Sustainable Energy

Water-Activated Generator

Hydrogen fuel cells may be decades away from widespread use in cars, but later this year, consumers will be able to buy a fuel-cell generator that’s light and compact enough to grab off a shelf during a blackout–or even take on a backpacking trip. The 22-­centimeter-tall generator weighs about two kilograms with an unactivated fuel cartridge. Add water, plug in a device, and the system pumps sodium borohydride solution over a catalyst, freeing hydrogen to power the cell.


Credit: Courtesy of Millennium Cell

Product: HydroPak water-activated power system

Cost: $400; $20 per fuel cartridge

Source: www.millenniumcell.com

Company: Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, Millennium Cell