YAMATO H2 Energy Japan (President: Ikuo Hirase) started to sell a portable fuel cell having a function to generate hydrogen as a standard model with an output of 30W. The product generates electricity by applying to PEM-type FC the hydrogen obtained from the reaction of calcium hydride with water and oxygen in the atmosphere. Therefore, the fuels are calcium hydride and water. With calcium hydride packed in a cartridge, the system enables long-lasting generation by just refilling water and replacing the cartridge.

A number of applications of the product include emergency power sources for indoor use in shelters or offices, storage battery charging, security camera or power source for electronic bulletin board. However, they say there is a prospective demand particularly in the outdoor-type sensors to measure atmospheric temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, earthquake, thunder, etc.

Main specifications: Output 30W (max. 100W in use of secondary batter); DC 12V / DC 5V; possible load of 600Whr x 2; sized W255 x D360 x H282 (mm); body weighting 6.5kg (body); fuel weighting 0.8kg per cell; and a water tank capacity of 1ℓ.

According to President Hirase, the existing battery for emergency power source weighs 40 kg, but that of new product weights only 7.3kg in total including the fuel. In addition to the environmental merit without any emission of exhaust gas thanks to the properties of FC, it is also a great feature that light-weight merits can be realized. The price of unit is 600 thousand yen each, and that of fuel cartridge is 10 thousand yen each. The company has a target to sell 50 units for the beginning year.