Abstract: An actuator is provided. The actuator includes a pair of electrode layers, and an ionically conductive polymer layer arranged between the pair of electrode layers. The ionically conductive polymer layer is configured to bend or deform as a result of the application of a voltage between the pair of electrode layers. The electrode layers each include carbon particles and an ionically conductive resin, and the ionically conductive resin binds the carbon particles with each other.

Abstract: In a cell stack of fuel cells according to the present invention, an output power density is measured at each of an upstream-side electricity generating section, which is located at an upstream-side of flow of fuel, and a downstream-side electricity generating section located at a downstream-side thereof. If the voltage at the upstream-side is higher than that at the downstream-side, a control operation to increase the concentration of fuel is performed. Conversely, if the voltage at the upstream-side is lower, a control operation to decrease the concentration of fuel is performed. Control directed to fuel concentration maximizing electricity generating efficiency may be implemented by repeatedly performing such control operations. There is no necessity for providing a concentration sensor in each of the generating sections. Consequently, simplification of configuration of and reduction in the size of the fuel cell may be achieved.

Abstract: In a cell stack of fuel cells according to the present invention, an output power density is measured at each of an upstream-side electricity generating section, which is located at an upstream-side of flow of fuel, and a downstream-side electricity generating section located at a downstream-side thereof. If the voltage at the upstream-side is higher than that at the downstream-side, a control operation to increase the concentration of fuel is performed. Conversely, if the voltage at the upstream-side is lower, a control operation to decrease the concentration of fuel is performed. Control directed to fuel concentration maximizing electricity generating efficiency may be implemented by repeatedly performing such control operations. There is no necessity for providing a concentration sensor in each of the generating sections. Consequently, simplification of configuration of and reduction in the size of the fuel cell may be achieved.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell power generator, and a fuel cell power generator to be operated by the method, which method enables feeding of a diluted fuel having an optimum concentration to a power generation unit even without measuring an absolute concentration typically using a sensor are provided. Specifically, how an output voltage of the power generation unit varies depending on a flow rate of a diluted fuel is monitored. Thus, the diluted fuel may be adjusted to have an optimum concentration always, even without measuring an absolute concentration typically using a sensor. According to this operation method, output characteristics and electrical efficiencies can be maximized according to a load and conditions of a fuel cell power generator.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a system in which a fuel cell can be operated by use of a fuel having a constantly optimum concentration. It is another object of the present invention to shorten the time taken in starting a fuel cell. A low-concentration fuel for performing mainly a power generation reaction and a high-concentration fuel for performing mainly the power generation reaction and a reaction for raising the temperature of a power generation cell are stored respectively in separate storage vessels, whereby the fuel supplied to a negative electrode can be instantaneously changed over according to the temperature of the power generation cell. This makes it possible to perform an operation at a constantly optimum fuel concentration.

Abstract: Catalytic electrodes, and their production process, as well as electrochemical devices and their fabrication process are provided. The catalytic electrode includes a catalyst layer, which contains an electrolyte composed of a solid polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene and also contains catalyst particles such as Pt. The solid polymer electrolyte has a crosslinked structure. The catalytic electrode is produced by forming the catalyst layer with the solid polymer and catalyst contained therein, and exposing the catalyst layer to radiation to crosslink the solid polymer and to bond side chains to the solid polymer, and further to introduce into the side chains ion dissociative groups.

Abstract: An actuator is provided. The actuator includes a pair of electrode layers, and an ionically conductive polymer layer arranged between the pair of electrode layers. The ionically conductive polymer layer is configured to bend or deform as a result of the application of a voltage between the pair of electrode layers. The electrode layers each include carbon particles and an ionically conductive resin, and the ionically conductive resin binds the carbon particles with each other.

Abstract: Fuel cell apparatus and method for feeding a fuel for fuel cell. Optimal power generation for the output demanded by a fuel cell can be achieved. A fuel mixer can adjust the methanol concentration of a mixed solution, and it adjusts the concentration of the mixed solution to an optimal methanol concentration for a load. Information on the methanol concentration detected by a concentration sensor is sent to a controller and referred to when the fuel mixer adjusts the methanol concentration of the mixed solution. The concentration sensor 115 provided immediately before the fuel cell can achieve power generation while detecting the substantial methanol concentration of the mixed solution fed to the fuel cell.

Abstract: Optimal power generation for the output demanded by a fuel cell can be achieved. A fuel mixer 106 can adjust the methanol concentration of a mixed solution, and it adjusts the concentration of the mixed solution to an optimal methanol concentration for a load 114. Information on the methanol concentration detected by a concentration sensor 115 is sent to a controller 112 and referred to when the fuel mixer 106 adjusts the methanol concentration of the mixed solution. The concentration sensor 115 provided immediately before the fuel cell can achieve power generation while detecting the substantial methanol concentration of the mixed solution fed to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen gas, an apparatus for producing hydrogen gas, and an energy conversion system, which are so designed as to generate hydrogen extremely efficiently without the help of catalyst are provided. The hydrogen gas is generated by decomposing a metal hydride in a mixture composed of said metal hydride, water, and a second solution which has a pH value lower than that of the aqueous solution of said metal hydride wherein the metal hydride is represented by a formula: ?z(1-x)?zx[BHy], where ? and ? are mutually different elements selected from Groups 1A, 2A, and 2B of the periodic table; and x, y, and z are defined respectively by 0?x?1, 3<y<6, and 0<z<3.

Abstract: In a cell stack of fuel cells according to the present invention, an output power density is measured at each of an upstream-side electricity generating section, which is located at an upstream-side of flow of fuel, and a downstream-side electricity generating section located at a downstream-side thereof. If the voltage at the upstream-side is higher than that at the downstream-side, a control operation to increase the concentration of fuel is performed. Conversely, if the voltage at the upstream-side is lower, a control operation to decrease the concentration of fuel is performed. Control directed to fuel concentration maximizing electricity generating efficiency may be implemented by repeatedly performing such control operations. There is no necessity for providing a concentration sensor in each of the generating sections. Consequently, simplification of configuration of and reduction in the size of the fuel cell may be achieved.

Abstract: Catalytic electrodes, and their production process, as well as electrochemical devices and their fabrication process are provided. The catalytic electrode includes a catalyst layer, which contains an electrolyte composed of a solid polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene and also contains catalyst particles such as Pt. The solid polymer electrolyte has a crosslinked structure. The catalytic electrode is produced by forming the catalyst layer with the solid polymer and catalyst contained therein, and exposing the catalyst layer to radiation to crosslink the solid polymer and to bond side chains to the solid polymer, and further to introduce into the side chains ion dissociative groups.

Abstract: A supertwisted nematic liquid crystal display having twist angle of 180 to 270° C. and comprising: a pair of substrates each having an orientation-controlling layer and a transparent electrodel; a liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal composition, which is sandwiched by the substrates; and at least one polarizing sheet provided on at least one of the substrates, wherein the liquid crystal composition comprises: at least one compound represented by formula (I): and at least one compound represented by formula (II): and wherein said liquid crystal composition has a nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature of 75 to 150° C. and a refractive index anisotropy (&Dgr;n) of 0.07 to 0.25. The symbols in formulae (I) and (II) are defined in the specification.

Abstract: A supertwisted nematic liquid crystal display comprising: a pair of substrates each having a liquid crystal orientation-controlling layer and a transparent electrode; a liquid crystal material held between said substrates; and at least one polarizing sheet provided on at least one of said substrates, wherein said liquid crystal material comprises: (a) a compound represented by formula (I): and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: compounds represented by formula (II): and compounds represented by formula (III):

Abstract: A supertwisted nematic liquid crystal display comprising: a pair of substrates each having a liquid crystal orientation-controlling layer and a transparent electrode; a liquid crystal material held between said substrates; and at least one polarizing sheet provided on at least one of said substrates, wherein said liquid crystal material comprises: (a) a compound represented by formula (I): 1

Abstract: A supertwisted nematic liquid crystal display having twist angle of 180 to 270° C.