It is an electrochemical device that generates electric power from either hydrogen or from alternative fuels like methanol, propane, butane or natural gas. The power output of these cells for compact portable system is in the range of 25 watts to 45 watts.
Some salient features of these Fuel cells are:
They are environmentally friendly technology.
Recharging the battery involves replacing the liquid fuel only and does not require shutting down the computer.
Fuel cell-based computers are still relatively expensive.
Solid-oxide fuel cells have electrolyte layers that are 100 microns thick or more (a micron is one thousandth of a millimeter). The thinness cuts down internal resistance to electric current which makes it possible to get comparable power output at much lower operating temperatures.
The portable electronics industry is also exploring miniature fuel cells as a more powerful and long lasting replacement for batteries.
