December 1, 2006 – Casio Computer Co. Ltd. Japan developed a prototype of a methanol type fuel cell to power consumer electronics, according to a Nov. 29 Casio
press release. The fuel cell has already succeeded in powering a digital camera, according to the Photo Marketing Association, and it could be used to charge computers when it hits the market next year.
Methanol fuel cells have been in the works to power personal electronics such as cell phones and laptops for the last three years, according to the Methanol Institute, a group representing the methanol industry in
Arlington, VA.
Casio presented their methanol micro fuel cell technology at the 2006 Fuel Cell Seminar in
Honolulu in November. The prototype, measuring a tiny 27.2 x 46 x 2.8mm, contains a micro pump drawing on the chemical compound to produce an electrolyzed liquid that is emitted as hydrogen gas. Methanol micro fuel cells act as a continuous power source and would alleviate the need to recharge batteries or use power cords.
Consumers will someday see that “methanol fuel cell technology will power everything from laptop computers and cellular phones, to lawnmowers and portable power generators,” according to the Methanol Institute.
Casio plans to ships micro fuel cell technology in 2007, according to the Casio release.
