General Dynamics C4 Systems has announced plans to offer military customers a liquid fuel cell powerpack developed by Medis Technologies as an accessory for its Sectera Secure Wireless Phone for GSM. The fuel cell powerpack will serve as a battery charger for the phone wherever access to commercial AC power is unavailable or impractical. The use of disposable fuel cells in portable devices will reduce the need to carry extra batteries or charge devices directly from an AC outlet, extending the mission duration of wireless devices used by dismounted U.S. government personnel.
General Dynamics has tested fuel cells from Medis Technologies in several rugged devices and found that the fuel cells generated steady power and showed promising results for military-standard environmental tests in areas such as temperature extremes and vibration.
"Warfighters and commanders in isolated areas need untethered devices that can go the distance," said Chris Marzilli, senior vice president and deputy general manager for General Dynamics. "Our internal testing shows that fuel cell technology is becoming an effective recharging power source and run-time extender for the secure, mobile and rugged devices we make; fuel cell power packs are safe, reliable and easy to operate."
The stand-alone fuel cell powerpack, designed to charge the Sectera Secure Wireless Phone for GSM, will operate on a proprietary sodium boro-hydride formula and will be packaged in a modular housing about the size of a pack of cigarettes. The fuel cell powerpack will attach to the phone's battery charging port through a single cable and can be easily activated by compressing the back cover. The electronics required for power management will be integrated into the cable unit, which will also feature a retractable cord."
Posted to the site on 2nd June 2005
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/13026.php