Redwood City, California-based EoPlex Technologies expects to be shipping a miniature methanol reformer by the end of 2008, it has been reported.

According to IEEE Spectrum, the device can be used to convert methanol to hydrogen for use in compact fuel cells.

EoPlex technologies' CEO Arthur Chait believes the product will be sought after by emergency and military radio makers. These types of radios typically need about 20 W of power which necessitates the use of a battery which can often weigh around 10 kg.

However, a single litre of methanol powering a fuel cell could take the place of this 10 kg battery, Mr Chait says.

The reformer itself looks like a matchbox and is made up of 300 layers with chambers, channels, mixers, vents, and pipes.

It also has a bed of platinum catalyst which breaks the methanol into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

EoPlex is using its three-dimensional printing technology to construct the reformers.

The company based its design on information supplied by an un-named customer.

"We built their original design, but taking advantage of our technology, we could make it one-third the size," Mr Chait told the publication.

Source:
Printing Technology Makes Miniature Energy Harvesters, Antennas, and Fuel-Cell Parts, February 2008

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/feb08/5959

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