Samsung ( News - Alert) has developed a 12,000Wh fuel cell storage system for its Q35 ultra-light laptop. The power system is based on Samsung’s DMFC (Direct Methanol Fuel Cell) technology and boasts a maximum power output of 20W. Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDI have together demonstrated a docking station which contained the fuel cell.
With the high energy storage of the power system, the laptop, at particular power setting and usage pattern, can run for a month at a stretch without requiring a recharge.
Apparently, the fuel cell can also reach an energy density of 650Wh/L, almost four times that of rival products. Another remarkable aspect of the system is its near noiselessness. The system is claimed to be as quiet as a laptop if not a mouse. Plus the fuel cell can be recharged instantly using more fuel.
Although the docking station is rather heavy, it is still very light as compared to competing products and unlike them it is more or less portable.
Samsung has also informed that it is soon going to launch a smaller version of the power system with a capability of powering a laptop for over 15 hours on a 100 cc of fuel. The miniature system will be as small as a paper cup.
Kim Heon-soo, Vice President of Samsung's Computer Division observed that Samsung’s innovation is a huge step in the direction of commercial use of fuel cells for powering laptops. He added that Samsung was all geared up to take the lead in introducing fuel cells into the market.
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