MTI Micro debuts embedded fuel cell prototype for handheld GPS devices

MTI Micro Fuel Cells (MTI Micro), has unveiled a new embedded micro fuel cell prototype design for handheld global positioning system ("GPS") devices at the 10th Annual International Small Fuel Cells Conference in Atlanta.

MTI Micro claim their new Mobion powered GPS prototype provides three times as much energy as GPS devices powered by four disposable AA batteries. On a model with a large, full-colour screen, this fuel cell design generates up to 60 hours of continuous power and provides weeks instead of days of typical usage.

The new Mobion powered GPS prototype includes a USB interface, allowing the prototype to also be used as an independent energy source for a variety of purposes, including for recharging mobile phones, digital cameras, portable media players and other handheld electronic devices. The Mobion powered GPS prototype can be immediately recharged by refilling it with methanol.

"MTI Micro is exploring the integration of our Mobion platform with GPS devices as part of our strategy to bring micro fuel cell technology to a wide range of portable consumer electronic device market segments," said Peng Lim, President and CEO of MTI. "Battery life is a key issue with handheld GPS devices, especially as manufacturers add advanced energy-hungry features to new models, such as larger full colour screens. Our Mobion powered GPS prototype will provide handheld GPS users such as hikers and campers, travelers, boaters, pilots and other sports enthusiasts the peace of mind of much longer usage time and will help them do away with the expense, bulk and environmental unfriendliness of conventional batteries."

Source: Fuel Cell Today