Apple files patent for new power technology for devices
05 Sep 2015
Apple has filed a patent for a new power technology that could help MacBook run for not hours, not days, but weeks without needing recharge.
The patent describes a fuel cell system, which would function as a small internal power source that would not add weight to the flagship laptop.
It referred specifically to Apple's MagSafe charger for MacBooks, which indicated that it might not be used for iPhones or iPads.
According to a Wired report, the patent included a number of potential fuel sources which would be mixed with water.
Potential fuels described in the patent included borohydride, sodium silicate, lithium hydride, magnesium hydride, a hydrocarbon and compressed or liquid hydrogen and others.
Fuel cells work by mixing a fuel such as hydrogen with oxidising agent like water or oxygen and unlike batteries, these do not need to be refueled once they ran out and could last for weeks.
The patent further detailed that the purported fuel cell system will be in the form of a removable cartridge that could be slotted in and would likely operate alongside a normal battery.
The tech giant had been rumoured to be working with Intelligent Energy to incorporate fuel cell systems into current and future iPhone models.
