World’s smallest hydrogen fuel cell developed by myFC
January 4, 2016Swedish company creates a small fuel cell charger for mobile devices
Sweden’s myFC, a developer of hydrogen fuel cell technology, has successfully developed the world’s smallest fuel cell system, which is designed to power mobile devices. The fuel cell system is called “JAQ” and is meant to serve as a way for consumers to charge their mobile devices without having to consume electricity from the existing energy grid. JAQ is also quite inexpensive, with consumers able to pre-order the system for a two-year payment of $5 a month.
Fuel cells could be effective tools when it comes to keeping mobile devices charged
Portable fuel cells are becoming more common, especially as technology companies, like Apple, look for more effective ways to keep mobile devices charged. Such chargers could be quite useful to consumers, especially those that travel frequently. Fuel cells are designed to consume hydrogen fuel in order to produce electrical power, which, of course, can be used for a wide range of purposes. These energy systems have received the majority of the attention they have received recently because of their uses in the transportation space.
JAQ is no larger than a modern smartphone, making it completely portable
The JAQ system comes with a single-use cord, called the PowerCord, which can fully charge a smartphone using the electricity generated by the system. The cord contains salt and water, which is funneled into the JAQ system to produce hydrogen fuel, which is then used to produce electrical power. JAQ itself is relatively similar in size to modern smartphones, making it the smallest hydrogen fuel cell system in the world.
Companies are developing compact fuel cells to keep mobile devices charged
Fuel cell chargers are beginning to grow more common, but there are still very few of these devices available in the commercial market. Apple and Intelligent Energy are two companies that are developing such chargers, with the former recently being granted a patent concerning a fuel cell charge for iOS devices. These cell phone chargers are designed to work with more than just smartphones, of course, as they make use of a USB connection.
Sadly smart phones are not very smart when it comes to battery power. Surely batteries need to retain a decent charge for at least 20-24 hours. As an additional point perhaps it’s also time for the automotive manufacturers to use similar technology to reduce emissions and increase a greater yields from existing fossil fuel. There are numerous suppliers / manufacturers of the technology and fuel cells in existence.