2004
For More Info: Tom Collins 518-862-1090 x 3250 NYSERDA Funds MTI Micro Fuel Cells MobionT Development;
Methanol-Powered Units Replace Batteries in Hand-Held Devices
Albany, Dec.20-The New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced an additional $200,000 funding to further develop the MTI Micro Fuel Cells, Inc. MobionT micro fuel cell. The methanol-powered units are being designed to power laptop computers, phones, PDAs, and other portable electronics, for much longer periods than traditional battery technology.
Last week, MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc. began commercial product shipment of the fuel cells that will power inventory tag readers used in major retailer's distribution centers. The fuel cell, which is integrated into the inventory tag reader has a cartridge about the size of a deck of cards that will power the unit for up to 30 hours straight.
"This pollution-free technology, and its 50-plus patents, have been designed and developed right here in New York. The next phase of development and miniaturization will power our personal electronic devices." NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith said. "That market growth means economic growth for New York."
News of the added funding, and commercial shipping comes on the heels of two other major MobionT milestones this fall. First was recognition by "Popular Science" Magazine as one their "Best of What's New" innovations. This month, the MobionT fuel cell system received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and a CSA certificate of approval. These two safety approvals now put the technology on fast-track for adaptation for a variety of applications.
"This shipment to Intermec of our MobionT fuel cell system marks the first time that any company anywhere has embedded a micro fuel cell into a portable electronic device. We are delighted to celebrate this milestone right here in New York State" said William Acker, President and CEO of MTI MicroFuel Cells. "The enthusiastic support that we have been privileged to receive from Governor Pataki and NYSERDA have been a key element of our ability to get the job done. New York is a great place to build and grow a new energy business, and we look forward to continued success here in the future."
The NYSERDA funding of $200,000, brings its total investment to $1.25 million, for the development of the low-temperature fuel cell that converts methanol to electric power. NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith said: "This further development represents a giant step for power needs, and for the environment: No battery acids, or heavy metals to be routinely disposed of; all replaced by convenient methanol cartridge refills that signal a new era in clean power portablility," Smith said.
MobionT cord-free rechargeable power packs are being developed to replace incumbent power packs used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in many rechargeable hand held electronic devices like PDAs and smartphones. MobionT power packs are based on direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology which has been recognized as enabling technology for advanced portable power sources by the scientific community and industry analysts.
MTI Micro's MobionT cord-free rechargeable power pack technology is being designed to increase run time (time until a recharge is needed) two to ten times over the status quo of existing battery technologies. As importantly, for the first time wireless and other electronic hand held devices will be "truly wireless", capable of going anywhere, anytime with no need to plug in or wait for a recharge to complete.
Due mainly to the complexities of designs pursued by micro fuel cell competitors, no one has been able to successfully bring a mass manufactured, hand held micro fuel cell power product to market. This release of a MobionT power pack is shipping to Intermec, a leading provider of automated data collection and asset management systems. A recent study by Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) sees almost 22% of all hand held electronic devices with rechargeable power packs being powered by DMFCs by 2011. Significant military applications are seen by ABI as soon as 2006.
About MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ: MKTY), is the developer of MobionT, a patented direct methanol micro fuel cell technology. The Company has a world-class team of entrepreneurial business executives, researchers and scientists; a number of system prototypes demonstrating size reductions and performance improvements; significant related intellectual property; and has received government awards and developed strategic partnerships to help accelerate commercialization. More information is available at www.mtimicrofuelcells.com
All NYSERDA New York Energy $martSM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
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