Since there is no sub-forum for Fuel Cell news, I am posting it here. Battery to become obsolete? Discuss. Apple's new patent, published by the USPTO on March 18, is for what is described as a "portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device". The patent describes a fuel cell system that is separate from the portable computing device it would power. It comprises a power module, a fuel stack that converts fuel to power, a controller for the operation of the power module, and an interface connector for the mobile device. This would plug into the device's "bidirectional communication link". The system could have a detachable fuel cartridge, a fan to cool it, an internal interchangeable battery, and a DC-to-DC converter configure the correct voltage for the mobile device it would be powering. Apple granted portable fuel cell power system patent | ZDNet
They are a little late. Portable Power | Brunton Which appears to be these rebranded. Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies The interesting thing about them is that the hydrogen tank uses hydride containment. Another system that may scale up to cars by the time FCVs reach mainstream prices. There was work going on for a direct methanol fuel cell laptop, but no recent news.
China is the leader in hydride hydrogen storage. I guess Apple will continue to exploit China's cheap labor as they do now.
