Fuel Cell Laptop Prototype

The first notebook computer powered by the fuel cell technology is Lenovo ThinkPad T40 and the power supply prototype comes from PolyFuel, an expert in fuel cell technology, using direct methanol and hydrogen-based cells. Developed for mobile computers, this new type of power supply is bringing a clean, long-running, and cost-effective solution for operations on the go.

Fuel cell "batteries" are electrochemical conversion devices that produce energy from fuel on the anode, and from an oxidant on the cathode. The fuel can be hydrogen, hydrocarbons or alcohols, while the oxidant can be oxygen, air, chlorine or chlorine dioxide. These react at an electrolyte presence, and the reactants that flow into cells produce a flow, which has to be maintained in order to provide non-stop operation. Unlike batteries that use chemically electrical energy, fuel cells consume reactant, which is more stable.
PolyFuel uses Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, where the methanol storage is easier than hydrogen, needing lower lower pressures and lower temperatures. It also provides higher energy level than compressed hydrogen. The company’s solution meant to demonstrate the technology to OEM electronics manufacturers, operates continuously with the simple hot swap of small cartridges of methanol fuel.



To find a better replacement for fluorocarbon membranes that can’t achieve higher performance levels, PolyFuel came out with the membranes based on hydrocarbon polymers. The hydrogen membrane allows the development of smaller and lighter devices, at lower producing costs, and with up to 50% increased durability. It is characterized by higher performance at high temperatures up to low temperatures, as well as in low humidification environments.

"Creating a functioning prototype is a critical step toward the development of a fuel cell reference design that can outperform lithium-ion batteries, and brings closer the achievement of our ultimate objective - the widespread commercialization of portable fuel cell technology," declared Jim Balcom, CEO of PolyFuel.



Lenovo Thinkpad T40 version available on the market currently runs on an Intel Mobile Pentium M processor with speeds from 1.3GHz to 1.6GHz, integrating up to 2GB memory, 80GB HDD drive, graphics performance up to 128MB FIREGL T2 ATI Mobility, wireless module, up to 9-cell battery, DVD-RW, and Windows XP operating system, sporting a 14.1-inch TFT display not widescreen.