In its quest to prolong device battery life, Apple explores possibilities of using its patented fuel cell system as alternative to traditional lithium ion batteries. Rumors are present that Apple's future Macbooks and other devices may soon come equipped with fuel cell battery back-ups which can extend battery life for several days.
Currently, a typical Macbook running on Li-on batteries can last up to a day. Electronic manufacturers commonly use Li-on for batteries because it is transportable and adaptable, Slashgear reports. However, the downside is its short life span.
On the other hand, fuel cells show promise in electronic product manufacturing because they can store a huge amount of energy in a small size compared with Li-on. Since they are lightweight, they are mainly used in electronic portable charging.
Fuel cells produce power by combining a fuel and an oxidizing agent while emitting minimum heat and water vapor. The cells last longer than Li-on but are more difficult to package safely and effectively in small packages. They are also viewed as an alternative to fossil fuels.
CNET states that Apple's patent titled "Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device" was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTSO). Although the device was not specified, references to MagSafe chargers pointed to the Macbook as the device being referred to.
The Apple patent for fuel cell systems listed several options of fuel sources. Among these are the combination of sodium silicate and hydrogen, magnesium hydride and hydrogen, and liquid hydrogen and compressed hydrogen gas.
Apple has filed similar patents back in 2011 including a patent to run handheld devices using fuel cells. Tech Times reported details of Apple's recent experiment with a UK company called Intelligent Energy. Apple wanted fuel cells to be built-in to its devices. In the experiment with Intelligent Energy, hydrogen fuel cells were equipped into an iPhone.
Experiment results claimed that the iPhone lasted for a week. With this, it might be possible that future iPhones could also come with integrated fuel cells.
Slashgear gives a few insights to Apple's prospective plans with its patent fuel cell systems. The fuel cells will serve as back-up power source to the main battery, not totally replacing it. The cells will be packaged in removable cartridges which can be individually charged. No particular type of fuel cell material has been decided yet but Apple looks at gas and liquid hydrogen as viable options.
A new patent does not guarantee immediate production of a new device based on it, but it does show possible ideas and courses of action. However, the bulky size of the cartridges that will supposedly package the fuel cells may not fit Apple's vision of slimmer and lighter Macbooks.
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