Toshiba shows off direct methanol fuel cell tech again

Toshiba is really pushing their direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology recently. Coming off of their DMFC demonstration at CTIA Las Vegas 2008, Toshiba brought their liquid methanol-based fuel cells at CEATAC. Using liquid methanol, Toshiba’s DMFC power packs convert energy-packed carbohydrates into freely flowing electrons capable of powering your device for about twice as long as a similar sized battery pack – leaving behind water and air as its by-products.

The Toshiba DMFC fuel cells in their prototype mobile phones were capable of powering the handset for six hours, compared to just three or four hours of up-time with a traditional battery pack. A Toshiba rep stated that a 50 mL bottle of liquid methanol should be good for 15 refills, which means that about 3.3 mL of liquid methanol is enough to power the phone for twice as long as comparable batteries.

The direct liquid methanol fuel cell technology shows promise now, just as it did earlier this year in Las Vegas. Toshiba expected to see their DMFC technology go live by the end of this year or early next year – but it’s looking like an early-2009 debut of the DMFC technology is more likely.

[Via: PCWorld]