Introducing MiniPAK - Hydrogen powered portable electronic device charger

Mobile devices are becoming more sophisticated and need more power for longer times in order to remain practical to consumers. Horizon is combining its consumer product know-how with innovative fuel cartridge technologies to form a new device named MiniPAK able to charge a variety of portable electronics for longer durations and at a lower cost than existing disposable, rechargeable battery alternatives.

"The MiniPAK portable electronic device charger is designed to meet the needs of users who want more portable energy in one package, at a lower cost than existing rechargeable battery-based options."

Introducing the MiniPAK "Personal Power Center", a palm-size universal portable power charger and power extender for ANY electronic device requiring up to 3W of power. Devices compatible with the MiniPAK include cellphones, but also smartphones, gaming devices, GPS handhelds, small lighting devices and MP3 players. The MiniPAK device integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a "solid-state" hydrogen storage unit. The MiniPAK DC power output is 2.5W (5V, 400mA), delivered through standard micro-USB port and a multi-choice cable. The device is supplied with 1 refillable and ready to use solid state hydrogen cartridge and a highly innovative home refilling station set to eliminate past concerns over fuel availability and cartridge replacement infrastructure can be purchased separately. The MiniPAK is positioned to address gaps in providing energy "on the go" to power-hungry device users, as well as a low cost energy storage option for emergency and long duration off-grid power users.

MiniPAK features:

- More available energy than most existing devices (Wh)
- Cheaper for the amount of storable energy ($/Wh)
- "Hot swappable" energy by simply swapping "empty for full" cartridges on the go
- No wall sockets ideal for remote "off-grid" use or international travel
- Refillable H2 storage!
- Able to carry on-board aircraft cabin - thanks to recent legislation on metal hydride devices
- Eco-friendly: if disposed, canisters do not contain any mercury, cadmium or lead
- Sustainable product: product makes use of recycled plastics and green materials
- Ready-to-use device - no need to charge cartridges prior to first-time use
- No self discharge - energy can be stored in solid state for years
- Smaller size for similar weight when compared to best available batteries
- Easy to use (Universal USB for multiple devices), no need for adaptor plugs
- Multiple use - can be used for numerous portable devices, not just cell-phones!
- Infrastructure for the future - HydroFILL "home refuelling station" can be used for many other fuel cell devices

HydroSTIK refillable solid-state hydrogen cartridges (1 included, order more here)
The fuel cartridge used in the MiniPAK is called a HydroSTIK. It has a battery-like form factor and contains a special metal alloy that allows hydrogen to be stored in a solid-state, as part of the metal alloy matrix inside the cartridge. In contrast with ordinary compressed hydrogen tanks, the pressure inside the canister is very low, making this device the safest and most practical means of storing hydrogen. The HydroSTIK has the additional advantages of being refillable (from pressurized gas bottles, or from water-electrolysis based devices), non-toxic, eco-friendly, and competitive on cost/performance with existing battery devices. Each HydroSTIK can store 15Wh of energy, enough for up to 4 charges of a 3G smartphone, or up to 6 charges for average cellphones, which is more than what present primary and rechargeable batteries are able to offer at equivalent cost.

HydroFILL: home hydrogen refueling unit for HydroSTIK (sold separately)
The HydroFILL is a "world-first" small-scale home hydrogen station that allows consumers or retailers/distributors to refill solid state canisters in a simple way, using water and electricity as only input. By adding water, and plugging the HydroFILL into a electrical wall-socket (or a solar panel), consumers can generate hydrogen and store it in a solid form automatically in HydroSTIK cartridges. Once full, the battery-like "solid-state"HydroSTIKs can be unplugged from the HydroFILL and placed into the MiniPAK (or other fuel cell devices) to deliver power via a USB port.

MORE INFORMATION

MiniPAK: MiniPAK Brochure / MiniPAK FAQ / MiniPAK User Guide / Hi-res images I / Hi-res image II
HydroFILL: Brochure / High resolution images (light) / High resolution image (dark)