Overcoming another obstacle to their adoption (once they’re eventually mass produced and practical), the US Department of Transportation has given the green light to fuel cell accessories on airline flights. According to CNet’s Green Tech Blog, the department has decided that passengers will be allowed to carry approved methanol fuel cells and up to two spare fuel cell cartridges in their carry-on luggage. The ruling isn’t much of a precedent as Canada, China, Japan, and the UK already let passengers carry their nonexistent fuel cells onboard.
Fuel cell technology is not yet widely available on the market — however, several cell phone makers — such as Motorola and Samsung — are planning on introducing the technology sometime in 2009. The application of fuel cells as an energy source is considered safe — as one would have to hold a flame to the enclosed methanol to create a fire. As many of us know, lighters and matches are generally scooped up by aviation security before boarding.
For more information, check out the CNET article here.
