No need to worry about Batteries going Out-Use Methanol

DigInfo - http://movie.diginfo.tv

The compact direct fuel cell, DMFC, is a power generator which uses methanol for fuel and is currently being developed for mobile phones and mobile chargers. The cartridge contains methanol concentrates of 98-99 percent. Once it is put into the device it can generate electricity in a few seconds. The fuel cell can also handle 100%　methanol, but this is toxic and hence sales may be difficult and so the company intends to sell it with a slightly low concentration of methanol. It's expected on the market at the end of the fiscal year 2008. The fuel cell can be used as a mobile phone battery but will be initially marketed as a conventional one. Users will use conventional AC power sources in their　home or office and when the power runs out a fuel cell could be used as a charger. The capacity of the fuel cells are undisclosed at the moment, but　with one charge it should last 2-3 longer that of conventional cell phone batteries. Even if the fuel cell battery runs out users will still be able to talk or email for up to a minute. As methanol has high levels of energy, toxicity, and is very volatile- safety is of prime concern.　In order to prevent leaks, the cartridge is designed so the lid is difficult to open and wont break open if dropped. Further development of its uses depends　on how small they can make it.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• diginfo
• Toshiba
• fuel
• Methanol
• battery

[desertman123]

has there every been a 100% safe battery that isn't OMFGWTFBBQHAX toxic?

[TacoForPaco]

That's pretty sweet! They should make it work for Nintendo DS and PSPs and stuff. I'd buy it.

[munfmunf4boisdinner]

japanase people man we gotta keep an eye on them...

[brianwesley28]

@brianwesley28

Shit. The military has even conducted radiation, chemical and biological tests on civilians without their consent, or knowledge. In this nation. Search it. You'll see, if you don't already know. I think that I can handle a methanol fuel cell.

[brianwesley28]

@SanderHendriks666

Oh, you mean like the little things like mandated vaccinations, sometimes being experimental, and the exposure to chemical, radiological and biological agents? And if you were one of the unfortunate blacks they selected in WW2, even syphilis, without their knowledge? I'll trust the methanol fuel cell before I trust the majority of government, military suppliers and the military to do what is safe when it comes to health, profit and agenda.

[SanderHendriks666]

My professor Procestechnology said they were already in use in some degree by some armed forces and likely to become available to the consumermarket once the technology matures a bit. Appearantly they're not safe enough yet for consumers (something military suppliers are less concerned with).

[brianwesley28]

@brianwesley28

With 2-3 times the times of the charge of a conventional battery, with the ability to almost immediately recharge, in real time, that would be pretty nice.

[brianwesley28]

@inofaith

Well, one would assume that it would have a power status bar on the electronic device? One could fill it, as needed, like by topping it off before you went somewhere? I'm sure that they could even stock methanol by the dose at any gas station, convenience store, grocery store, etc., for those who are running low while out and about?

[brianwesley28]

@helloman1976

Is that confirmed that Big Oil bought the patent, or was that "just (with good past reason)" a stereotypical smart ass remark because they are known to buy patents and shelf them so they never make it to the market?

[helloman1976]

@Billitteri Big Oil bought the patent

[rhblakeman]

You'd better think again - methanol, also known as wood alcohol or methyl alcohol and is toxic at any dilution - read the warnings on that bottle of windshield washer antifreeze you have for your car if you think it isnt toxic - its diluted a lot too. They use it to denature ethanol as well including the ethanol in your fuel. It was once made from wood now they synthesize it but it's still the same toxic composition. It "cannot be made non-toxic" is what it states on methanol containers as well

[Billitteri]

what ever happened to this technology?