Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies recently showcased their small, at home hydrogen refueling and storage solution This very simple device, that can be used to power many electronic devices in your home, has generated quite a buzz. The immediate impacts of this new technology could be noteworthy and the long term value of finally being able to charge and store hydrogen fuel cells in your home also deserves serious consideration.
The technology, named HYDROFILLTM, is the world’s first personal hydrogen station designed by Horizon. As a small desktop device that plugs into a power source and automatically extracts hydrogen from its water tank. Horizon believes the HYDROFILLTM is the first step towards private refueling of new generations of fuel cell electric vehicles.
“Horizon is initiating a transition that places consumers in the driving seat. Thanks to our innovation, each household can gradually become a major part of tomorrow’s hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure.” Taras Wankewycz, founder of Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies.
How does it work and what does Horizon indicate separates this innovation from others on the market?
Technology
The first innovation lies in the structure of the storage units. Metallic alloys in small refillable cartridges absorb the hydrogen into their crystalline structure and store it in a solid form. These cartridges are able to release the hydrogen at low pressures, a huge gain over previous methodologies that need to store hydrogen at high pressures. A second distinction is that this storage method creates the highest volumetric energy density of any form of hydrogen storage. Unlike conventional batteries, these cartridges carry more energy capacity, are cheaper, and do not contain environmentally harmful heavy metals.
Market
The device has a number of uses for the consumer in the immediate future. Available in April 2010 and priced at around $600, it will be able to charge your phone, laptop or other electronic devices without the need for a power socket. This power station will fill fuel cell batteries called Hydrosticks with enough energy to power six full charges of a mobile phone. Using a MiniPAK that integrates a passive air breathing fuel cell and this solid state storage unit, their innovation aims to address gaps in providing energy "on the go" to power-hungry device users, as well as a low cost energy storage option for emergency and long duration off-grid power users.
"The miniPAK portable electronic device charger is designed to meet the needs of users who want more portable energy in one package, at a lower cost than existing rechargeable battery-based options." Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies.