Abstract: An electrode which can be used in a fuel cell having improved power generation performance and high durability, and a fuel cell having such an electrode, are provided. An electrode having catalyst layers arranged on both surfaces of an electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrode is characterized in that an electrode binder used for constituting the catalyst layers contains a cross-linked compound (X) having a silicon-oxygen bond, a polymer material (Y) containing an acid group, and an aqueous dispersion (Z) containing a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode material of the present invention includes: a porous body (1) formed of continuous and discontinuous polytetrafluoroethylene microfibers (2) and having three-dimensionally continuous micropores (4); and a conductive material (3) supported on the porous body (1). Moreover, a density of the polytetrafluoroethylene microfiber (2) is lower in a surface region (1A) of a cross section of the porous body (1) than in an intermediate region (1B) of the cross section. In accordance with the present invention, the polytetrafluoroethylene having the predetermined three-dimensional structure is used, and so on. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gas diffusion electrode material excellent in power generation characteristics and durability.

Abstract: The polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the invention includes: an electrolyte membrane that is made of a solid polymer; catalyst electrode layers that are arranged and formed on two opposed faces of the electrolyte membrane; gas separators that form reactive gas supply flow paths to allow passage of reactive gases subjected to an electrochemical reaction to the catalyst electrode layers; a holder element that is located on periphery of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst electrode layers to support at least the electrolyte membrane; an expansion element that is linked with the holder element to be expandable in an electrolyte membrane surface direction; and a fixation element that is linked with the expansion element to be fixed to the gas separators. This arrangement effectively prevents deterioration of the electrolyte membrane, due to expansion or contraction of the electrolyte membrane in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a battery, and a DC/DC converter capable of connecting the fuel cell and the battery on a power feeding circuit. A method of starting operation of the fuel cell system includes the steps of connecting a bypass line connected to a battery for bypassing the DC/DC converter to the power feeding circuit, and directly supplying electrical energy from the battery to an air compressor of an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus through the bypass line in a state where the fuel cell is disconnected from the power feeding circuit.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the composition has a pH of 0.8 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) having a liquid fuel and an anode electrode configured to generate power. The anode electrode includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a microporous layer, such that a decrease in the porosity of the GDL achieves an increase in the power density of the DOFC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogen activating material, which includes as a major constituent an iron-semiconductor alloy containing iron and semiconductor components. It also provides a consumption controlling material for water-soluble electrolyte chemical cells and fuel cells. In addition a hydrogen activating method is also provided.

Abstract: Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and/or electrical energy into chemical energy with a housing (2, 3, 3a), which is open towards at least one side (6) and in which a pressure chamber (4) is formed, and with at least one electrochemically active cell (5) for energy conversion, which extends from the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) into the housing (2, 3, 3a), wherein the open side (6) is closed by a plate (7, 31), which holds and/or supplies power to the cell (5). A sealing element (8, 9) is arranged between the housing (2, 3, 3a) and the plate (7, 31), closes the open side (6) of the housing (2, 3, 3a) in a fluid-tight and/or gas-tight manner so as to form the pressure chamber (4) and is formed at least partially from an elastic material.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus including a product dispenser in which product is dispensed by manual movement of an activation mechanism as, for example, by moving a lever with a person's hand, arm or foot. The dispensing apparatus includes an electrical generator for generating electrical energy as a result of the manual movement of the activation mechanism, preferably by electromagnetic induction or electrochemistry. The electrical energy from the generator is utilized in the dispensing apparatus to power a data communication unit for receiving information about the product dispenser and transmitting the information to a receiver, preferably but not necessarily wirelessly.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.

Abstract: Catalyst layers include an electrocatalyst having high oxygen reduction activity that is useful as an alternative material to platinum catalysts. Uses of the catalyst layers are also disclosed. A catalyst layer of the invention includes an electrode substrate and an electrocatalyst on the surface of the electrode substrate, and the electrocatalyst is formed of a metal compound obtained by hydrolyzing a metal salt or a metal complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilator of fuel-cell vehicles for ventilating hydrogen in the hydrogen-system unit area arranging a hydrogen circulating device in the fuel-cell vehicles boarding the fuel cell. The ventilator of fuel-cell vehicle includes a first ventilating device for taking ventilating air in from a front side of the fuel-cell vehicle to hydrogen-system unit area arranging the fuel cell, the hydrogen supply device, and the hydrogen exhaust device in the center of front and rear direction of the fuel-cell vehicle; and a second ventilating device for sucking the ventilating air taken in from the rear end of vehicle body of the fuel-cell vehicle to the hydrogen-system unit area.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell 1 having a fuel gas passage 1D and an oxidizing gas passage 1E; a fuel gas feeder 2; an oxidizing gas feeder 3; a fuel gas exhaust passage 8; an oxidizing gas exhaust passage 9; a test gas feeder 20 configured to feed a test gas to either the fuel gas passage 1D or the oxidizing gas passage 1E; a flow rate detector 5 configured to detect the flow rate of the test gas; a first passage blocking device 4; and a controller 10, wherein said controller 10 controls said first passage blocking device 4 to block off the passage and controls the test gas feeder 2 to feed the test gas to said fuel cell 1, thereby obtaining a detected value from the flow rate detector 5 or an airtightness value that is numerical information into which the detected value is converted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to in-situ, line-of-sight measurements of partial pressure and temperature associated with at least one flow channel of a fuel cell. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is employed for measurements for which water transition states sensitive to temperature and partial pressure are utilized. Measurements are achievable for a fuel cell operating under both steady-state and time-varying load conditions. For steady-state operation, the water partial pressure increases with increasing current density on a cathode side of the fuel cell due to production of water by electrochemical reaction. Temperature in a gas phase remains relatively constant since the fuel cell housing temperature is controlled externally. For non-steady-state operation of the fuel cell through a time-varying current profile, the water partial pressure responds to the load changes rapidly and follows a current profile.

Abstract: The invention is directed to iridium oxide based catalysts for use as anode catalysts in PEM water electrolysis. The claimed composite catalyst materials comprise iridium oxide (IrO2) and optionally ruthenium oxide (RuO2) in combination with a high surface area inorganic oxide (for example TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and mixtures thereof). The inorganic oxide has a BET surface area in the range of 50 to 400 m2/g, a water solubility of lower than 0.15 g/l and is present in a quantity of less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The claimed catalyst materials are characterized by a low oxygen overvoltage and long lifetime in water electrolysis. The catalysts are used in electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and membrane-electrode-assemblies for PEM electrolyzers as well as in regenerative fuel cells (RFC), sensors, and other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a fuel cell consists of a porous plastic substrate, a conductive layer and a catalyst layer, in which the substrate is hydrophilic. Preferably the substrate has a water wicking rate no less than 40 mm per 600 s. Such an electrode may be used in a fuel cell, with an electrolyte chamber (8) defined between two opposed electrodes (11, 12), the electrodes having the catalyst layers (5) facing away from the electrolyte in contact with respective gas chambers (7, 9). Preferably the electrolyte is maintained at a negative pressure during operation.

Abstract: A technique includes operating a converter to convert a first voltage produced by an electrochemical cell stack in a power producing mode into a second voltage. The technique includes operating the converter to convert a third voltage into a fourth voltage to drive the electrochemical cell stack in a pumping mode.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy.

Abstract: An oxidizing gas purification apparatus (1) for a fuel cell (7) has a compressor (2) that compresses oxidizing gas and sends the oxidizing gas; a cooling apparatus (4), disposed downstream from the compressor (2), that cools the oxidizing gas passing therethrough; an adsorbent unit (5b), disposed downstream from the cooling apparatus (4), that houses an adsorbent (5a) that adsorbs impurities included in the oxidizing gas sent from the cooling apparatus (4) at a prescribed adsorption temperature and releases the adsorbed impurities at a prescribed thermal regeneration temperature that is above the prescribed adsorption temperature by control of the operation of the cooling apparatus (4) to cool the oxidizing gas that has a temperature above the prescribed adsorption temperature and that is sent from the compressor (2).

Abstract: A two-stage voltage step-up converter and energy storage system is utilized for harvesting trickling electrons from benthic microbe habitats. A relatively random low voltage from the microbial fuel cell (less than about 0.8 VDC) is provided to the first stage step-up converter, which stores power in a first output storage device. A first comparator circuit turns on the second stage step-up converter to transfer energy from the first output storage device to a second output storage device. A second comparator circuit intermittently connects the load to the second output storage device. After initial start-up, the system is self-powered utilizing the first and second output devices but may use a battery for the initial start-up, after which an automatic switch can switch the battery out of the circuit.

Abstract: Electrodes and electrocatalyst layers incorporating modified carbon products. The modified carbon products may advantageously enhance the properties of an electrode or electrode layer, leading to more efficiency within the a fuel cell or similar device.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane is obtained which can give an excellent power generation characteristic when the membrane is applied to, in particular, a fuel cell wherein high-concentration methanol is used as a fuel. In the aromatic hydrocarbon based proton exchange membrane of the invention, the ion exchange capacity is set into the range of 0.6 to 1.3 meq/g. Moreover, the area swelling rate for a 30% by mass methanol aqueous solution at 40° C. is set into the range of 2 to 30%. Preferably, a sulfonic acid group is bonded to an aromatic ring of the aromatic hydrocarbon based polymer contained in the aromatic hydrocarbon based proton exchange film. Preferably, the aromatic hydrocarbon based polymer is a polyarylene ether based polymer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell sealing plate taking-out method that may include forming an air layer between adjacent sealing plates and taking out a sealing plate from a stack of sealing plates one by one. A protrusion may be formed beforehand at one or more surfaces of each sealing plate. Also, a sealing plate taking-out apparatus having a suction pad and a projection that protrudes more than the suction pad toward the sealing plate. Due to the air layer formed between adjacent sealing plates, it may be possible to take out the sealing plate one by one from the stack of sealing plates.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for receiving input fuel, input water and input oxidant comprising a humidifying assembly for combining the input fuel with input water to produce humidified fuel, a fuel cell having an anode for receiving the humidified fuel and a cathode for receiving the input oxidant, and a power load controller for controlling a power load on the fuel cell system based on a power output set point and changes in the detected load.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing degradation in a fuel cell assembly, including at least one fuel cell with a PBI membrane, during standby, operation. The method may include electrochemically consuming an oxidant from a cathode coupled to the PBI membrane in response to a disconnection of an external load and supplying fuel to remove or electrochemically consume any back-diffused oxidant to the associated fuel cell sufficient to replace or consume the back-diffused oxidant while the external load is removed, and/or also may include controlling a standby temperature of the fuel cell. In this way, it may be possible to avoid increased cell voltage decay associated with degradation of the PBI in a simple and cost effective system.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit, a reformer with a catalyst and heat pipes around the catalyst, and a combustor connected to the heat pipes. A first fuel pipe sends fuel into the reformer. The fuel is reformed in the reformer. A first air port sends air into the reformer. An anode pipe sends the reformed fuel into the fuel cell unit. The chemical reaction of the reformed fuel occurs in the fuel cell unit. A cathode pipe sends the air into the fuel cell unit. A residual reformed fuel pipe sends residual reformed fuel into the combustor. A hot air pipe sends hot air into the combustor. The residual reformed fuel pipe is mixed with the hot air and burned in the combustor. A second fuel pipe sends more fuel into the combustor if necessary. A second air port sends air into the combustor if necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system in a mode of reduced power output. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack (BS) having at least one fuel cell (BZ) with an anode (A), a cathode (K), and a proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode inlets, anode and cathode outlets, and a hydrogen and air supply. In order not to adversely affect the life span of the fuel cell system, the air supply to the cathode (K) is interrupted during the changeover to the mode of reduced power output, and an electric voltage (U) of the fuel cell stack (BS) is reduced by means of a current pulse.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency measurement system includes a fuel supply tank for supplying hydrogen to be used as a fuel to a fuel cell of the vehicle during measurement of fuel efficiency and a precision electronic balance for detecting a weight of the fuel supply tank so as to perform the measurement of fuel efficiency based on a vehicle driving distance and a change in weight of the fuel supply tank measured by the electronic balance during measurement of fuel efficiency. According to the fuel efficiency measurement system, it is possible to more accurately calculate fuel efficiency without using hydrogen of a hydrogen tank installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane or gas diffusion electrode includes an ion-conducting polymeric material which includes moieties of formula (A) which are substituted on average with more than 1 and 3 or fewer groups (e.g. sulphonate groups) which provide ion-exchange sites and hydrogen atoms of said moieties are optionally substituted, wherein each X in said moieties of formula A independently represent an oxygen or sulphur atom. The ion conducting polymeric material is suitably prepared by controllably sulphonating a polymeric material using about 100% sulphuric acid at 34° C. to 36° C.

Abstract: A fuel cell system capable of reducing time spent before actual execution of low-temperature countermeasure processing is provided. At the time of activation, a control unit for the fuel cell system refers to, for example, a detected FC temperature and judges whether or not the low-temperature countermeasure processing is necessary for the activation. If the control unit determines that the low-temperature countermeasure processing is necessary, it controls an output voltage of the fuel cell to be a target voltage for the low-temperature countermeasure processing, without having the fuel cell enter an OCV state, and then executes the low-temperature countermeasure processing.

Abstract: A metal oxide electrode catalyst which includes a metal oxide (Y) obtained by heat treating a metal compound (X) under an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The valence of the metal in the metal compound (X) is smaller than the valence of the metal in the metal oxide (Y). Further, the metal oxide electrocatalyst has an ionization potential in the range of 4.9 to 5.5 eV.

Abstract: A fuel cell system control system includes a fuel cell system and a controller. The controller includes a display and a processor configured to execute a program for managing an operation of a fuel cell state machine having a plurality of states and capable of executing logic to execute state transitions, and a fuel cell failure detection and correction program, configured to detect one or more fuel cell system failures and correct each detected failure while the fuel cell system continues to operate. The control process includes the steps of representing an operation of a fuel cell control system as a state machine having one or more states, controlling the operation of the fuel cell system using the state machine, executing one or more states of the state machine, and correcting operational errors in the fuel cell control system while the fuel cell system continues to operate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a hydrogen gas pipe system for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell, and an injector for adjusting a pressure of the upstream side of the hydrogen gas pipe system to supply the hydrogen gas to the downstream side, wherein the injector includes an internal channel for communicating the upstream side of the injector with the downstream side of the injector, and a valve body movably arranged in the internal channel for switching a channel opening area in multiple stages corresponding to a movement position of the valve body, and wherein water at least around the valve body of the injector is reduced when the system stops.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided and includes fine catalyst particles of a composition represented by formula (1): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hf, W, Ni, and V; u, x, y, and z are 10 to 98.9 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 35 atm %, and 0.5 to 35 atm %, respectively, or formula (2): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ct, Mo, Nb, Zr, and T; u, x, y, and z are 40 to 70 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 15 atm %, and 0.5 to 15 atm %, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell housing structure includes a fuel cell, an electrically insulated housing and a vent gas port. The electrically insulated housing contains the fuel cell. The housing is arranged to provide a space within the housing surrounding the fuel cell. The vent gas port is provided in the housing. The vent gas port connects to the space at a position above or on a same level as the fuel cell. In the fuel cell housing structure, water entering the housing from the vent gas port is blocked from contacting the fuel cell.

Abstract: A textured surface is formed on at least one of a fuel cell mounting plate or fuel cell subassembly to define a joint spacing between these two components. In a preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises a plurality of dimples coined or otherwise formed in the metal mounting plate. The joint spacing improves the manufacturing and assembly process of the fuel cell cassettes through precise application and control of the brazing process which improves the braze joint strength while reducing material cost.

Abstract: The invention is a new and improved method of generating an electric current in an Electrolytic Fuel Cell. An electric current is produced by the rupture of hydrogen bonds to oxygen atoms of water molecules by hydrolyzation of alkaline metals from the surface of a tape passing through a turbulent moving stream of a diffuse mixture of air and water. The electrons produced by the chemical reaction of dissociation are subsequently attracted to the finned surfaces of an ionic capacitor which is connected in series with an electrolytic capacitor which delivers the current to the load.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode including a cathode catalyst, and a first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles between the anode and the cathode, such that the first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles is not in contact with the anode. The cathode may be a cathode assembly including a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and proton-conducting metal nanoparticles on the cathode catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack and an EESD electrically coupled to a common high voltage bus line. The EESD has a higher voltage output than the fuel cell stack, and thus the stack is unable to fully charge the EESD, for example, at system shut-down. In order to allow the fuel cell stack to fully charge the EESD, the EESD is separated into a plurality of separate electrical storage banks having lower voltage potentials. A series of contactors are provided to electrically couple the storage banks in series during normal system operation, and separately charge the storage banks using the fuel cell stack so that they are fully charged. The series of contactors can also be configured so that the storage banks can be electrically coupled in series during normal operation of the system and be electrically coupled in parallel during charging at system shut-down.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fuel source including a chemical hydride and at least one reactive metal source selected from the group consisting of a reactive metal, a reactive metalloid and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) includes a cation exchange membrane defining an anode chamber, an anode positioned in the anode chamber, and a cathode in contact with an exterior of the cation exchange membrane. A restrictor in contact with the cation exchange membrane defines an opening through which water flows into or out of the anode chamber. The MFC includes bacteria in the anode chamber that oxidize organic compounds in the water while oxygen is reduced at the cathode, such that electricity is generated in the absence of an external power source. In an example, the MFC is coupled to a buoy and provides electricity to an electrically powered device also coupled to the buoy, thereby providing a low-maintenance source of power in remote locations. The electrically powered device may be, for example, a light or a sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating power from the voltage gradient naturally found in marine sediments. A pump flows sediment porewater to an anode, and a cathode is exposed to marine water. The arrangement can power a circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is capable of easily determining whether or not supply of gas to a cathode has been cut off after an issuance of a power generation stop command. The fuel cell system includes a cell stack which includes a plurality of fuel cells; a stop valve which is brought to a closed state as the power generation stop command is issued, thereby cutting off an inflow of air into a pipe, and therefore into the cell stack; a power generation sensor which detects a voltage of the cell stack after the issuance of the power generation stop command; and a CPU which controls an operation of the fuel cell system. When a main switch is turned off while the cell stack is in a power generating operation, an operation stop command and the power generation stop command are given to the CPU. After the power generation stop command is issued, the CPU determines whether or not air supply to the cell stack has been cut off, by comparing the voltage of the cell stack to a first threshold value.

Abstract: Separators of a fuel cell include sandwiching sections which sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies and have fuel gas channels, first bridges each having a fuel gas supply channel, and a fuel gas supply unit. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. Further, the separators include second bridges each having an exhaust fuel gas channel for discharging the fuel gas after consumption in the electrolyte electrode assemblies as an exhaust fuel gas, and an exhaust fuel gas discharge unit having an exhaust fuel gas passage for allowing the exhaust fuel gas to flow in the stacking direction. The exhaust fuel gas discharge unit is connected to the fuel gas channel through the fuel gas supply passage.