate significant power. Additionally, DMFCs often have to be ventilated—they have to collect oxygen as well as release water vapor—so small fans and pumps are often required. All of these factors—their inefficiency, large size and ventilation needs—help to push up the cost of PEM-based fuel cell designs.
Moreover, the technology must also surmount business challenges in order to enter mainstream markets. These include fuel-cartridge distribution, safety concerns and the need for standards. For example, the industry must address the fact that consumers can’t bring methanol on commercial flights due to a lack of standards controlling the fuel’s transport by consumers. Currently, the International Electrotechnical Commission (Geneva, Switzerland), the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and Underwriters Laboratories (Northbrook, IL) are developing regulations. Another challenge will be standardizing the size and shape of cartridges, as retailers would be averse to carrying dozens or hundreds of stock-keeping units (SKUs). Some expect fuel cell and electronic product companies to collaborate on some common formats. NEMA, a standards organization, is already working on this.
Such technical and business challenges will not stop the march of micro fuel cells to market. Indeed, innovations in the industry are already addressing many of the limitations of PEM-based designs. For example, Washington-based Neah Power Systems is working on a new silicon architecture that can overcome PEM problems surrounding efficiency, size and cost. Ultimately, micro fuel cells will become the enablers of a truly mobile lifestyle—one that is free from all wires, all the time.
Sources:
Micro Fuel Cells Strive for Commercialization
Gregg Makuch
Power Electronics Technology, February 1, 2004
powerelectronics.com/mag/power_micro_fuel_cells_3
Fuel Cells
Jon Titus
ECN, March 1, 2004
www.reed-electronics.com/ecnmag/article/CA387991