Intelligent Energy Holdings Plc, a firm located in the U.K. that specializes in fuel-cell technology, has announced they have entered into an agreement with a smartphone manufacturer to develop a fuel cell small enough to fit inside a smartphone. Sources have not named the smartphone manufacturer, describing in only as an “emerging” producer. Intelligent Energy says the smartphone manufacturer is investing $7.6 million USD in the project that could result in a power source capable of powering a smartphone for a whole week between charges.
Intelligent Energy Consumer Electronics division acting managing director Julian Hughes says,
“Embedding fuel-cell technology into portable devices provides a solution to the current dilemma of battery life. With consumers demanding more and more from their phones, battery innovation has not kept up.”
Besides providing the “killer app” of battery life that could last seven days, the fuel cell technology is cleaner than many others as it converts hydrogen into electricity with only water vapor as a byproduct. Intelligent Energy has already achieved success in deploying similar technology into London’s black cabs to establish a fleet of “zero emission” taxis. They are currently working with Boeing Co. to develop the first manned aircraft powered solely by fuel cells. The company is also working to develop backup power systems for telecom towers in India and hydrogen-powered drones.
Intelligent Energy has more than 1,000 patents in their portfolio and over 25 years of experience in the field to backup their efforts on this latest project. CEO Henri Winand says the new solution could be ready within a couple years if things go according to plan. The smartphone fuel cell was already in development for possible use by people living in areas without access to a traditional power grid. The investment and partnership will help accelerate development and possibly bring it to a more mainstream audience.
source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: Intelligent Energy plans to develop hydrogen-based fuel cell for smartphones
from Android News, Rumours, and Updates http://ift.tt/1T46GZU
SOURCE- talkandroid
from Creptico http://ift.tt/1RmxWCZ
via IFTTT
EmoticonEmoticon