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Motorola Researchers Report
Progress in Miniaturizing Fuel Cell Power Source for Consumer Electronic
Devices
TEMPE, Ariz. – October 1, 2001 --
Scientists at Motorola Labs have reached new milestones in their development of
miniature fuel cells that may one day be used to power everything from cellular
phones and laptop computers to portable cameras and electronic games. They have
now demonstrated a prototype of an integrated, ceramic-based miniature direct
methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system and have also built several of the key
components required for a miniature, ceramic-based reformed methanol to hydrogen
fuel cell (RHFC).
The key to successfully
miniaturizing a DMFC system for small consumer electronics is scaling down the
system components surrounding the actual fuel cell device. Previous DMFC
systems have used discrete components to process and deliver methanol to the
fuel cell, determine the methanol concentration within the fuel cell, and
separate the carbon dioxide generated within the fuel cell from the liquid
fuel.
Last year, Motorola (NYSE: MOT) announced
a multi-layer ceramic technology for processing and delivering the fuel and air
to the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The researchers have now
integrated many of these other components, including a methanol concentration
sensor and liquid-gas separation for CO2 release, directly in the ceramic
device. Miniature pumps and control and conversion electronics were also built
into the device. The ceramic DMFC experimental assembly, measuring about two
inches (5cm) by four inches (10cm) and less than one-half of an inch (1cm) thick
(without electronics or fuel), produces over 100mW net power continuously. In
the lab, the fuel cell system has been operated continuously for a week at a
time, with little degradation in performance.
Motorola Labs is also doing research on a
related fuel cell technology in which methanol is converted to hydrogen as
needed and supplied to a more conventional hydrogen fuel cell MEA. The key to
successfully miniaturizing an RHFC system is scaling down the system components
surrounding the actual fuel cell device and integrating them both structurally
and thermally. Previous RHFC systems have used discrete metal components to
vaporize the methanol fuel, reform the methanol to hydrogen, clean up the output
of the reformer, and house the fuel cell stack. Using its multi-layer ceramic
technology, Motorola researchers have demonstrated an integrated vaporizer and
miniature methanol steam reformer, and separately a miniature chemical heater -
three of the key components in the RHFC system. The reformer assembly,
measuring 38mm x 13mm x 1mm thick, integrates both the fuel vaporizer and
methanol steam reformer. The chemical heater, with the same dimensions as the
reformer, provides a simple structure for converting a percentage of the
methanol fuel into heat to drive the reformer reaction. Eventually Motorola
plans to integrate all of these components, along with a fuel cell, into a
single device producing 1W or greater
power.
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a
global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic
solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. Motorola Labs serves as the
advanced research arm of the company, focusing on the future technologies that
will enable Motorola to offer even smarter, simpler and more synchronized
products to its customers. Motorola also actively licenses technologies
developed in the Labs to external
customers.
Media
Contact:
Anne
Stuessy
847-538-6192
anne.stuessy@motorola.com
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