Toshiba to Release DMFC Mobile Device by March 09

Toshiba Corp announced that it will release mobile devices incorporating direct methanol fuel cells by the end of fiscal 2008 (March 2009), according to a report by Nikkei Electronics.  The announcement was made at the company's booth at the IT and electronics trade show, CEATAC Japan 2008.  Nikkei Electronics reported that, while Toshiba had presented the prototype at various exhibitions and on other occasions, it was the first time the company has unveiled the actual schedule for release. 

The prototype exhibited is based on an au-branded handset, the W55T, and used a direct methanol fuel cell. The methanol fuel is charged with a dedicated cartridge.  A built-in Li-ion secondary battery can be recharged from the fuel cell.  Once the cartridge is filled with the fuel, the battery life will be approximately doubled compared with the case of using only the secondary battery, according to Toshiba.  The cartridge can store 50ml of 99.5% methanol, which is enough to charge the mobile phone about 10 times. The cartridge is initially priced at several hundred yen per unit, but Toshiba is aiming to reduce the price to about ¥100 (approx US$0.94) eventually.  The company intends to incorporate fuel cells into digital cameras, laptops, etc. The company will use a single type of cartridge to charge various kinds of products equipped with the fuel cell.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20081001/158930/

Source: Nikkei Electronics