Fuel Cell Gadgets
High-Tech Sustainable Solutions
The latest and greatest in green gadgets are those powered by fuel cells. As our need for clean energy grows, technologies including fuel cells have spawned some very intriguing gadgets. Portable fuel cells can be incorporated into items like laptops, cell phones, and sound systems.
Take a look at the unique fuel cell gadgets below and start planning your wish list:
HydroFILL
This is a small-scale home hydrogen station that provides power for portable electronics using fuel cell technology. HydroFILL can be attached to any solar panel or renewable energy source, or a wall-socket. Once the HydroFILL charges, its portable HydroSTIKs mini fuel cells can be unplugged to power via a USB port to almost any portable electronic device via USB port plug-in.
Sony fuel cell powered speakers
Sony has created a USB charging station for devices like MP3 players, cell phones, cameras, and anything else compatible. The system is a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Battery. This device can charge your music device and make sound via these unique fuel cell speakers. These Sony speakers are portable and light to handle, which makes them a perfect addition to any gadget geek’s arsenal.
H2GO Fuel Cell Model Car
The H2GO Hybrid Electric Hydrogen Vehicle is a battery-free model car. It runs on renewable, zero emission hydrogen fuel. It is a fast charge and easy to control scale size vehicle. Teach your kids about fuel cells and let them play. Who knew eco-friendly toys could be this cool?
The HydroPak
The system consists of a fuel cell and water-activated power-cartridge. To run, the HydroPak needs a hydrogen cartridge, each costing roughly $20, and simple tap water. The charge provided from this gadget can power your laptop or any other applicable devices 8 – 10 times before needing a recharge! This device also has an outlet plug so you can run appliances like lights, televisions, or even blenders. It costs approximately $400, but seems to be worth the investment.
Honda Cub Motorcycle
This motorcycle is excellent for urban dwellers that are conscious of their carbon emissions and style. Honda Cub is a bike with a futuristic design that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell. Be environmentally responsible in style!
BacVac
BacVac is a concept for vacuum that you can easily wear on your back and freely use around the house. The fuel cell is within the pack and does not need to be plugged in, no more tangled vacuum cords. The fuel cell is replenished with readily available ethanol. Clean home, clean energy, clean planet – great accomplishment.
Motorola Angstrom Cell Phone
Angstrom Power’s innovative Micro Hydrogen™ technology allows for portable fuel cells to be incorporated safely into devices like this phone. The energy is stored within the phone and runs equivalent to today’s mobile lithium ion batteries. Could this be the future of all cell phones?
Honda’s Fuel Cell Scooter
Honda has created the next-generation Honda FC Stack (a portable fuel cell) that has been redesigned and reincorporated for use in scooters. This vehicle is based on the popular 125cc scooter and runs off an on-board fuel cell. The fuel cell is located in the center of the scooter and is no larger than the average combustion engine.
Toshiba’s Fuel Cell Phone
In 2002, Toshiba showed its direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) powered phone. The gadget runs on methanol that can be easily applied via a dispenser. It is estimated that one charge will last 320 hours. DMFCs produce electricity from a reaction of methanol, water, and air—the only by-products are a small amount of water vapor and carbon dioxide.
MTI Micro’s Mobion Removable Fuel Cell Cartridge
This new fuel cell charger runs on methanol and can charge any device via USB plug. This new charger features a removable fuel cell cartridge that can be replaced, each cartridge is estimated to provide up to 25 hours of on the go power. The energy from this device can charge your phone or mobile device 10 times and run it for months without charging.
Stationary Fuel Cell Uses
Fuel cells come in different shapes, sizes, and power capabilities. And like solar power, fuel cells can be used for heating water and require no combustion. As for the by-products of fuel cells, heat can be used to warm residential water and living areas. When used adequately, fuel cell technology proves to be up to 90% efficient! So if you plan to go beyond these gadgets and decide to incorporate a fuel cell system onto your property, first determine your budget and then decide on the size of your specific project. Many states offer various incentives for renewables, so make sure to determine if you are eligible for any rebates at dsire.org.
Our recommendation is to look for companies that offer commercial and residential installation—search our GreenPages for fuel cell providers such as ClearEdge Power.
Learn More
10 Quick Ways to Green Your Home
September 30th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
SONY has it right! I see a Christmas wish list item…. !
September 30th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I currently have a scooter that I’ve been considering trying to re-callibrate into an electric scooter by myself…. the fuel cell battery is awesome… I wonder how much that costs???
September 30th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
So in love with the vachum idea! No cords! wonder what the power is like though???? I think this is a great new technology! Yay!
September 30th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
So the Hydro Pak? Isn’t it just like a traveling battery? Don’t they have those already? I thought they did… what’s so cool about that?
September 30th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
The Bac Vac is my future favorite toy! LOL
September 30th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
@ Larry: The Fuel Cell battery runs a lot cleaner, a lot longer, and does not pollute the environment nearly as much as a regular acidic battery would. Safer, longer lasting… even for the price… it just makes sense.
September 30th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Here is a link to an online fuel cell store?
http://www.fuelcellstore.com/en/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=41
September 30th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
I think the scooters are pretty ridiculous myself, I’d rather ride a bike for a lot less than dealing with batteries of any sort… and the price.
October 1st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
How cool would that Micro’s Mobion Removable Fuel Cell Cartridge be to tote around with your laptop as an extra mobile charger! That’s exciting!
October 4th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Totally digging the Fuel Cell Phone… does it come in Pink? LOL!
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:14 am
There needs to be more information out there on this. What you have here is great but not everyone knows about this site. Clear Edge should have an educational program set up for this stuff and possibly go out and speak to (I would assume) HVAC techs and the heating and cooling world.
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:17 am
having a cordless vachum would be pretty cool, but in my opinion, this is all stuff that is just going to create more waste than we already have. It may cut down on a person’s energy, but it doesn’t do anything for the landfills.
November 18th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
That fuel cell phone charger looks like they’re pouring something into the phone! Oh wait, they are… POWER
What a cool application for new technology. This planet just may be getting smarter!