TOKYO, JAPAN, September 30, 2004 ---NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today the joint development of a prototype micro fuel cell for 3G FOMA® handsets. The prototype, manufactured by
The micro fuel cell is aimed at meeting user demands for more convenient handsets with greater power capacity, as well as reduced environmental impact.
Power consumption demands are rising as FOMA users take advantage of new services and handset features, including flat-rate monthly billing for data services, such as i-motion™ and i-appli™, and videophone. DoCoMo is addressing this issue in part by increasing the capacity of its lithium-ion batteries, the most commonly used battery in handsets today.
The micro fuel cell is a standalone device shaped like a cradle for recharging handsets. It generates electric power by combining hydrogen and cheap, environmentally harmless methanol to produce a chemical reaction. Hydrogen ions are extracted from the air via a layer sandwiched between positive and negative electrodes.
The prototype has the same basic specifications of other FOMA handset rechargers and will be compatible with all FOMA handsets. Further development of the prototype is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2005.
Please see the attachment for the main specifications.
Main Specifications of Prototype Micro Fuel Cell
| Height x width x thickness | 152 x 57 x 16 mm |
| Size (volume) | 180 cc |
| Weight | 190 grams |
| Fuel | Methanol (18 cc, 30% concentration) |
| Number of Recharges | 1 per methanol cartridge |
| Design | Desktop holder |
| Output | 5.4 V, 700 mA (same as other FOMA rechargers) |
About NTT DoCoMo
FOMA, i-motion and i-mode are trademarks or registered trademarks of
NTT DoCoMo's FOMA service is available only to subscribers in Japan.
i-appli is a trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc. in Japan.
