|
|
RF Design Staff - Online Exclusive, Apr 8 2003
Oyster Bay, N.Y. -- The micro fuel cell (MFC) markets
will see their first commercial products in 2004, according to a recent
study by research firm Allied Business Intelligence Inc. (ABI), a technology
research think tank and consultant company.
The ABI study, Micro Fuel Cell End User Markets, says these fuel cells will be used in products ranging from wireless handsets to notebook computers to video cameras/camcorders. The study predicts that MFC unit shipments will reach as many as 200 million worldwide by 2011.
More and more companies are devoting research on MFCs to develop fuel sources for higher density power supplies. Some of the well known companies, such as Toshiba, Samsung, and Motorola are competing with startups such as MTI Micro, Medis, and Neah Power to bring MFC technology to commercial markets.
"The majority of the companies work with methanol as a fuel choice, while some work with ethanol," says Atakan Ozbek, ABI's director of energy research and author of the study.
One roadblock that may keep MFC technology from near-term commercialization is government regulations.
"Most MFC developers still seem to be unaware of the complexity of possible government regulations," Ozbek says. "The benefits of a longer battery life are a boon for technology products; however, it may take anywhere from six months to two years to get codes and standards from the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, that will allow their working commercial products on board aircraft, which is a must-have for MFCs."
Reprinted with permission
