CIDETEC
has developed and assembled a 1.5W hydrogen mini fuel
cell prototype which, combined with supercondensers,
has been able to power a mobile phone enabling calls
to be made and received.
CIDETEC is working on a project which will carry out
a direct assessment of the technology of fuel cells
for mini applications which have between 1 and 10 watt
power requirements such as for mobile phone or PDA chargers
or for remote signalling, etc. A series of technologies
are being developed in order to obtain house technology
mini fuel cells, including the design and enhancement
of EMAs (Electrode-Membrane Assemblies), of structural
elements (current collectors, shutting-off devices)
and of the electronics for current enhancement (including
the use of supercondensers for the supply of current
peaks). This
work is currently following two lines of investigation,
depending on which fuel is used. The first, using
hydrogen mini fuel cells (stored in a small metal
hydride cartridge), while the current focus is on
the use of direct methanol (DMFC). To date it has
been possible to assemble and test a 1.5W hydrogen
mini fuel cell prototype which, combined with supercondensers,
has been able to power a mobile phone enabling calls
to be made and received.
Apart
from the use of methanol as a fuel, other lines of
investigation are the perfecting of a design of a
new mini fuel cell, the protection of which through
taking out a patent is being processed; the use of
new thin-layer EMAs which will provide greater yields
with a significant reduction in the use of noble metals
as electrocatalysts and thus, reduce the cost of the
cell.
This
project is being directly funded by CEGASA, leader
in the manufacture and distribution of alkaline batteries.
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