Samsung takes fuel cell technology up a notch

With expectations running high that fuel cells are destined for greatness as a next-generation energy source, Samsung SDI Co. has developed a fuel cell for laptops that lasts almost twice as long as existing models. The world's largest maker of plasma display panels said yesterday that the new portable fuel cell has an energy density of 200 watt hours per liter, the highest among fuel cells currently on the market. Fuel cells for laptops from Japan's Toshiba and NEC average 100 to 130 watt hours per liter in energy density. Energy density refers to the amount of wattage produced per hour. The higher the energy density, the longer-lasting the fuel cell. Fuel cells are powered by liquid methanol, and the new Samsung cells contain around 200 cubic centimeters (12 cubic inches) of the chemical fuel, or about enough to fill a small milk carton. Samsung’s fuel cells, which go into mass production in 2007, can power a laptop for up to 15 hours. "The new technology draws hydrogen from liquid methanol, giving the new battery a maximum output of 50 watts with an average output of 20 watts," said Yoon Seok-yeol of Samsung SDI’s central research center. At 23 centimeters wide, 8.2 centimeters long, and 5.3 centimeters high, the product weighs less than 1 kilogram, making it slimmer and more compact than its rivals. A team of 40 researchers and a budget of around 10 billion won ($9.5 million) has gone into the development of the fuel cell. But that could be a drop in the ocean compared with future profits. According to Japan’s Nomura Research Institute, the portable fuel cell market is forecast to almost triple annually, reaching 250 billion won by 2008, 600 billion won by 2010 and 1.65 trillion won by 2012. Fuel cells have several advantages over rechargeable batteries; not only do they last longer, but they can also be recharged almost instantly and contain no toxic chemicals. by Choi Ji-young