Casio Computer Succeeds Develops Fuel Cell for Mobile Devices

With the promise of becoming an environment-friendly and efficient energy source, great progress has been made in the research and application of fuel cells for use in automobiles and household electrical appliances. Although commercial applications have been slower so far for mobile devices, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., has succeeded in research and development of a compact fuel cell for mobile devices. The company has announced success with development of a microcompact, highly efficient, reformed fuel cell .This processor produces hydrogen from alcohol such as methanol, which is then used to generate electrical energy through a power cell.

As it is microcompact and highly efficient, it increases battery life for notebook personal computers, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact TVs and so on, making it applicable in many fields. If used for a notebook personal computer's battery, it provides four times the battery life with half the weight of the currently available lithium ion battery.

Casio Computer has applied for more than 100 patents in Japan and is applying for 20 overseas patents as well. The company will continue its R&D efforts in fuel cell technology in order to improve performance, adapt for use in devices, and boost ease of use, and aims to sell products with the technology by 2004.



Posted: 2002/08/22 06:50:28 AM
Japanese version