Apple recently filed two patent applications for fuel cell technology that could be used to extend the battery life of portable devices and reduce the demands of portable electronics on grid-supplied power.
Battery life and electricity consumption are growing concerns, as consumers become more reliant on energy intensive gadgets. One of the patent applications states that environmental concerns are increasing interest in renewable energy sources for consumer uses.
The patents list several potential fuel sources—including sodium silicate and water, and hydrogen—which Apple says have the potential to power devices for “days or even weeks.”
A few portable, external fuel cells are available on the market today for recharging and powering electronics. But it will likely be several years before the cost and size of fuel cells are reduced enough to make them viable for internal power supply in mobile phones, laptops and other popular devices.
Two years ago, a separate patent application revealed Apple’s interest in embedding solar cells to provide power for mobile devices.
Bart King is a PR consultant and principal at Cleantech Communications.
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Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy
Published Jan 3, 2012 3pm EST / 12pm PST / 8pm GMT / 9pm CET