Apple is considering fuel-cell-powered MacBooks

While Apple’s current battery life on their MacBook series of laptops might seem reasonable (5-7 hours of wireless web surfing), how would you feel about a laptop that could operate for days, possibly even weeks without recharging? Well it appears that Apple has thought about that thanks to newly published patents that reveal plans for a possible fuel-cell-powered MacBook computer.

These fuel-cells will not be powered by fossil fuel, but by renewable energy such as hydrogen fuel that is being used in hydrogen fuel cells. The result would be a device that could operate “for days or even weeks without refueling,” not to mention could be even smaller and lighter as it would essentially do away with the need for heavier and bulkier batteries.

However Apple admits that there are challenges in creating hydrogen fuel cell systems that are both portable and cost efficient. Given how Apple has prided their products on being green by featuring recyclable parts that are BFR- and PVC-free, moving towards renewable energy would definitely be in line with the company’s vision. Unfortunately as with most patents, it’s impossible to say if and when they will be made a reality.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Computers, Green
Tags: Macbook, Patent, renewable energy