Company Demonstrates Fuel Cell for Powering GPS Devices

MTI MicroFuel Cells, a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology unveiled an embedded micro fuel cell prototype for handheld global positioning system (GPS) devices at the recent International Small Fuel Cells Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. According to MTI Micro, its new Mobion-powered GPS prototype provides three times as much energy as GPS devices powered by four disposable AA batteries. On a model with a large, full-color screen, this fuel cell design generates up to 60 hours of continuous power and provides weeks instead of days of typical usage.

The prototype includes a USB interface, allowing the prototype to also be used as an independent energy source for a variety of purposes, including for recharging mobile phones, digital cameras, and other handheld electronic devices. The prototype can be immediately recharged by refilling it with methanol.