World's smallest working fuel cell developed
Tiny cell creates tiny power
The world’s smallest working fuel cell has been created. It measures a paltry 3mm across.
Generates 1mA of current
A researcher at the University of Illinois, where the 3 x 3 x 1mm hydrogen-fuelled “micro fuel cell” was developed, said it’s able to generate power without consuming any itself, according to a New Scientist report.
Inside the fuel cell, a thin porous membrane separates a water reservoir from another containing metal hydride, below which is an arrangement of electrodes. Water molecules pass through the membrane as vapour and then react with the metal hydride to form hydrogen.
The hydrogen fills up the reaction tank, prevent more water flowing through. As the fuel's used up, the pressure on the membrane is eased, allowing more water vapour to enter the chamber.
Other pump-less fuel cells use gravity to push water through the system, but the new cell's so small, it can use surface tension instead. That allows it to work even if its position is altered.
But, you may have to wait a while for the first commercially available model, because so far it’s only able to generate 1mA of electricity - hardly enough to keep your BlackBerry ticking over.
Horizon's fuel cell R/C car kit
In the meantime, you could amuse yourself by building a fuel cell-powered remote-controlled car. Firm Horizon has developed a system designed to fit into the original 7.2V NiCad battery slot on a Tamiya TT-01 R/C car chassis.
Three metal hydride canisters each contain 10l of low-pressure hydrogen gas and the design will be available to buy online in April. ®
COMMENTS
Wow 0.7 mW
That's enough to power a whole digital electronic computer.
@ Ken Hagan - bollocks excuse.
If The Reg can't find a staff member that can tell the difference between current and power then I suggest they stay the fsck away from reporting anything about electiricy etc. The whole article just look like a cut and paste out of a blog.
As for nature cocking up. That's inexcusable.
Reg: stick with shit you understand... like Paris and biorhythms
back to the future
for el reg
El reg
Three metal hydride canisters each contain 10l of low-pressure hydrogen gas and the design will be available to buy online in April
horizon fuell cell
The H-cell upgrade integration kit comes in an elegant casing and has started first prototype shipments in April 2007.
in my belief it is 2009 and will be available points to the future
so how can something become available in 2007 while we are already in 2009 ?
It would be nice if reporters actually read what is written instead of read what they are thinking.
Re: I can't see an application for something so tiny...
Ummm.... And yet here you are using a computer... Are you aware of just how tiny some of the components are in your computer?
