Refillable solid-state hydrogen cartridges.The hydrogen cartridge used in the MINIPAK is called 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. Weight is 3.2 oz / 120g for each 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 cartridge has been designed according to international standards (ISO 16111) for transportable gas storage devices (Hydrogen absorbed in reversible metal hydride).
The HYDROSTIK is not a one time use, disposable cartridge, and is thus more environmentally friendly. Unlike other fuel cartridges for fuel cells, it has the additional advantages of being refillable (from pressurized gas bottles, or from water-electrolysis based devices), non-toxic, fully recyclable, and competitive on energy storage cost with existing battery devices.
NOTE: 1 HYDROSTIK = 10 disposable AA batteries at 1W continuous power consumption. This is because at 1W power consumption, most AA batteries can last less than one hour, while a HYDROSTIK has enough energy to last 10 hours. Since one HYDROSTIK can be refilled 100 times, the same replaces (10x100) or 1000 disposable AA batteries over its lifetime.
Each HYDROSTIK can store 11Wh of energy, which is enough for 1-2 charges of a 3G/4G iPhone style smartphone or 2-3 charges for the average cellphone. This is more than what present primary and rechargeable batteries are able to offer at the equivalent cost. HYDROSTIK refill service can be made available for bulk refills, providing a low-cost portable energy option for users. When using industrial hydrogen gas, the overall energy efficiency of the MINIPAK is higher than batteries being recharged from the power grid (when counting power plant efficiency, power line losses, and typical AC/DC efficiency of chargers).
