Toshiba Corp., a leading developer of fuel-cell technologies has announced the launch of its first direct methanol fuel-cell (DMFC) product: Dynario, an external power source that delivers power to mobile digital consumer products. The product is a “limited edition” one, hence, quite expensive and will not be available outside of Japan.

The palm-sized Dynario (W150 x D21 x H74.5 mm) is Toshiba's first DMFC product. Once fueled (fuel tank capacity is 14ml) with an injection of methanol solution from its dedicated cartridge (50ml), Dynario starts to generate electricity that is delivered to a digital consumer product – a mobile phone or a digital media player – via a USB cable (DC5V-400mA). On a single refill of methanol which can be made in an instant period (around 20 seconds), Dynario can generate enough power to charge two typical mobile phones, which means that only 7ml of petrol is required.

Considering the fact that Toshiba charges ¥3150 ($34.3) per five cartridges, one re-charge of a mobile phone costs approximately $1, which is not cheap to say at least. However, this may be a solution for cases when there is no power outlet nearby. One Dynario product costs ¥29800 ($325), which is also not a low price in general. Toshiba Dynario is not a product intended for the mass market, therefore, the only thing that it shows clearly is that at this point DMFC solutions are still too expensive.

Dynario, together with a dedicated fuel cartridge for refueling on the go, will be launched in Japan, in a limited edition of 3000 units only, and will be exclusively available at Toshiba's direct-order web site for digital consumer products in the Japanese market. Orders will be accepted from October 22, and shipping will start on October 29. 

Dynario's DMFC delivers almost instant refueling that unfetters electrical equipment from AC adapters and power outlets. It runs on mix of methanol and ambient oxygen, and the chemical reaction between the two in the fuel cell produces electricity. Toshiba recognizes the DMFC as a high potential solution for portable equipment and is promoting intensive technology and product development, including improved practical use and downsizing.

Dynario integrates Toshiba's state-of-the-art fuel cell technology, allowing it to operate with only a small volume of concentrated methanol solution, reducing the size and weight of the fuel tank and the overall product. An ingenious fuel feed structure realizes uniform methanol delivery, and stable output to any attached device is fine-tuned by a built-in microcomputer. Performance is also optimized by Dynario's hybrid structure, which uses a lithium-ion battery charged by the fuel cell to store electricity. The dedicated fuel cartridge was co-developed with Toyo Seikan Kaisha, one of Japan's leading packaging container companies.

Toshiba will gauge customer reaction and opinion from the Japanese release of Dynario and reflect them in the development of future DMFC products.

Tags: Toshiba, Fuel-Cell, DMFC, Dynario