Toshiba Corporation, a world leader in the development of fuel-cell technology for handheld electronic equipment, today announced the launch of its first direct methanol fuel-cell product: Dynario™, an external power source that delivers power to mobile digital consumer products. Dynario™, together with a dedicated fuel cartridge for refueling on the go, will be launched in Japan, in a limited edition of 3,000 units only, and will be exclusively available at Shop1048 (http://shop1048.jp/), 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.
The power consumption of mobile electronic devices, including mobile phones, has greatly increased with added functionality, including TV reception and Internet connectivity. As a result, battery exhaustion has become a major concern. Dynario™’s DMFC delivers almost instant refueling that untethers 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.
The palm-sized Dynario™ is Toshiba’s first DMFC product. Once fueled with an injection of methanol solution from its dedicated cartridge, 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. 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.
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, Ltd., one of Japan’s leading packaging container companies.
Dynario™ and its fuel cartridge fully comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission’s safety standards (provisional edition).
Toshiba will gauge customer reaction and opinion from the Japanese release of Dynario™ and reflect them in the development of future DMFC products.
Outline of Product
| Product | Model No. | Price | Start of Delivery |
| Dynario™ (DMFC) | PF60A000001 | 29,800 yen | October 29, 2009 |
| Fuel cartridge | MC050A00001 | 3,150 yen (set of five) |
October 29, 2009 |
Note: Above prices include sales tax and delivery in Japan.
Outline of Specifications
Dynario™ (DMFC)
| Model No. | PF60A000001 |
| Fuel cell type | Direct Methanol Fuel Cell |
| Fuel | Highly-concentrated methanol (through dedicated cartridge) |
| Output[1] | DC5V-400mA |
| External dimensions | Approx. W150 x D21 x H74.5 mm (when rotary stand is housed) |
| Weight | Approx. 280g (without fuel) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14ml |
| Operating temperature and humidity range | From 10 to 35 degrees C; from 30 to 90% relative humidity (no condensation) |
| Input | DC5V-500mA |
| Accessories | Output cable, input cable, cover and instruction manual |
- [1]Maximum performance in hybrid operation using an integrated lithium-ion battery.
Fuel cartridge
| Model No. | MC050A00001 |
| Content | Highly-concentrated methanol |
| Outside Dimension | W62 x D29.1x H122 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 92g |
| Capacity | 50ml |
Source: Toshiba