$330 Toshiba Dynario™ Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Charging a Digital Device
Image Credit: Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation launched its first direct methanol fuel-cell product: Dynario™, an external power source that delivers power to mobile digital consumer products. Dynario™, together with a dedicated fuel cartridge for refueling on the go, was launched in Japan, in a limited edition of 3,000 units only, and is exclusively available at Shop1048 (http://shop1048.jp), Toshiba's direct-order web site for digital consumer products in the Japanese market. Orders were accepted from October 22, and shipping started on October 29. Direct methanol fuel cells use nanomaterials in the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. The price for the fuel cell is about $330 and the price for the refueling cartridge is about $35.
The power consumption of mobile electronic devices, including mobile phones, has greatly increased with added functionality, including TV reception and Internet connectivity. As a result, battery exhaustion has become a major concern. Dynario™'s DMFC delivers almost instant refueling that untethers electrical equipment from AC adapters and power outlets. It runs on mix of methanol and ambient oxygen, and the chemical reaction between the two in the fuel cell produces electricity.
Toshiba recognizes the DMFC as a high potential solution for portable equipment and is promoting intensive technology and product development, including improved practical use and downsizing.
The palm-sized Dynario™ is Toshiba's first DMFC product. Once fueled with an injection of methanol solution from its dedicated cartridge, Dynario™ starts to generate electricity that is delivered to a digital consumer product-a mobile phone or a digital media player-via a USB cable. On a single refill of methanol which can be made in an instant period (around 20 seconds), Dynario™ can generate enough power to charge two typical mobile phones.
Dynario™ integrates Toshiba's state-of-the-art fuel cell technology, allowing it to operate with only a small volume of concentrated methanol solution, reducing the size and weight of the fuel tank and the overall product. An ingenious fuel feed structure realizes uniform methanol delivery, and stable output to any attached device is fine-tuned by a built-in microcomputer. Performance is also optimized by Dynario™'s hybrid structure, which uses a lithium-ion battery charged by the fuel cell to store electricity. The dedicated fuel cartridge was co-developed with Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd., one of Japan's leading packaging container companies.
Dynario™ and its fuel cartridge fully comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission's safety standards (provisional edition). Toshiba will gauge customer reaction and opinion from the Japanese release of Dynario™ and reflect them in the development of future DMFC products.
Outline of Product
Product Model No. Price Product launch
Dynario (DMFC) PF60A000001 29,800 yen ($330) October 29, 2009
Fuel cartridge MC050A00001 3,150 yen ($35)
(set of five) October 29, 2009
(set of five) October 29, 2009
Note: Above prices include sales tax and delivery in Japan.
Outline of Specifications
Dynario™ (DMFC)
Model No. PF60A000001
Fuel cell type Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Fuel Highly-concentrated methanol (through dedicated cartridge)
Output1 DC5V-400mA
External dimensions Approx.W150 x D21 x H74.5 mm (when rotary stand is housed)
Weight Approx. 280g (without fuel)
Fuel tank capacity 14ml
Operating temperature and humidity range From 10 to 35°C; from 30 to 90% relative humidity (no condensation)
Input DC5V-500mA
Accessories Output cable, input cable and cover
1Maximum performance in hybrid operation using an integrated lithium-ion battery.
Fuel cartridge
Model No. MC050A00001
Content Highly-concentrated methanol
Outside Dimension W62 x D29.1x H122 mm
Weight Approx. 92g
Capacity 50ml
