Originally published April 19 2005
IBM and Sanyo unveil prototype of methanol fuel cells for IBM laptops
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
IBM and Sanyo are working together to develop a methanol fuel cell system for use in IBM ThinkPad notebook computers. The current prototype can supply eight hours of power per cartridge on current models of IBM's signature notebook line. The prototype was designed to be compatible with existing notebook systems, and does not require modification to the notebook for use. The fuel cell system includes an auxiliary conventional battery to supplement high levels of power consumption, and IBM intends to use the fuel cells to let ThinkPad notebooks run intensive business software as well as routine tasks without draining the conventional battery system.
Unlike other prototypes that require a modified design to outfit fuel cell batteries, SANYO's system was designed to be compatible with most current ThinkPad models without the need to alter the notebook design -- demonstrating the resiliency of the ThinkPad notebook's internal power architecture.
The fuel cell system also includes an auxiliary bay IBM's Ultrabay Slim Battery to supplement peak power consumption for business applications.
The fuel cell system could enable ThinkPad notebooks to run intensive business applications such as multimedia, graphics and computation programs, while performing tasks such as security updates and scheduled maintenance without draining PC battery power.
These capabilities could provide added stability for increased productivity, access to information and customer service.
"There are a number of vendors developing fuel cell battery prototypes for PCs and mobile devices, but the combination of IBM's first-class ThinkPad notebooks and SANYO's leadership position in the technology will accelerate research and development in the field," said Peter Hortensius, vice president, IBM Personal Computing Division.
"We do not focus simply on the 'wow factor' of fuel cells -- we see it as a powerful enabler that could support a wide variety of business applications.
"SANYO, as the world technology leader in rechargeable batteries, has been conducting research and development of fuel cells.
The IBM PC Division's research and development of ThinkPad mobile computing technology takes place at the Yamato Laboratory in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan and at development facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
SANYO is the world's leading producer of rechargeable batteries, supplying power to mobile phones, notebook PCs and other mobile devices.
SANYO is building a strong base for the next generation of mobile energy businesses by consistently performing fundamental and application technology research, working with a wide range of mobile energy related technology.
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