Next-Gen Power Sources Receive Dangerous Goods Panel Approval          

The International Civil Aviation Organization's Dangerous Goods Panel (ICAO DGP) voted last week to allow passengers to carry and use micro fuel cells and methanol fuel cartridges on-board airplanes to power laptop computers and other consumer electronic devices. The ICAO acted in response to a US Fuel Cell Council proposal to amend the ICAO Technical Instructions.

When the conditions currently in draft are formally adopted, the regulation will go into effect on January 1, 2007, with publication of ICAO's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

"This is a critical milestone in the global commercialization of micro methanol fuel cells," said Methanol Institute President and CEO John Lynn. "Strict air transport regulations will deliver safe and reliable methanol fuel cartridges into consumers' hands. In a few short years, we expect methanol fuel cartridges to be as commonplace as 'AA' batteries on store shelves in every corner of the world."

According to an ICAO release, fuel cell companies and consumer electronic manufacturers throughout the US, Europe, and Asia are developing micro fuel cell technologies to power the next generation of laptop computers, cellular phones and other essential modern devices. The new conditions adopted require compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission Specification for Micro Fuel Cell Safety, and places limits on the size and number of fuel cartridges to be carried.

Also, the fuel cells would be allowed in carry-on baggage only.

The passenger allowance covers four types of micro fuel cell systems: those using direct methanol fuel cells, reformed methanol fuel cells, and fuel cells powered by formic acid and butane fuels. The DGP did not act on proposals to include the use of hydrogen in metal hydrides and borohydride compounds. Last year, the United Nations Dangerous Goods Panel established model regulations for cargo shipping methanol fuel cartridges for micro fuel cell devices. 

"On behalf of the USFCC, I want to thank the panel for its hard work to date; the drafting was time consuming and involved many private and public sector organizations," said Robert Rose, USFCC Executive Director. "A successful outcome will be an important advance for the fuel cell industry."

Another key step in receiving the ICAO DGP's approval was the adoption of a design and performance specification in October by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The Methanol Institute and fuel cell industry leaders have worked for four years with national and international standards authorities to meet all requirements for safety.

FMI: www.icao.org, www.usfcc.com