MTI Micro Fuel Cells Inc.
- From: "lkgeo1" <lkgeo1@xxxxxxx>
- Date: 1 Sep 2006 07:37:46 -0700
MTI Micro Fuel Cells Inc. of Albany, N.Y., makes direct methanol fuel
cells for portable electronic gadgets. The fuel cell, embedded in a
device, will begin producing power when a methanol cartridge is
inserted. The methanol fuel reacts with a catalyst and produces the
required electrical power.
While DMFC technology is accurately viewed as a rival to lithium-ion
batteries, it's also a direct competitor to throwaway batteries and in
many respects is more comparable. People don't recharge the methanol
cartridges - they throw them away and buy new ones.
The advantage is that, according to MTI, a single cartridge costing $2
or $3 would last at least two times longer than a single lithium-ion
charge and degradation wouldn't be an issue. MTI has entered an
exclusive alliance with Samsung Electronics aimed at commercializing
its fuel-cell technology.
The disadvantages? DMFC-based gadgets are likely more costly over time
because you'll have to buy more cartridges. And while the longer run
time may be ideal for air travel - where your typical lithium-ion
battery usually lets you down - it's questionable whether letting a
volatile methanol solution onto a plane will be allowed amid recent
anti-terror efforts. It's tough enough getting toothpaste on board.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1156716608555&call_pageid=968350072197&col=969048863851
.
- Prev by Date: Re: 01/09 Stock to watch --- ACTC up 9.8 %
- Next by Date: Re: Another Friday miracle "rally"
- Previous by thread: 01/09 Stock to watch --- ACTC
- Next by thread: "Consumer sentiment beats expectations" - Now this is comedic genius........
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
