Alcohol powered Bio-Batteries

PhotonBoy · Apr 9, 2003

Bio-Batteries Could Lead Consumer Electronics Charge

"Biofuel cells, which use special enzymes to convert alcohol into energy, could replace rechargeable batteries in everything from laptops to PalmPilots.... Instead of recharging in a power outlet for a few hours, these new batteries can be fueled instantly and inexpensively with a few milliliters of ethanol..."

Interesting Article...

I can see a few possibilities:

1) Alcohol-fueled flashlights, laptops, cars.

2) Individual homes being heated and powered by alcohol bio-fuel cells. Think of the savings generated by reducing our dependence on nuclear fuel and huge, ugly electrical distribution grids.

3) Reduction in fossil-fuel generated pollution.

4) Reduced dependence on oil supplies from OPEC countries.

tonyb · Apr 9, 2003

Not to change the subject but, has anyone searched for super micro sized gasoline turbine engines yet, these things are going to have incredible effiency supposedly and be the size of a postage stamp and run a laptop? When I was a (kid 30 + years ago) I had model airplane engines that worked on nitro they still make them and they also have 4 strokers now, I always wanted to make a little generator from one that could run a bunch of stuff when I was backpacking.

UK Owl · Apr 9, 2003

on the site a review says :

The ethanol fuel cells are "about the size of a postage stamp," Minteer said. "We've tested probably 30 to 50 of them."

Whilst there is not mention of output voltage and there are some problems around stability that need to be solved, it sounds like they are nice and small for a high capacity, with a re-fillable feature they might be a godsend.

One little problem I foresee is this; as they require an oxidant (air) then they might not be suitable for the users of this forum as one of the features that many find desirable is 'environment proof'.

Imagine dropping your torch in some water ?

Will this temporarily stop the cell of long term kill it ?

PhotonBoy · Apr 9, 2003

I can see where the air-breathing part is a consideration; possibly a porous membrane that allowed water to bead off would permit operation in a rain storm or a damp environment.

Complete immersion like some waterproof lights/torches allow might not be possible, but is this necessary in all applications?

A laptop computer that ran for 12 hours on a pint of ethanol would be great, and wouldn't need to be waterproof.