MTI Micro Eyes Embedded Fuel Cells for Smart Phones, Other CE Devices

As MTI Micro Fuel Cells field tests its methanol micro fuel cells for external charger applications for handheld CE and other devices, the company will also look at getting feedback from device makers about fuel cells for embedded applications in smart phones and other systems, CEO Peng Lim said. The company started in June a $1.5 million testing program for its fuel cells for universal charger applications with support from the Department of Energy and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The “production-ready” fuel cells are being tested by device makers, the DOE, the Department of Defense, industry experts and some consumers, Lim said in an interview. Rather than have controlled lab tests, the company wanted to get feedback from actual users so it can “further improve our micro fuel cell technology and system,” he said. Several CE device makers, which he declined to identify, have signed up for the tests and MTI will make available the cells to other companies that want to test them for their products, he said. Companies that have signed up include some in the U.S., Europe and Asia, he said.

Due to its decision to test its fuel cells in the field, MTI has had to delay commercial production originally slated for early 2010, Lim said. The company now expects to roll out units to the market by end of 2010, he said. MTI has shown some prototypes of embedded fuel cells in GPS systems, he said. Future applications for embedded cells that the company is thinking of include gaming devices and digital camcorders, he said. Also being weighed are higher-power fuel cells for systems that need it, he said.

Embedded fuel cells are built into smart phones and other devices in the place of batteries, “so by definition you don’t have to charge your device,” Lim said. The user will have to plug in a fuel cell cartridge the size of a cigarette lighter and will hear a beep when the fuel is about to run out, he said. The difference between a fuel cell and a battery is that the consumer can continue talking as he changes the cartridge because the residual methanol will continue to generate electricity, he said. “Energy doesn’t go to zero."

Up to three methanol cartridges of 3 ounces each can be carried on airplanes under U.S. Department of Transportation rules adopted early this year, Lim said. In 2006 the International Civil Aviation Organization had “approved” that up to 3 ounces of methanol can be carried on planes, he said. MTI has received $11 million in DOE grants since 2004, Lim said.