For a while now getting fuel cell technology into notebooks and handhelds has been difficult. A company called Mobion has made what it believes is the right design to solve this problem. Mobion differs from other fuel cell designs in the way that the water is managed. Because of Mobion unique solution the need for complicated pumps is gone.
An Albany, New York, fuel cell company plans to unveil a new design this week that it says solves a key hurdle in the manufacturing of fuel cells for notebook PCs and handheld devices. MTI Micro Fuel Cells" new Mobion technology will make it easier for manufacturers to build long-lasting DMFC (direct methanol fuel cell) technology for industrial and consumer handheld devices, says William Acker, president and chief executive officer of the company.
Fuel cell technology is already used to extend the operating life of large industrial devices. Several companies are working to see if the technology can be miniaturized for use in cell phones and notebooks, but many hurdles remain, including whether consumers will want to pay for replacement fuel cartridges.