Frost: Micro Fuel Cells Offer Solutions as Alternative Power Demands Increase
May 17, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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As equipment design puts increasing demands on the battery market, existing battery chemistries are challenged to maintain performance levels or are extended beyond their intended operation levels.
According to Frost & Sullivan, many alternative energy storage solutions are under development, each hoping to become the next generation power source, or to be used in conjunction with existing batteries to extend run time.
Micro fuel cells offer benefits and a solution to this challenge.
Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan found that the world micro fuel cell market for industrial portable devices expects to produce 75 million units by 2013, demonstrating a high market growth rate due to a ramp-up in commercialization.
The micro fuel cell market for industrial portable devices has gained a boost with significant growth in the heavy-duty device markets.
"Rugged portable devices' improved performances are dependent on their power supply and often demand increased efficiency, lower cost, smaller size and lighter weight attributes," said Frost & Sullivan director Sara Bradford.
"The need to match the enhanced functionalities of portable devices is a considerable challenge, while micro fuel cells have the potential to provide extended device run times."
Fuel cells for such devices must be able to operate safely for long periods under inclement weather and dusty conditions. Analysts said they must also be resistant to high shock and vibration, while surviving drops on hard surfaces.
Nickel-based and now lithium ion chemistries currently power these types of heavy-duty devices. Analysts said these battery chemistries have only increased about 1%-2% in energy density since 2002, though industrial portable devices continue to increase their power demand.
The emerging micro fuel cells market holds great promise as a solution to the power demands of the industrial portable devices market. Analysts said market participants are working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) both on system design and distribution of refueling cartridges. This will positively impact commercialization of the market.
"However, the lack of set fuel cell standards, in terms of both cartridge design and composition, could slow the commercialization process," said Bradford. "The numerous competing designs could create distribution issues, in addition to incompatibilities with device OEMs, thereby slowing market growth."
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Analysts said the market is addressing the fuel cell standard concern by forming groups within prominent international standards organizations, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which deal with electrical, electronic and related technologies.
Source: Frost & Sullivan.