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16th September 2005 - Fuel cells have long been touted as
a long-lasting power supply for mobile devices but have proved
to be a promise unfulfilled. However, according to a new report
from market researchers, NanoMarkets LC, based here, developments
in the marketplace will make 2006 the take off year for mobile
fuel cells and 2010 NanoMarkets projects a market worth $1.6
billion ($ US) and $2.7 billion in 2012. Additional information
about the report can be found at www.nanomarkets.net.
NanoMarkets’ report identified four significant developments
for why industry watchers should take the mobile fuel cells
market seriously:
• Burgeoning Power Requirements. Absence of a power
source that can supply power with many hours between charges
is now the single biggest obstacle to the dream of ubiquitous
computing and smart phones. Nokia has actually cancelled a
smartphone product because its numerous features ran down
the battery too fast. Meanwhile, Japan's mobile phone makers
will add power-hungry digital broadcast tuners to their mobile
phone models. Fuel cells are seen as a way to meet increasing
demands.
• The new “complementarity”. In the past,
batteries and fuel cells have been seen as locked in a battle
for the future of mobile computing and communications. Today,
a new paradigm is emerging. Fuel cells will be introduced
initially as portable rechargers for batteries or in hybrid
fuel cell battery combos in which fuel cells provide long-lasting
power and batteries deal with power spikes. Even in 2010,
NanoMarkets claims that more than 80 percent of fuel cells
will be used in conjunction with batteries.
• Big backers. With the fate of ubiquitous computing
at stake, the heavyweights of the electronics and computing
industry are backing fuel cells. IBM and Sanyo have announced
plans to produce a direct methanol fuel cell for the IBM ThinkPad.
Other big names who see opportunities in the budding mobile
fuel cell market include 3M, Cabot, Casio, Fujitsu, Hitachi
and Johnson Matthey, Motorola, NEC, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.
• Advances in Technology. The emergence of more efficient
DMFC fuel cells that operate at lower temperatures has made
fuel cell technology much more viable for mobile applications.
In the future nano-catalysts and new polymers and nanomaterials
for membranes are likely to make for even better energy density
in mobile fuel cells.
About the Report
NanoMarkets report, “Micro Power Sources: Opportunities
from Fuel Cells and Batteries for Mobile Applications”
provides detailed analysis and forecasts of both fuel cells
and batteries for mobile power applications broken out by
technology, functionality and device type. DMFC, PEFC, SOFC
and DNMFC fuel cells are covered for application in laptops,
mobile phones, PDAs, portable consumer electronics, “mobile
soldier” devices and mobile medicine. The report reviews
the evolving strategies of companies in this market and pinpoints
just when and where the main opportunities are for both mobile
fuel cells and mobile batteries. Data for this report was
collected from extensive interviews of leading companies throughout
the entire value chain from materials providers, to fuel cell
manufacturers to mobile device companies.
About NanoMarkets
NanoMarkets analyzes the market opportunities and disruptions
brought about by advances in technology at the micro and nano
scale. Through our reports, white papers and customized client
engagements, we provide our clients with insightful analyses
of both the commercial and technology related issues that
will determine where and how their business opportunities
will emerge or be impacted.
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