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.
9 Comments
We know that 100% methanol is toxic, but is this video saying that it's not so bad if it's 98% methanol? That's ridiculous… methanol is toxic in any quantity. What's the real reason they won't sell the 100% methanol version? Why dilute it at all?
alchohol can only be ditilled to about 97 % purity, in order to remove the 3 % water that is left u have to add a denaturing agent like benzine
@Billitteri Big Oil bought the patent
@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?
@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
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.
@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.
@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.
japanase people man we gotta keep an eye on them…