Review: Powertrekk fuel cell charger

Written by MSN

Created on Sunday, 08 January 2012 10:15

There was a time when taking a trip into the country, the outer beyond or Barry Island meant all telecommunications would cease once power supply to mobiles and other gadgets ran out. After all there's only so long a mobile battery can remain juiced and nature hasn't been so generous to supply us townies with nifty power points in the forests yet. But now with the PowerTrekk courtesy of super-smart technology from Sweden's myFC company, there is no need to be 'offline' or be denied access to your favourite digital toys that normally run off the electric grid - all you need is a little water.

The PowerTrekk is a portable, pocket-size fuel cell charger ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, ramblers, trekkers, campers and festival goers, which provides virtually instant power in any location in all weathers. Any piece of electronic equipment that can be connected via a USB can be charged up in seconds, including mobile phones, digital cameras and GPS devices. It is also a 2-in-1 solution acting as both a portable battery that can be charged from the mains, or as a fuel cell that can be juiced up anywhere through a simple process that even the clumsiest Blue Peter presenter could handle!

Powering up Gadgets
There are just two main components to this little gem. The compartment tray with lid and the PowerPukk, which is the actual fuel cell inserted inside. The entire device with its cool green or cream coloured lattice tray top is the size and weight of an average Tupperware box. You simply attach your mobile phone, digital camera or any other electronic gadget to be charged through a USB connector for instant power. The PowerPukk can be removed when used or recharged.

Technical Advantages
It's not just the dinky size of the PowerTrekk that is so appealing but also the fact that it is not impacted by the weather. Unlike solar power devices, the PowerTrekk won't let you down once the sun disappears or a storm starts brewing.

Also with ordinary batteries, where power sources are finite and eventually run out, the PowerTrekk offers an endless supply of fuel as long as you have access to a small amount of water. Its portable battery can be charged from the mains before your jaunt and the fuel cell can be charged through hydrogen gas technology, providing up to 1000mAh of usable electricity.

Technology
Without delving into quantum physics or a lesson in Einstein's Theory of Relativity, basically the technology the PowerTrekk operates on involves a natural chemical reaction. It cleverly (and we are assured) cleanly converts hydrogen into electricity. It's the small PowerPukk fuel cells made up of sodium silicide containers that are the stars of this smart technology, transforming the chemical energy of a fuel (in this case the hydrogen from water) and oxygen into electrical energy.

How To Charge
Imagine the setting. You're out rambling on the Yorkshire Moors and suddenly realise you need to phone home to ask the Mrs to tape Top Gear. But your mobile is as dead as a Dodo. Simply take out your trusty PowerTrekk and remove the tray top. Fill up the water compartment with just one table spoon of water and replace the lid. Insert a PowerPukk fuel cell into the second compartment and reattach the tray lid. Now press the magic Power Transfer button. Finally, connect your mobile phone to the PowerTrekk. Charging will begin in seconds and before you can say 'champion' you'll be ringing home or informing the mountain rangers where your location is.

Pros & Cons
The PowerTrekk certainly represents an exciting development in energy creation through the use of hydrogen where we may see cells used to power a multitude of gadgets and everyday appliances from computers to cell phones and even cars and homes, without the negative impact that fossil fuels have on the environment.

The only stated bi-product from the device is said to be a little water vapour. But it has to be pointed out that the technology is also using sodium silicide cartridges as its fuel charging component, which probably is no more eco-friendly than carrying around cheap disposable alkaline batteries that you can recycle. Neither is such technology as 'green' as simply using a 'crank up' power supply. The user also has to make sure they carry a supply of water with them. I doubt copious spitting will do the same job.

The PowerTrekk isn't going to run a hi-fi system for long without access to the electricity grid, but it is incredibly useful, cool to look at, has multiple appliances for juicing up a range of devices on the go and could just be a life saver in emergencies.
 

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