Toshiba has announced they have successfully developed portable audio players that can be powered by fuel cells, and are beginning further experiments.

The company showed fuel cells last summer (our coverage here), and the concept designs show what looks to be an F60. Of course, they're just concept designs -- I'd personally like to see completely new units from Toshiba, rather than just a modified version of their already pricey F series players. Details inside.

Toshiba Corporation announced o­n the 16th that they have developed small fuel cells intended for portable audio players, and they have begun verification tests that use experimental versions of the players.

The company developed fuel cell units with 100mW and 300mW output, intended to be used with portable audio players that have internal flash memory or internal hard drives. The company announced fuel cells for portable audio products back in 2004, and at that time stated that they intended for implementation of the technology some time during 2005.

The 100mW unit measures 75 x 23 x 10mm (H x W x T) and is about the size of a few sticks of gum. 3.5ml of pure methanol (99.5% pure) is injected into its tank, and it can provide life for roughly 35 hours. The 300mW unit measures 75 x 60 x 10mm (same) and provides around 60 hours of playback time from 10ml of fuel.

These fuel cells that were developed are a passive type that is suited for smaller products. Unlike conventional fuel cells that require the methanol to be diluted to under 30% concentration, these units can use methanol with no need to dilute it. The company is looking for basic adoption of the technology during or after 2007, and is accelerating development o­n all fronts, including manufacturing technology.

An experimental version of a player that uses flash memory and the 100mW fuel cell measures 110 x 35 x 20mm (H x W x T), and with the fuel cell full, weighs about 78.5g. Likewise, a hard drive player prototype that uses the 300mW unit weighs about 270g and measures 120 x 65 x 27mm (same).

Because the experimental versions of the players also contain parts necessary for experimentation, the final product size can be drastically reduced. The units are designed to comply with safety standards that are currently being settled o­n by IEC.

Experimental units of both players and fuel cell cartridges will be o­n display in Toshiba's booth at "CEATEC JAPAN 2005," scheduled to take place from October 4th at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050916/toshiba.htm

Press Release:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2005_09/pr_j1601.htm