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February 22, 2005 |
A Prototype Next-generation Fuel Cell-with High Output Power and Compact Size-for Directly Mounting in a Mobile Phone
-Development of A Hydrogen-fuelled Micro PEFC- |
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereafter, NTT; head office: Chiyoda
ward, Tokyo; president: Norio Wada) have developed a prototype micro polymer-electrolyte
fuel cell (PEFC)1 that uses hydrogen gas as a fuel and is small enough to directly
fit in a mobile phone. Under tests using a production-model mobile phone, this
prototype PEFC successfully powered start-up and signal reception/transmission
(i.e., video phone, voice calls, and “i-mode” internet services) (see
Figure 1). In conjunction with this development, we also developed a device for
automatically topping up the micro PEFC with hydrogen.
At present, the direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC)-which uses methanol as the hydrogen
fuel supply-is the mainstream development concerning batteries for mobile-phone
use. However, a DMFC suffers two key problems: firstly, CO2 is produced during
power generation; secondly, since the power density per unit area of the power-generation
part is insufficient, battery miniaturization is difficult.
In light of this problem, utilizing hydrogen gas as a fuel, the PEFC we have
developed at NTT attains a high output power compatible with that of a lithium-ion
battery without producing CO2 during power generation. On top of that, as a result
of unifying the power-generation unit and the hydrogen-storage alloy tank and
simplifying electrical circuitry, our PEFC has a compact size (external dimensions:
42*80*13 mm; weight: 104 g), which makes it suitable for directly
fitting into a mobile phone, and enables a talk time of nine hours. Furthermore,
by changing the surface area of the PEFC's power-generation part, it is possible
to apply the PEFC to a wide variety of mobile electronic devices like video cameras,
digital cameras, PDAs, and notebook PCs.
Development background
In recent years, as high performance and multi-functionality of mobile electronic
devices (such as mobile phones and notebook PCs) has advanced, the problem of
insufficient capacity of batteries as the power source of these devices has come
to the forefront.
Under these circumstances, investigations on energy sources to replace the lithium-ion
battery-which is nearing its limit on further improvements in energy density-are
continuing. At the same time, as a breakthrough technology exerting a low environmental
load, fuel cells are continuing to create great expectations and spur on their
development by many manufacturers.
At present, the direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC)-which uses methanol as the hydrogen
fuel supply-has become mainstream. However, three drawbacks regarding the DMFC
have been pinpointed: it produces CO2 during power generation; its power-generation
part is difficult to miniaturize, because doing so causes insufficient power
density; and its applicability to electrical devices is limited. As a result
of these drawbacks, especially in today's age in which each person carries a
mobile phone, it is considered difficult to popularize a compact, all-in-one
type of DMFC.
At NTT, as part of our creation of fundament technologies for supporting a “Resonant”
communication environment, we are making great efforts to establish environmental
energy technologies aimed at realizing a sustainable society, and we are driving
forward with research and development on powerful, high-efficiency, clean fuel-cell
technologies that will contribute to reductions in CO2 emissions.
Characteristics of the micro PEFC
In a micro PEFC, with hydrogen gas as a fuel, water vapor only is produced as
emission. This means that even under a high-power-density environment, a PEFC
is a benign and extremely clean power source. It is thus regarded as a next-generation
power source that is compact enough for directly mounting in a mobile phone.
The main characteristics of our PEFC are summarized as follows.
(1) |
High power density |
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Compared to a DMFC (i.e., methanol-fuelled), our PEFC produces a higher output,
since it is hydrogen-gas fuelled, even though the power-generation area is smaller. |
(2) |
Compactness |
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Its high energy density enables a compact size. |
(3) |
Simple construction |
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Owing to booster technology, the conventionally required "stacking" of
cells is unnecessary. And by unifying the hydrogen-storage alloy tank and electricity-generation
part, the number of parts and battery size have been reduced. |
(4) |
Long-term power generation |
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By utilizing a high-capacity bcc2-type alloy system for hydrogen storage,
our PEFC attains long-term power generation. |
In addition to the above, even in the case of mobile electronic devices such
as notebook PCs-which have relatively high power consumption-the micro PEFC can
be easily adapted by increasing the area of its electricity-generation part.
Future developments
As regards all-out practical application of fuel cells, several challenges-such
as setting up hydrogen-fuel supply systems as part of a social infrastructure-remain
to be overcome. However, even given the forecasted increases in power consumption
of future devices due to their higher performance and more functions, micro PEFCs
are expected to meet the power demand and target early commercial applications.
At NTT, from now onwards, with our goal of realizing the next generation of fuel
cells, we will continue to push forward research and development in areas such
as further validation of safety and investigation into optimum utilization conditions
from a general user's viewpoint.
Explanation of technical terms
*Note 1: PEFC (polymer-electrolyte fuel cell) |
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A solid, polymer-type fuel cell. Thanks to its high output power density
even under room-temperature operation, the PEFC has been actively developed over
recent years. At present, as the mainstream fuel cell for application in mobile
devices, the direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is one type of PEFC being rapidly
developed. Compared to a PEFC that is fuelled by hydrogen gas itself, however,
a DMFC suffers from a lower power density. |
*Note 2: bcc type |
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Body-centered-cubic (bcc) type. One kind of alloy crystal structure being
studied as a storage and supply medium for hydrogen. In recent years especially,
bcc materials have drawn attention as the storage medium used in the fuel tank
of fuel-cell-powered motor vehicles. |
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Figure 1: External view of the prototype PEFC system |
For further information, please contact:
NTT Information Sharing Laboratory Group
Planning Division
Public Relations: Chizuka, Sano, Ida
Telephone: 0422-59-3663
E-mail: koho@mail.rdc.ntt.co.jp |
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Copyright (c) 2005 Nippon telegraph and telephone corporation
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