Fuel cells dream big but start small, with mobile phones

Fuel cells and traditional batteries have a lot in common because they both use chemical reactions to produce energy. But fuel cells generate water as waste and supposedly can use elements available in the atmosphere to refuel: hydrogen and oxygen. They also convert energy from the chemical reaction directly to electricity instead of relying on a combustion or heating process.

That sounds great, but fuel cells trend toward providing a steady stream of low power rather than shooting out bursts of energy needed by something like an accelerating car. That’s why companies like Medis Technologies are starting with cell phones, which can benefit from that sort of power source. Plus, the star power of a device like an iPhone carries good incidental marketing. Some initial fuel cell products certainly aren’t the miracle power source some scientists have toted though.

The Medis 24/7 Xtreme Portable Power Solution activates after the user pinches two contacts together and provides a cell phone up to four charges (according to the company’s web site). While useful, it doesn’t seem to be drawing a virtually limitless stream of energy from the atmosphere.

Another concern is the packaging waste generated by regularly buying new cells. Just like with regular batteries, the cell on this device has to be replaced after its energy is expended.

“The cell runs on sodium borohydride, which does not generate heat when it runs, and is not flammable or toxic,” says Jose Mejia, chief executive at Medis according to The New York Times. The company also hopes to move its products toward repowering laptops and eventually providing power for an entire home.

Generating water as waste is a sustainable concept, but the packaging and limited energy production will prove challenges to mainstream acceptance. Consumers are used to a product that fits in a tight form factor and provides energy on demand simply by throwing in a couple of batteries. Fuel cells will need to provide a clear advantage before they’ll consider switching on a permanent basis.