Panasonic Develops Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System with High Power Output and Durability

[AlphaCentauri]

Panasonic Corporation today announced it has developed a direct methanol fuel cell system<1> which can produce an average power output of 20 W by increasing the output per cubic centimeter twice that of its previous prototype<2>. Using this technology, Panasonic aims to develop a 100 W-class portable generator and start field testing in fiscal 2012 ending in March 2012.

Heightening environmental concerns and depletion of fossil fuels urge the development of alternative, clean energy with little greenhouse gas emissions. Great hopes are placed on the practical application of direct methanol fuel cells as an alternative, because they produce no air pollutants and significantly lower amount of CO2 than internal combustion engine generators.

In 2008 Panasonic developed compact fuel cell stacks<3> by reviewing the structure of its connecting parts. It also developed compact and energy-efficient balance of plant (BOP) systems<4> including a fuel supply pump that can directly mix and adjust the concentration of methanol internally. By improving the stack technology, Panasonic has successfully doubled the average power output to 20 W while retaining the same volume with the preceding prototype. The high output methanol fuel cell allows for powering feature-laden laptop computers, which have relatively high power consumption.
http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=30071&codi=78086&lr=1