Methanol fuel cell based external power source from Toshiba for mobile devices

Toshiba has launched its Dynario, a direct methanol fuel-cell (DMFC) in Japan, used as an external power source to mobile digital consumer products. Dynario, together with a fuel cartridge for refueling on the go, will be launched in Japan, in a limited edition of 3,000 units.

Dynario's DMFC delivers instant refueling that untethers electrical equipment from AC adapters and power outlets. It runs on mix of methanol and ambient oxygen, and the chemical reaction between the two in the fuel cell produces electricity.

The palm-sized Dynario once fueled with an injection of methanol solution from its dedicated cartridge, it starts generating electricity to a digital consumer product-a mobile phone or a digital media player-via a USB cable. On a single refill of methanol, which can be made in an instant period (around 20 seconds), Dynario can generate enough power to charge two typical mobile phones.

Dynario integrates Toshiba's fuel cell technology, allowing it to operate with a small volume of concentrated methanol solution, reducing the size and weight of the fuel tank. A fuel feed structure realizes uniform methanol delivery, and stable output to any attached device is fine-tuned by a built-in microcomputer. Performance is also optimized by Dynario's hybrid structure, which uses a lithium-ion battery charged by the fuel cell to store electricity. The fuel cartridge was co-developed with Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., one of Japan's leading packaging container companies.

Dynario and its fuel cartridge fully comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission's safety standards (provisional edition).