 |
 |
|
TOKYO,
May 15, 2006 -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today that it
has developed a power-generating cell stack with the highest level
of power density per unit volume in the world. Such cell stacks are
ideal for use in compact, high-power fuel cells for mobile devices,
including notebook computers.
In
an effort to create a compact, high-output power source that will
improve mobile device usability, Casio is engaged in the development
of a reforming fuel cell system that extracts hydrogen from methanol
and then sends the hydrogen to the power-generation cell. Development
of a compact reformer that can be installed in mobile devices has
been continuing in parallel with research on a high-performance power-generation
cell that harnesses the advantages of reforming fuel cells, which
obtain highly concentrated hydrogen. Casio’s latest breakthrough,
however, is the development of this new compact power-generating cell
stack, which boasts the highest level of power density per unit volume
in the world.
The newly developed power-generating cell stack is a laminated structure
of twenty power-generating cells consisting of separators and membrane
electrode assemblies (MEA). The integration of various technologies,
including a compact gas seal mechanism, an optimized channel suited
to the characteristics of methanol-reformed gas, MEAs more resistant
to carbon monoxide, and high-density mounting of various components,
has resulted in 19.4 W of power output in a 22 ml volume (65 x 18
x 19 (H x W x D) mm) cell stack. The rated power output per unit volume
(power density per unit volume) has reached 882 W/L, the highest in
the world for use in mobile devices.
For the reformer used to extract hydrogen from methanol, Casio has
already successfully developed a micro-reformation module that employs
semiconductor-processing technology. Casio has integrated three chemical
reactors that produce hydrogen and render emissions harmless and a
heater/temperature sensor into a single chip that achieves rapid startup
in 6 seconds. Furthermore, the module has a thermally insulated package
that maintains a high internal temperature of about 280 ºC while
keeping the temperature of the outer surface to 40 ºC, providing
specifications fully compatible with mobile devices.
Combining this micro-reformation module with the new power-generating
cell stack that Casio has developed creates a fuel cell for mobile
devices that is both compact and high-powered. Tests at Casio comparing
this fuel cell (including the fuel cartridge) to a conventional lithium-ion
battery of the same volume showed that the fuel cell can power a notebook
PC for about four times longer than the battery.
From here forward, Casio will fine-tune peripheral components and
circuits, and in fiscal 2008 Casio plans on starting shipments of
samples for evaluating performance. Casio’s development efforts
toward commercialization will include collaboration with various related
companies. |
|
| Main
Specifications of Power-Generating Cell Stack |
|
| Configuration |
20-cell
stack employing metal separators |
| Stack
pitch |
0.71
mm |
| Volume |
22
ml (65 x 18 x 19 [H x W x D] mm) |
| Rated
voltage |
13.9
V (equivalent to 47% of power generation efficiency) |
| Rated
power output |
19.4
W |
| Rated
power density |
882
W/L |
| Fuel
gas constituents |
H2:
75%, CO2: Approx. 25%, CO: Approx. 10 ppm |
|
|
| Click
[here]
for the fuel cell battery inquiry form. |
|
Site Help
Top of Page
Privacy Policy