MagPower - Model MAFC - Magnesium Air Fuel Cell
MagPower Systems Inc. has developed a powerful, reliable, plentiful and environmentally friendly non-toxic alternative power source that generates electricity by combining magnesium, saltwater and air. Magnesium-air saltwater technology was discovered in the 1960s but has not reached commercialization until now. With the discovery and development efforts of MagPower Systems Inc. the Magnesium-Air Fuel Cell (MAFC) is positioned to enter consumer markets as a commercially viable, alternative energy source.
The Company’s proprietary technologies incre...
The Company’s proprietary technologies increase individual cell efficiency to nearly eighty percent (80%) of the theoretical potential, better than conventional lithium ion systems. Unlike all battery technologies MAFC has a virtually “unlimited shelf life” (USL).
MAFC produces power through a process that is unique without any harmful toxins that can occur with conventional battery and fuel cell technologies. As a result energy output increases by 40% awakening the robust potential of the magnesium air fuel cell as a source of practical plentiful clean green and safe energy. The change in energy output also reveals other qualities that in practical applications development will engender valuable benefits both technologically and socially.
Unique Features
MagPower has developed a commercially viable product with superior advantages over competing alternative energy products.
Unique Features of the MAFC-250
- A functional design that is inexpensive to manufacture and operate
- Easy to operate
- No environmentally hazardous materials
- Portable and lightweight
- Indefinite dry storage life
- Easily replaceable fuel and electrolyte
- No degradation in a short circuit
Key Positive Attributes
- Economical
- A solid-fuel power source
- High Energy Density compared to standard batteries such as lead acid or nickel cadmium batteries
- Of the metal-air fuel cells, the MAFC has the highest energy density
- The MAFC can be safely developed up to large systems
- The MAFC can be stored indefinitely
- The MAFC has a high energy and power density
- The materials are readily available and construction requires no specialized equipment
MAFC verses HFC (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)
- MAFC is less expensive than HFC
- MAFC technology is less complex
- MAFC requires fewer components
- MAFC requires no specialized manufacturing, HFC manufacturing is specialized
- Magnesium is less volatile/combustible than hydrogen
- No special fuel storage needed for magnesium, while hydrogen requires special storage container
- Fuel for MAFC can either be magnesium or magnesium-alloy, while fuel (hydrogen) for HFC
- must be of relative high purity
- Magnesium is more readily obtainable than hydrogen for the portable consumer products
- MAFC electrolyte (salt water, sea water) is more environmentally friendly and less expensive than that for HFC
- MAFC is easily transportable via plane (no special permit needed), HFC may need a permit but hydrogen will certainly need a special permit
- MAFC is easily recycled
- MAFC is very consumer friendly
- MAFC is more energy efficient per cell than HFC (90% vs 45% – 60%)
- MAFC voltage is higher per cell than HFC (1.8 vs 0.8V)
- MAFC operating temp is lower than HFC (55C vs 70-100C)
- MAFC can operate at low temperatures (-20C), HFC does not operate very well at low temperatures
- MAFC has indefinite storage life
We see MAFC’s development potential flowing ...
We see MAFC’s development potential flowing from these unique naturally inherent qualities:
Power
Industry leading power to weight ratio. Energy density of our 12V unit is 136.19 Whr/kg without optimization. Better than a typical lithium ion system.
Instant-On Full Power
The ability to provide full power on demand gives engineers design flexibility and is a key feature for a number of applications.
Indefinite Shelf Life
Able to remain dormant indefinitely.
Until the electrolyte is added there is no self-degradation. All other systems suffer from self-degradation requiring maintenance and replacement depending on the application.
Safety
The essential materials used are non-toxic materials—no acids, bases, or volatile metals. Saline solution with the MPS agent as the cell’s electrolyte is harmless and requires no special handling.
Environmental Strength
- Magnesium is the 8th most abundant element on earth and production has escalated in recent years.
- The cell effluent is salt water and magnesium hydroxide, a compound commonly used as a stomach remedy.
- A MAFC system is naturally more practical around salt water environments than conventional batteries.
- Capable of handling extreme environments where other systems may have reliability issues.
Innovation
Timely development and effective deployment of the unique MAFC technology is the core strategy of MagPower Systems Inc. Attracting development partners as well as designing our own products will accelerate MAFC innovation to maximize market penetration of this emerging technology. The technology’s unique qualities and supporting regulation will allow an unhindered development curve.
History:
The magnesium-air fuel cell technology, initially discovered in the 1960s, remained a classroom curiosity for years due to the energy consuming formation of hydrogen during electrolysis. Despite considerable research, including by the U.S. Military, power levels and efficiencies required to compete against conventional batteries or fossil fuel powered generators were not achieved.
MagPower was established in 1999 and, in the ensuing years, discovered the means to turn the magnesium air fuel cell from an electrical curiosity into an energy source with disruptive market potential.
In the ensuing years the company focused on exploring the characteristics and properties developing a series of fuel cell applications such as generators and emergency lanterns. Corporate objectives now focus on licensing and development partnerships engaging the wider research community and OEMs for inclusion in commercial applications, production and sales.
How It Works
The MAFC Technology
The MAFC is a metal-air fuel cell that uses a magnesium metal (anode) as the fuel immersed in an electrolyte coupled with a gas diffusion cathode to generate a direct current.
The Magnesium-Air Chemistry
The Magnesium-Air Chemistry
The MAFC has the electrolyte versatility of using a common saline (salt) solution or ocean water. The performance capabilities of the MAFC can be enhanced through the addition of MagPower’s intellectual property. Unique among electrical power systems, a short circuit does not impair the cell. When the short is removed the cell returns to optimal operating conditions.
Discharge Curve – 1 cell at 5 amps
Energy = 108 whrs, Temp: 55C; vol = 0.5 l; wt anode = 140 gms
cathode surface area = 240 cm2
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