A new fuel cell has been created by Panasonic which is capable of powering a laptop all day despite being only the size of a conventional laptop battery pack.

The first incarnation of the fuel cell, which was shown off at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2006, was double the size of the latest version which will be showcased at an event in Japan towards the end of the week, PC World reports.

Weighing 320g, the fuel cell has a volume of 270 cubic centimetres and is capable of delivering power for 20 hours on a charge of 200 cubic centimetres of methanol.

The average power supplied by the fuel cell is 10 watts, although it can deliver 20 watts at its peak.

The main advantages of the technology over conventional lithium ion alternatives are that it is quick to recharge and, because the only waste products generated are water and carbon dioxide, more environmentally-friendly.

One downside to the new technology, however, is that it is unlikely to be on the market much before 2013.

Source:

Panasonic Halves Size of Prototype Laptop Fuel Cell, 19/10/08

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/152471/panasonic_halves_size_of_prototype_laptop_fuel_cell.html
Hydrogen Energy Advanced Technology Exhibition 2008

http://www.he-t.jp/

270CC fuel cell for notebooks on way, 20/10/08

http://www.itexaminer.com/270cc-fuel-cell-for-notebooks-on-way.aspx