Tokyo Seiden Develops Portable Size Fuel Cell System

Japanese electronics manufacturer Tokyo Seiden Corporation has developed a small fuel cell system [FCAC-1000], the first functional backup alternating current (AC) power source that uses a fuel cell. The system weighs 72 kilograms, and measures 380 by 600 by 610 millimeters.

The system uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate a direct current that can be stored in a secondary battery and also be converted into an alternating current by a converter-inverter control unit. The system can be used as a backup generator for outdoor activities or during emergencies, and as an AC power generator during power outages.

Producing only water, the system is clean and creates no vibration or noise. The fuel cell used is manufactured by Daido Metal Corporation. The key to the system being compact, lightweight, and inexpensive is the use of a "dead-end passive type" hydrogen supply, which functions without humidifiers and other auxiliary components.

The system allows hydrogen to be refilled, and uses hydrogen occlusion alloy cylinders which are believed to be safer than compressed-gas cylinders. With six cylinders, the system can generate 250 watts of power for 2.2 hours, and more cylinders can be added to extend the running time.

There are still a number of issues to be resolved, however, such the hydrogen supply infrastructure, ensuring safety in handling of hydrogen, and fuel cell maintenance issues. While it is still unclear when the product will be brought to the market, this development is certainly a step in the right direction towards the practical application of fuel cells as well as the creation of a hydrogen energy-based society.

http://www.tokyo-seiden.co.jp/index.htm
http://www.daidometal.com/english/index.html

Posted: 2004/08/31 11:32:23 AM
Japanese version