Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

CES: Tiny Fuel Cell is Supposed to Charge a Cell Phone for Two Weeks (Video)

Posted by Roblimo on from the maybe-a-whole-bunch-of-these-could-power-your-house dept.

Many of us have plug-in external batteries of one sort to recharge our smart phones when we're away from power outlets. Or we have gigantic aftermarket batteries that make our phones so fat they barely fit in our pockets. So there is this company, Lilliputian Power Systems, that is just starting to market a tiny, butane-powered fuel cell they call the Nectar that plugs into your cell phone (or whatever) through a USB port and supposedly charges it for up to two weeks. That's a lot better than an add-on battery. It looks expensive, although the power "pods" aren't too pricey at $19.99 for two. But wait a minute: Why aren't fuel cells, not internal combustion engines, the "range extenders" in plug-in hybrid cars? A decade back, fuel cells were going to revolutionize our power delivery and consumption systems. A cell phone charger is cute, but is that really all we can get fuel cells to do?

6 of 204 comments (clear)

  1. Because: Patents. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    We'll all eventually have cheap fuel cell chargers, but not for about another 20 years or so when the developers are sure they wont get patent-trolled for releasing a product.

    1. Re:Because: Patents. by pieterh · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yup. Don't know why your comment modded down. Whenever you see a promising area of technology stagnate and stop moving for 20 years, then pick up magically, it's patents.

      --
      My blog
  2. Scale matters by gurps_npc · · Score: 5, Interesting
    As to why you can't power a car with them, scale matters. Some electrical sources work great at providing a trickle charge over hours, but can't power a car, even if you put 1000 of them in sequence or serial.

    Sometimes it's a heat issue, sometimes it's weight, sometimes its some other physics law.

    --
    excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
    1. Re:Scale matters by Lije+Baley · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Studies show that Reality is a leading cause of failure in the development of promising technologies.

      --
      Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.
  3. Bloody hell.... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 5, Funny

    "A dead battery means important missed calls and emails, no GPS when you’re lost, no e-reader on your train ride, no communication in an emergency, and an overall feeling of dread and anxiety."

    Yes, they actually say that. May I be the first to recommend spending less on fancing charging gadgets and more on anxiolytic lifestyle aids, like benzodiazepines or heavy drinking?

  4. Butane, huh? by CanHasDIY · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So, that means I should be able to go down to the tobacco shop, get a can of compressed lighter fluid, and refill the charger on the cheap, right?

    No? You're telling me I have to go buy proprietary cartridges that will, without doubt, cost far more than a can of commercial butane?

    Yea, you can shove that over-priced, over-hyped bullshit right where the sun don't shine, Bucko.

    --
    An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese