Apple Files Patent for New Fuel Cell Technology

In a quest to extend battery life, Apple explores possibilities of using its patented fuel cell system as alternative to traditional lithium ion batteries. There are rumors (before Apple’s September 9^th event) that Apple's future Macbooks and other devices may soon come equipped with fuel cell battery back-ups which can extend battery life.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has released a new patent application from Apple for a “Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device.” In the patent, Apple identified a way that it could use hydrogen fuel cells to power electronic devices without adding extra weight to the apparatus. 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.

Fuel cells produce power by combining a fuel and an oxidizing agent while emitting minimum heat and water vapor. Fuel cells last longer than Li-on cells. However, they are much more difficult to package safely & effectively in small packages. They are also viewed as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Mobile device makers commonly use Lithium-ion batteries because of factors such as decreased weight, transportability and adaptability. Currently, a Macbook running on Li-on batteries can last up to 8-10 hours. The Macbook Air can last for upto 20 hours on extended battery backup. Considering the effectiveness of present-day fuel cells, a hydogen-based fuel cell system could keep a mobile device charged for more than a week. Apple envisions a future where fuel cells are built directly into electronics, which would make them more energy efficient.

Apple is not a new player in the ‘Patent Market’, In 2011, the company filed an application for a portable computing device, which would be equipped with a fuel cell system. Earlier this year, the company also filed a patent for an external fuel cell system that would be used to power mobile devices.Apple has filed similar patents back in 2011 including a patent to run handheld devices using fuel cells.

Apple recently experimented with a UK company called Intelligent Energy, with an aim of making fuel cells which may be built-in to its devices. As a result, hydrogen fuel cells were equipped into an iPhone. Experiment results claimed that the iPhone lasted for a week.

Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming more popular when it comes to providing access to renewable energy. These energy systems have been used in several industrial sectors for years, and have recently become a top interest among automakers. The IT Company in US has been using fuel cells for some time in the past.