Fuel Cell Prototype Demonstrates Benefits For Digital Cameras

MTI MicroFuel Cells, a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Inc. has unveiled a mobile fuel cell prototype for the digital camera market at the 4th International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Expo in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to a demonstration featuring the company’s most recent Mobion-powered external power pack chargers, the new camera-grip prototype was on display in the exhibition along with a new embedded fuel cell concept model demonstrating Mobion’s potential for integration into portable electronic devices such as cell phones.

MTI Micro’s Mobion powered direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) camera-grip prototype works like a camera battery-pack grip for digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The prototype is designed to provide twice as much energy as existing camera battery-pack grips of the same size. The Mobion camera grip can be refilled with methanol for instant power, eliminating the downtime associated with recharging batteries.

“Digital cameras make up the second largest revenue segment in the consumer lithium-ion battery market,” said Peng Lim, CEO of MTI. “With more advanced features being designed into new models, such as high-definition video recording and playback, battery life becomes a key issue. This camera grip prototype demonstrates our ability to remove power consumption issues for manufacturers, so that they can keep innovating and developing new products.”