UltraCell Corporation has developed a new fuel cell power source for portable electronic devices that has twice the energy density of lithium batteries.
UltraCell’s reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) technology uses a micro reformer to generate fuel-cell-ready hydrogen from a highly concentrated methanol solution.
The portable power system weighs in at just 40 ounces and is about as big as a paperback novel.
The system’s spent fuel canisters can be instantly “hot swapped,” as needed, to provide continuous power in any remote situation.
A complete UltraCell system includes fuel processor, fuel cell stack, control system and a replaceable fuel cartridge. Based on proprietary control algorithms, the control system manages a steady flow of power by adjusting pump and compressor settings.
The micro fuel cell generates no excess water, and consequently does not need a water management system, saving size, weight and cost versus alternative micro fuel cell systems.
In addition, the system uses a high temperature membrane assembly (MEA) from Pemeas in its fuel cell stack, resulting in high tolerance to CO and impurities.
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