The need for more flexible, convenient, and long-lasting portable power sources continues to escalate. As competition intensifies, you need the information contained in this two-volume set. Order your copy now!

Effective Selection and Use of Advanced Membrane Electrode Power Assemblies
Bamdad Bahar, Associate, WL Gore and Assoc. Inc.

Portable Power PEM fuel cell applications require high power density operation under ambient hydrogen/air operating conditions. W.L. Gore and Assoc. Inc. has developed power assemblies which are well suited for such applications, building on the strengths of thin composite membranes and advanced low loading electrodes.

Chapter 2

Fuel Processing Technology for Premium Power Fuel Cell Systems
James Cross, Senior Engineer, Epyx*

There has been a significant level of uncertainty regarding the realism of the concept of fuel cell power systems in the low capacity range of interest operating on hydrocarbon fuels. The primary reason for this uncertainty has been a lack of a fuel processing technology capable of operation in this low capacity range while still maintaining acceptable cost, size, and efficiency characteristics. Over the last year, Epyx, the ADL subsidiary company focused on the commercialization of fuel processors, has miniaturized its hybrid partial oxidation reformer technology to capacities as low as 100 Watts within a configuration about the size of a coffee can, which is by far the smallest complete fuel processing system ever made. The unit includes a reforming zone, shift reactors, and all heat exchangers within a tightly integrated package.
*Authors: J.C. Cross III, M.W. Sun, B. Morriseau, L. Clawson

Chapter 3

Simple, Rugged and Reliable Fuel Cells for Use in Portable Applications
Mark Daugherty, Chief Scientist, DCH Technology

Contributors: Dr. Mahlon Wilson, Los Alamos National Laboratory; and Mr. Carlton Salter, Mr. Mark Cherniack and Mr. David Haberman of DCH Technology

DCH Technology is commercializing simple, low cost, fuel cells based on a design developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Radial unit cell geometry allows an unobstructed periphery, minimum diffusion path lengths, a single tie bolt, and symmetry of components. This configuration retains water and prevents the fuel cell from drying out, resulting in reliable operation that is inherently self-regulating.

Chapter 4

New Electrode Materials for Ambient Fuel Cell Operation
Emory S. DeCastro, General Manager, E-TEK, Inc.*

Operation of small fuel cells at ambient conditions poses special challenges in the design of electrode backings or diffusers. We will present cathode performance data on a new electrode designed for unpressurized air feeds. We will also discuss cost reduction through the automated production of the electrode.

*Authors: Emory S. DeCastro, Michael DeMarinis, Bernd Mueller, Thomas Zawodzinski, Jayson W. Bauman, Francisco Uribe, and Shimshon Gottesfeld; Affiliation: E-TEK, Inc. and Los Alamos National Laboratory

Chapter 5

Micro-Fuel Cells for Cellular Phones
Robert Hockaday, President, Energy Related Devices, Inc. (subcontractor to Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.)

Smaller, Lighter, Simpler, Cleaner, and Less Expensive. This is the mantra we have used to design a micro-fuel cell to match the demands of the cellular phone market. The integrated design utilizes vacuum thin film deposition techniques to coat patterned porous plastic membranes for roll-to-roll manufacturing and is fueled with alcohols.

Chapter 6

Compact Fuel Cells for Portable Applications
Arthur Kaufman, Vice President, Research and Development, H Power Corporation

Portable applications require power sources with varying degrees of compactness and light weight. H Power has applied its proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology in applications such as variable-message signs, powered briefcases, and demonstration power sources that simulate military primary battery packs. Further progress in miniaturization of this technology will result in substantial utilization within portable electronic devices.

Chapter 7

Metal Alloy/Vulcan Carbon Nanocomposites of Controlled Alloy Stoichiometry Prepared from Single-Source Molecular Precursers as DMFC Anode Catalysts
Charles M. Lukehart, Professor of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University

Presentation will focus on research in which new methods for preparing highly active anode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are being developed. DMFCs are widely regarded as good candidates for portable, high-power fuel cell applications. Also featured will be the recent announcement of rapid synthesis of such catalysts using microwave heating.

Chapter 8

Recent Advances in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells for Portable Power Applications
S.R. Narayanan, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology and J. Kosek, Giner Inc.

The direct methanol fuel cell is based on the electro-oxidation of a liquid feed of an aqueous feed of methanol in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Several advances in this fuel technology have occurred in the last few years at JPL under DARPA funding. As a result, power density, efficiency and life characteristics are now attractive for portable power applications. In cooperation with JPL, Giner Inc. is fabricating a compact lightweight fuel cell stack for use in battery replacement and other applications. The presentation will describe the status of the technology, identify key issues for portable power systems and offer possible solutions. Some examples of the lightweight hardware will be presented.

Chapter 9

Developing Primary Zinc-Air Batteries for Portable Devices
Dennis Sieminski, Technical Marketing Manager, AER Energy Resources, Inc.

The primary zinc-air couple has a long list of attributes that make it ideal for portable devices. However, it has been precluded from consideration because of one problem, the severe life-limiting effects associated with exposure to the atmosphere. The development of Diffusion Air Manager technology offers an effective solution. This battery option and its application to portable products are examined.

Chapter 10

Next Generation Power Solutions for Mobile Phones
Chris Turner, Program Manager, Battery R&D, Ericsson Mobile Phones

Ericsson, a worldwide leading manufacturer of mobile phones, provides its perspective on various power solutions, from the current Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion batteries, to advanced solutions such as Polymer Lithium Ion, Lithium Metal, and Fuel Cells, as well as alternative methods for power management. Also addressed will be environmental issues, anticipated directions for development, and a view into the future.

Chapter 11

A Comparison of Rechargeable Batteries for Portable Devices
John C. Bailey, Technology Fellow, Eveready Battery Co.

Four major rechargeable battery systems are available to power today’s portable devices: lead acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and lithium ion. The energy density, power density, charge retention, cost and recharge requirements of these systems and the emerging lithium polymer system will be discussed. Illustrations of applications where the advantages of each of these systems can be best used will be given.

Chapter 12

Commercialization of Portable Fuel Cells at Ballard Power Systems
Jorge Barrigh, Ballard Power Systems, Inc.

Ballard has been developing fuel cell systems for Portable Power markets and has unveiled over the past twelve months both 100W and 1kW demonstration systems. This paper reviews both the technical performance of these units and the field demonstration program Ballard initiated with industry partners in 1999.

Chapter 13

The Characterization of Hybrid Power Sources for Improved Performance With Pulsed Loads
D.H. Doughty, Manager, Lithium Battery R&D Department, Sandia National Laboratory

Advanced electronic cards require batteries that are thin and flexible, operate over a wide range of temperature, and occupy very small space. A recently developed Li-manganese dioxide based primary battery is presented that meets the electronic card specifications. All battery components including the cathode and electrolyte are fabricated in foil form, thereby providing flexibility of size and shape and facilitating high volume manufacturing. Novel electrolyte and cathode components allow the battery to operate between -40 and +80 C.

Chapter 14

PANEL DISCUSSION -- How to Speed Commercial Development of Practical, Portable Power Sources: A Practical Analysis and Comparison of Alternatives
Moderator: C.K. Dyer, Motorola, Inc., Phoenix Corporate Research Laboratories

Chapter 15

Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery Performance
Steve Merryman, Auburn University, Space Power Institute

A small fuel cell (10-20 Watt) has been combined with a 12 V battery to study the hybrid system performance under a range of operating conditions. The fuel cell operates on hydrogen from a hydride storage system. The battery is placed in parallel with the fuel cell through electronics that control the re-charging of the battery. The battery meets the peak requirements and the fuel cell is used to recharge the battery. Performance of this hybrid system for a variety of loads and peak power requirements will be discussed.

Chapter 16

Metal Hydride Storage for Portable Power
Krishna Sapru, Director, Director, Thermal Hydride Products, Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.

Metal Hydrides provide an attractive method of storing hydrogen fuel for PEM fuel cells, especially for portable consumer applications where safety and convenience are important. This paper will present some results in terms of gravimetric and volumetric capacity, cycle life, and other features for prototype Metal Hydride Storage Systems (MHSS) being developed for use with small PEM fuel cells.

Chapter 17

Battery Availability — A True Measure of Mobile Computing Productivity
Deepak Swamy, Technology Strategist, Dell Computer

This presentation examines the various elements of the battery/power subsystem design in a notebook computing platform that contribute to end user experience today and outlines the challenges for the future. It introduces the concept of Battery Availability per pound and clearly demonstrates the robustness of this metric as a true, accurate measure of mobile productivity. Representation of battery sub-system performance in a manner that is more representative of the end-user experience and educating the customer base on the merits of this perspective is going to be of increasing importance. In concluding, this presentation will also review technology futures and barriers for entry into the PC industry and outline the key elements of successfully bringing any new battery technology in volume into a mobile computing platform.

Chapter 18

Application Priced PEM Fuel Cell Technology Using a New Generation of Specially Developed Materials
Glenn Doell, VP, Marketing & Business Development, Dais Corporation

Fuel cell technology has not yet achieved widespread use for reasons that have included costs of the electro-active materials - which in turn directly affect the stack designs and materials. In developing its patented new membranes, MEA’s and stack designs, Dais examined each element of the technology from a variety of perspectives, i.e. function, cost, material availability, etc. Dais’ approach has yielded new highly functional “applications priced materials” and stack materials/designs which form the basis for a cost-effective PEM fuel cell generator product line.