MTI MicroFuel Cells (MTI Micro), a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ: MKTY [1]), today provided more details of its upcoming Mobion® micro fuel cell technology for handheld electronic devices.

The integrated fuel cell is intended to be a "heart" for fuel cell systems for consumer product applications, beginning in 2009.

MTI's Mobion "chip" is to integrate a power module with fluid conditioning to allow the system to run in a wide temperature and humidity range—a requirement of many OEMs who want to integrate fuel cells into their products, according to the company.

MTI Micro says it has continued integrating more functionality into its chips while reducing its part count, ultimately achieving one molded piece. Its size has been reduced by over 40% to 9cc (small enough to fit in the palm of a hand) from 16cc six months ago, the company claims.

In preparing for commercialization, the injection molded chip is now being designed for volume manufacturing.

The chip is based on 100% methanol feed, passive, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology. The company expects it will be able to power portable devices longer than lithium-ion batteries, while allowing for instant, cord-free recharging.

MTI Micro says its Mobion chip has demonstrated power of over 50 mW/cm2 while producing 1.4 Wh/cc of energy from the fuel, which is says is two to three times more power than competitors.

"We believe this Mobion chip is the first micro fuel cell technology designed with the performance, and manufacturability necessary to make a significant impact on the consumer portable electronics markets," said Peng Lim, CEO of MTI.

MTI Micro plans to pursue the consumer market with target applications which include hand-held communication, and other power-hungry portable electronic devices.