DoCoMo's fuel cell for 3G FOMA handsets
September 30, 2004
NTT DoCoMo announced the joint development of a prototype micro fuel cell for 3G FOMA handsets. The prototype, manufactured by Fujitsu Laboratories, is expected to greatly extend FOMA handset usage time once it goes into commercial production.
The micro fuel cell is aimed at meeting user demands for more convenient handsets
with greater power capacity, as well as reduced environmental impact.
Power consumption demands are rising as FOMA users take advantage
of new services and handset features, including flat-rate monthly
billing for data services, such as i-motion and i-appli, and videophone.
DoCoMo is addressing this issue in part by increasing the capacity
of its lithium-ion batteries, the most commonly used battery in
handsets today.
The micro fuel cell is a standalone device shaped like a cradle for recharging handsets. It generates electric power by combining hydrogen and cheap, environmentally harmless methanol to produce a chemical reaction. Hydrogen ions are extracted from the air via a layer sandwiched between positive and negative electrodes.
The prototype has the same basic specifications of other FOMA handset rechargers
and will be compatible with all FOMA handsets. Further development
of the prototype is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal
2005.
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Main Specifications of Prototype Micro
Fuel Cell
|
| Height x width x thickness |
152 x 57 x 16 mm |
| Size (volume) |
180 cc |
| Weight |
190 grams |
| Fuel |
Methanol (18 cc, 30% concentration) |
| Number of Recharges |
1 per methanol cartridge |
| Design |
Desktop holder |
| Output |
5.4 V, 700 mA (same as other FOMA rechargers)
|
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