Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. (Seoul, Korea) has developed a prototype fuel cell for use in laptops that it claims lasts almost twice as long as other systems being readied. The company reports that the fuel cell has an energy density of 200 Wh/L, and that the cells are powered by about 200 cm³ of liquid methanol. In total, the fuel cell can supply power for about 15 hours, according to Samsung, and is better than the 100 Wh/L to 130 Wh/L energy densities of the fuel cells being developed by companies such as Toshiba Corp. and NEC Corp. for laptops.
"The new technology draws hydrogen from liquid methanol, giving the new battery a maximum output of 50 W with an average output of 20 W," said Samsung SDI Researcher Yoon Seok-yeol.
The new cell measures 23 cm x 8.2 cm x 5.3 cm, and weighs under 1 kg, according to Samsung. The company is said to have a budget of about $10 million for the project, with 40 researchers working on the development. Samsung is reportedly planning to start volume production of the fuel cell in 2007.
