Canon is working on a new way to power high-tech devices that could spell the end of traditional batteries.
The Japanese company has developed small fuel cells for use in some of its digital cameras and computer printers – it hopes to have the technology ready for the market in three years.
Toshiba, NEC and Hitachi are also working on similar fuel cell batteries for the next wave of consumer electronics – which could be used in mobile devices, phones, and laptop computers.
Fuel-cell technology combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, and is seen as a likely replacement for today’s models of lithium-ion batteries.
Canon is one of the globe’s top manufacturers of photocopiers and cameras – it’s looking for new areas of growth as the digital camera market begins to cool down.
While most current fuel cell development employs devices that take hydrogen from methanol, Canon wants to be able to supply hydrogen directly from a refillable cartridge.
The company argues the system would be more earth-friendly, since deriving hydrogen from methanol gives off a byproduct of carbon dioxide. Hydrogen-only fuel cells don’t.
There are three prototypes so far, of different sizes – the largest would likely be used in a printer, the next would fit a digital camera, and the smallest - measuring only 3 cm by 4 cm - is meant for smaller mobile devices.
Another potential benefit to fuel cell batteries is that they’re expected to last longer than their lithium-ion counterparts.
Still, it could be awhile before they make it to market – the prototypes have to be tested, and Canon still has to decide how to sell it, although it’ll probably entail refilling the cartridges at company outlets.
October 25, 2005 |
