Stockholm techies use water to charge mobile phones
January 12, 2012 by Nancy Owano 
(PhysOrg.com) -- A Swedish company headquartered in Stockholm has figured out how to power smartphones using a system that includes some water, a tray, a little round container, and an eyeglass case styled cover. The company, myFC, is introducing its PowerTrekk system to Americans at the CES show in Vegas. PowerTrekk describes its charger as a pocket size, lightweight gizmo for users “who spend time away from the electricity grid.” Translation: If you are hiking over the weekend with no Starbucks or friend’s flat in sight, your phone can still get charged.
The PowerTrekk portable, water-powered fuel-cell charger was first introduced last year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and is now being eyed at CES.
The setting up process is quick and easy: pour water in the tray, place little round container in tray, cover, connect with your USB and you are on your way. The system works with all devices powered by USB.
The hockey puck like container called the Powerpukk has sodium silicide which produces hydrogen gas when combined with water. Then there is a tray with a little opening where you pour in water, about a tablespoon. Sodium silicide is a specially developed chemical from SiGNa Chemistry. When mixed with water to release hydrogen gas, it is a key element of this system.
The New York-based company rep at the CES show performed the demo. Sodium silicide (NaSi), according to the company, is a nontoxic powder that produces hydrogen (H2)on-demand from its reaction with any type of water, including salt water, and is packaged in a cartridge for use with fuel cells rated from 1 W to 3 kW.
PowerTrekk is the first brand to use SiGNa’s “mobile-H2” product.
As for the water, there is no need to worry about whether you should pour from your cache of Evian or Desani, either. Since this was designed for trekkers in realtime, any dirty water from a stream or puddle will do, provided there is no undue sediment.
myFC says the PowerPukk’s are made of materials that prevent corrosion and leakage.
This brick-size cell phone charger produces about the same amount of power as four AA batteries and delivers about 10 hours of phone battery life, according to reports.
The system is expected to be in stores by May or June. Guesstimates of pricing have been varied, ranging from early reports of between $200 and $250 to more recent guesstimates that it may be listing for around $299 with replacement containers priced at about $4.
More information: http://www.powertrekk.com/
© 2011 PhysOrg.com
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Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 3 / 5 (10)
So what's the point? Why would you be lugging around your cell phone on such a hike in the first place?
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 4.7 / 5 (14)
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 4 / 5 (5)
GPS, music, camera etc...
Jan 12, 2012
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Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 5 / 5 (2)
Jan 12, 2012
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Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 2 / 5 (3)
Eww you said guesstimates. Not just that but you said it more than once in the same sentence.
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 3.3 / 5 (4)
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 5 / 5 (3)
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 5 / 5 (2)
1) how much current do you get over time.
2) it's said that you get 10 hours of use.
Is that it only works for 10 hours after activation or is that 10 hours of continuous use.
3) how much current will it deliver. it can run an iphone but can it charge an ipad.. most USB power devices can't.
As for using your phones gps.. if you don't have cellular coverage you don't have access to the map data.
Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 4.2 / 5 (5)
The chemical cartridge system would be a one-time use item, and once you drop it in the water there's no stopping it till it is expended. I guess the device might store the hydrogen, but it doesn't look like that's what it does.
Jan 12, 2012
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Jan 12, 2012
Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
Why have your cellphone, out-of-area? Because a helicopter trying to find you could pick up the signal. Some cellphones go into a beacon mode if they haven't moved for 24 hours.
Jan 12, 2012
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Jan 13, 2012
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Jan 16, 2012
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Then I thought if your out in the wilds use a map. Its so much cheaper and more reliable. If you need to attract attention then send your travelling partner for help.
What do you mean your travelling solo? Are you all mad?
Then I got the rest of the comments tripping my thoughts up and suddenly it occurred to me that the only reason that this device is being promoted and priced at this level is to get the funding to develop it further........and make loads of money aka Apple Corp iPhone/pad/pod Mk 1/11/111/1V/V etc. Don't you just love profitable marketing.
The days of decent conversations down the pub are degraded to the level of 'Which version do you own then'? How sad we are to want a material device of any sort at an astronomical price just so we have something to talk about over our pint or to impress the Ladies/Gents. :)