4/6/04 Samsung presents new 10 hour Fuel Cell Notebook Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT)

Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT; CEO: Yoon-woo Lee) together with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. have recently announced the successful generation of electric energy of 100Wh note PC by 100cc methanol solution, enabling the continuous usage of notebook PCs for more than 10 hours without recharging.

Fuel Cell is known as the next generation energy that is highly efficient and environmentally benign. The market size is estimated at US$5 billion per year from 2006.

Applying nano materials technology, SAIT has succeeded in reducing the amount of catalyst by 50% by developing the Mesoporous carbon material, which supports highly efficient nano catalyst particle with 3 nanometers in dimension. Furthermore, SAIT has developed its unique nano composite concept to prevent methanol crossover by more than 90%. This composite uses a proton conducting membrane that possesses a proton conductivity rate of 0.1S/cm and is 30- to 100-micron in thickness.

Meanwhile, energy efficiency of DMFC was optimized by a unique stack design that has a parallel fuel supply flow, which combined with a high-efficient controller and Samsung Electronics package technology was successfully applied to Samsung's notebook PCs.

Dr. Hyuk Chang, who is responsible for fuel cell research at SAIT is planning to give an invited talk at the International Conference of Small Fuel Cell (SFC 2004, Arlington, USA) in May this year. SAIT has filed a total of 40 international patent applications for the secured technologies.

Dr. Chang stated, "We are planning to do some additional research with Samsung SDI to meet the criteria for commercialization, including energy density and cost, and we are optimistic about the successful application of DMFC in Samsung Electronics note PC series, including SensQ He also revealed, "We aim to replace the portable and residential power supply with fuel cell in the future."

About SAIT

Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology is the corporate central Research & Development organization. It develops innovations and new findings in the areas of digital, nanotechnology, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System), opto, energy, and biotechnology. Activities include researching frontier technology for creating new businesses, and developing leading and basic technology for enhancing competitiveness of existing products. SAIT also provides Samsung affiliates with mid- and long-term technology strategies and technology consulting. Other functions include various technical services such as complex computer simulations and sample and process analysis as well as providing training and consulting for DFSS (Design For Six Sigma) for the group. Established in 1987, today it employs 950 people.

4/7/04 Samsung develops direct methanol fuel cell IDG News Service