Toshiba Corp. (Japan) announced that it has developed two prototypes of direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) units for mobile audio players. One features an output power of 100 mW for flash memory-based digital audio players, and the other offers 300 mW for hard disk drive (HDD)-based digital audio players. The 100 mW unit, which measures 23 mm x 75 mm x 10 mm, can reportedly power flash-based players for approximately 35 hours on a single 3.5 mL charge of concentrated methanol. The 300 mW unit measures 60 mm x 75 mm x 10 mm, and delivers sufficient power to keep an HDD-based audio player running for approximately 60 hours on a single 10 mL charge, according to the company.
Toshiba's new DMFC prototypes feature a passive fuel supply system that is suited to smaller fuel cells and use with a concentrated methanol solution. Fuel cells usually mix methanol with water in a concentration of less than 30 percent, a dilution that supports generating efficiency, but requires a fuel tank that is too big for portable equipment. Through durability and reliability tests with the new units, Toshiba will accelerate technology enhancements to support integration of DMFC into commercial products, which are expected to hit the market after 2007.
