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Apple phones could soon last WEEKS on a single charge: Patent details a fuel cell system that would replace current batteries

The patent was filed in March this year and has already been awarded
It details a 'fuel cell system' for a battery that could last 'weeks'
Fuel cell technology generates energy using hydrogen and oxygen
It has the potential to power devices for days, or even weeks

Published: 07:02 EST, 4 September 2015 | Updated: 08:08 EST, 4 September 2015

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It seems Apple is determined to improve the battery life of its various devices after years of complaints from owners.

The tech firm has been awarded a patent for a 'fuel cell system' that would replace the clunky, toxic batteries found in its Macbooks with cells that have the potential to last 'days or even weeks.'

It is the second time, in a matter of weeks, Apple has been reported as looking to revamp how it powers its devices using the smaller, more environmentally-friendly technology.

The patent was filed to the US Patent Office in March this year and has already been awarded. It details a 'fuel cell system (illustrated) for a portable computing device, comprising a fuel cell stack which converts fuel to electrical power [and] a fuel source for the fuel cell stack'

The patent was filed to the US Patent Office in March this year and has already been awarded.

It details a 'fuel cell system for a portable computing device, comprising a fuel cell stack which converts fuel to electrical power [and] a fuel source for the fuel cell stack.'

The files specifically make reference to the MagSafe connector seen on Apple's range of Macbooks, suggesting the cell system would initially be designed for its laptop range.

However, the technology can be made smaller, which would make it suitable for the iPhone or even the Watch and it may be introduced in future models.

A KINDLE THAT LASTS TWO YEARS

Reports emerged last week that Amazon is working on Kindle e-reader with a two-year battery life.

Engineers at Amazon's Lab126 said they hoped to produce a battery that could last on a single charge for almost 24 months - even if the device is being used.

The current battery life of a Kindle ranges from between six weeks and two months, depending on usage.

Given the timeframe of the patent filing, though, it is unlikely to be seen in the iPhone 6S expected to launch next week.

'Such fuel cells and associated fuels can potentially achieve high energy densities, which can potentially enable continued operation of portable electronic devices for days or even weeks without refueling,' continued Apple in the patent.

Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion.

They typically combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electrical energy and only emits heat and water, making it safer for the environment.

By the nature of its electrochemical reaction, a fuel cell can be more than twice as efficient as other forms of battery.

The patent specifically makes reference to the MagSafe connector seen on Apple's range of Macbooks (pictured), suggesting the cell system would initially be designed for its laptop range. But, the technology can be made smaller, which would make it suitable for the iPhone or even the Watch

Fuel cells (animated) produce electricity without combustion.They typically combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electrical energy and only emits heat and water, making it safer for the environment. By the nature of its electrochemical reaction, a fuel cell can be more than twice as efficient as other forms of battery

HOW DO FUEL CELLS WORK

Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion.

They typically combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce electrical energy and only emits heat and water, making it safer for the environment.

By the nature of its electrochemical reaction, a fuel cell can be more than twice as efficient as other forms of battery.

Fuel cells are like batteries in that they are electrochemical devices, but unlike batteries do not need recharging and will continue to operate as long as they are provided with fuel.

It is not a new technology, but it is being adopted by a number of large firms, especially car makers including Toyota and Honda.

Last month, fuel cell experts Intelligent Energy announced a tiny prototype hydrogen-powered fuel cell for the iPhone 6, which it said keeps the power-hungry handset running for a week without recharging.

At the time, rumours suggested Intelligent Energy was working with Apple to develop future models.

Neither company commented on the speculations, but this latest patent filing hints that there may be some truth to the reports.

The thin prototype system works in a similar way to those being developed for eco-friendly cars but is vastly smaller.

The fuel cell is so thin that it fits inside the current iPhone 6 without making it any bulkier.

Last month, fuel cell experts Intelligent Energy announced a tiny prototype hydrogen-powered fuel cell for the iPhone 6 (pictured), which it said keeps the power-hungry handset running for a week without recharging. At the time, rumours suggested Intelligent Energy was working with Apple to develop future models

The fuel cell is so thin that it fits inside the current iPhone 6 without making it any bulkier. The only noticeable modification from the outside are small vents on the rear of the handset for water vapour to escape. A file image of the interior of an unmodified iPhone 6 is shown

Intelligent Energy recently won an award for its external charger Upp (shown alongside an iPhone)

The only visible difference is the addition of small rear vents, which enable water vapour to escape from the phone.

Intelligent Energy is working on a disposable cartridge for smartphones that it said is ‘still a couple of years out'.

It would fit into the bottom of smartphones, containing enough gas to keep them charged for a week.

Experts believe the market for hydrogen fuel cell batteries is vast - perhaps as much as £300 billion ($471 billion) a year, but there is no estimated price for the gas cartridges.

While external batteries using fuel cell technology are currently available, they tend to be expensive and bulky.

However, Intelligent Energy recently won a gold Edison Award for its relatively small external charger called Upp.

The device is a hydrogen micro generator and is essentially a larger version of the firm’s impressive iPhone 6 fuel cell prototype.

The device, which is bigger than the iPhone, requires a hydrogen cartridge to be snapped onto its end, and provides five full smartphone charges.

It costs £149 ($234) including the first cartridge and empty cartridges can be handed in and refilled for £5.95 ($935).

An accompanying app lets users find fuel and exchange cartridges as well as manage their charging and see how much power is left in the fuel cell.