The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) yesterday unveiled new types of hydrogen-powered battery chargers for cellphones that their inventor said would set a new trend in battery use across the world.
Speaking at a news conference marking the release of the energy-effective new devices, Yeh Hui-ching (葉惠青), director of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Energy, announced the arrival of a new era of hydrogen energy and gave the government’s full endorsement to the local hydrogen fuel cell sector.
“The government hopes to position itself in the global green energy industry’s production chain with hydrogen fuel cell technology and will seek to develop expertise in the sector by 2012 and begin commercial production as soon as possible,” Yeh said.
One eye-catching item among the newly created devices displayed at the news conference was an electricity ball, which is capable of releasing hydrogen after charging water into it.
The hydrogen-powered device can serve as a battery charger for cellphones.
The electricity ball can be fully charged with hydrogen power in only two hours, allowing cellphones to get electricity unplugged, said Shueh Chan-li (薛展立), a researcher at the ITRI’s Energy and Environment Research Laboratories.
Shueh said the institute has led other countries in using hydrogen power to develop battery chargers for cellphones.
He said the hydrogen-powered electricity ball could be popularized after mass production brings down costs.
At present, a fuel battery charger costs NT$500.
Two other new types of hydrogen-powered batteries were also on display.
One allows electric cars to go faster than 80kph, while the other can serve as a commercial uninterrupted power supply.
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