A patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday, titled “Fuel Cell System to Power a Portable Computing Device,” to Apple Inc. elaborates about a new way to power iOS devices and MacBooks. Apple’s invention uses energy sources such as methanol, hydrogen or other types of fuel cell sources and converts those into electrical power. The patented invention could enable devices to run continuously for days or weeks. However, Apple agrees that designing a cost effective and portable fuel cell can be challenging.
In one embodiment, the fuel cell is placed outside a MacBook as an external battery pack through an external connector. Apple comments that the invention is compatible with any connector that provides power as well as bidirectional communication between the device and fuel cell. This means that the fuel cells can also be used for other devices such as its iPhones and iPads. In other embodiment, the connected device possesses the ability to control the fuel cell through data over the connecting cable, such as temperatures, remaining fuel and voltages.
Like all Apple patents, it is still unclear if Apple wants to integrate this into its product line and when it would be integrated. However, with ever increasing customer demand for better battery life of their electronic devices, fuel cell technology is one option that may help Apple in fulfilling customer demands. Recently, Apple launched a new Macbook that featured “terraced electric cells” that offer much more battery life as compared to the previous model.
Apple has been coming out with innovative features like the ‘Sport Touch‘ and project collaboration patents which continues to prove that Apple is still one of the most innovative companies on the face of this earth.
The iPhone Help
The iPhone Help