Taiwan’s Hydrogen Fuel Phone Charger

Scientists in Taiwan claim to have invented a mobile phone charger that can operate without mains electricity.  In place of traditional energy supply, this charger uses hydrogen power – a feature that is expected to boost Taiwan’s reputation for new environmentally friendly technologies. 

The scientists responsible for developing this new hydrogen fuel mobile phone charger are based at the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan.  They state that a complete phone charge can be achieved in approximately two hours, although no details in terms of associated hydrogen fuel consumption levels have (yet) been issued.

The depth of the team’s ambition is highlighted by scientist Tsau Fanghei’s comment that he and the other scientists involved “hope the hydrogen-powered device can replace current mobile phone recharge systems in 2012” – just three years from now.

Charging Efficiency

What’s more, the device provides charging efficiency, Tsau added.  “Hydrogen is a recyclable material”, he said.  “The device is energy-efficient and will help protect the environment”.

The depth of the success that the Taiwanese phone charger might be expected to achieve, however, could hinge on whether it represents a distinguishable consumer alternative to the current generation of fuel cell recharge devices, as well as whether it represents value for money.  According to Tsau, this new efficient mobile technology will be constantly refined until ready to make its market debut.

Fuel Cell Technology

On a wider scale, through this and other new green initiatives, Taiwan is aiming to soon figure among the dominant global fuel cell technology innovators, as well as move away from its current high rate of energy import.  “The government hopes to acquire a slot in the global green energy industry's production chain with the hydrogen fuel cell technologies”, the Taiwanese Bureau of Energy’s director, Yeh Hui-Ching, commented.

According to recent estimates, over four billion people worldwide own a mobile phone.

Three months ago, Enviro-News looked at how fuel cell technology had been incorporated into a new aircraft design – this aircraft’s July 2009 test flight marking a world first.

See also:

Blue Earth - Samsung's Solar Powered Phone

Motorola Claims 'World First' with Carbon Neutral Phone