NTT DoCoMo develops prototype micro fuel cell for FOMA handsets

NTT DoCoMo announced the joint development of a prototype micro fuel cell for

3G FOMA handsets. The prototype, manufactured by Fujitsu Laboratories, is

expected to greatly extend FOMA handset usage time once it goes into commercial

production. The micro fuel cell is aimed at meeting user demands for more

convenient handsets with greater power capacity, as well as reduced

environmental impact.

Power consumption demands are rising as FOMA users take advantage of new

services and handset features, including flat-rate monthly billing for data

services, such as i-motion and i-appli, and videophone. DoCoMo is addressing

this issue in part by increasing the capacity of its lithium-ion batteries, the

most commonly used battery in handsets today.

The

micro fuel cell is a standalone device shaped like a cradle for recharging

handsets. It generates electric power by combining hydrogen and cheap,

environmentally harmless methanol to produce a chemical reaction. Hydrogen ions

are extracted from the air via a layer sandwiched between positive and negative

electrodes.

The prototype has the same basic specifications of other FOMA handset

rechargers and will be compatible with all FOMA handsets. Further development of

the prototype is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2005.

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