Toshiba's Dynario Methanol Fuel Cell

Toshiba Corp is set begin shipping a fuel cell recharger for mobile devices next week to Japanese customers. The move could signal a way forward for fuel cell technology, whose adoption in the auto sector has been slow to take off. Toshiba is also working on developing fuel cells for use on hybrid and electric vehicles, but has found a way to apply the technology to the electronics industry. Available only online, the Dynario is a direct methanol fuel cell; it converts fuel into an electric current. Holding 14ml of methanol in a fuel cartridge, the device produces 5 Volts DC power at 400mA.

For those wanting to keep their smartphones and laptops running on the go and charged up without wall sockets, it sounds great. Theres just one drawback; the price. It sells the equivalent of $328 US and five fuel cartridges sell for $35 US. The device measures 150mm W x 21mm D x 74.5mm H and weighs in at only 280g without fuel. One refill of methanol which takes around 20 seconds, will generate enough juice to charge two mobile phones, Toshiba claims.

The charger contains a lithium-ion battery to store electricity generated by the fuel cell, as well as a microcomputer to fine-tune the power output. If the device and others like it prove successful in the marketplace, the price will no doubt come down in the future. Manufacturers will probably make most of the profit from the refill cartridges, just like printer makers with ink cartridges.