Abstract: An electric circuit used in a vehicle having an idling stop function of automatically stopping and automatically restarting an engine includes an electric generator, a first electricity storage capable of charging and discharging electric power generated by the electric generator, a second electricity storage connected in parallel to the first electricity storage, capable of charging and discharging the generated electric power, and having high durability against repetitive charge and discharge compared to the first electricity storage, an engine restarter, which is connected to the first electricity storage and the second electricity storage, configured to crank the engine at a time of the automatic restart, and a switch, which is connected between the engine restarter and the first electricity storage, configured to block a flow of current between the engine restarter and the first electricity storage. The switch includes at least a semiconductor switch.

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: A fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with same mounted thereon are provided. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit provided with a conduit for an oxidant gas containing at least oxygen, a heat radiation unit connected to the power generation unit so as to radiate heat from the power generation unit, a gas flow means for causing the oxidant gas to flow in the conduit, and a cooling means driven independently from the gas flow means so as to cool the heat radiation unit. By independently controlling the driving of the gas flow means and the cooling means, the fuel cell can be driven in such a manner that the temperature of the power generation unit and the amount of water remaining in the power generation unit are regulated into preferable conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with the same mounted thereon in which power generation can be performed stably and various apparatuses are contained therein in a compact form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an electricity generator which has an oxygen electrode, a fuel electrode, and a solid polymer type electrolyte membrane disposed between the oxygen electrode and the fuel electrode, and a method for controlling the fuel cell.

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: 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 fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with same mounted thereon are provided. The fuel cell includes a power generation unit provided with a conduit for an oxidant gas containing at least oxygen, a heat radiation unit connected to the power generation unit so as to radiate heat from the power generation unit, a gas flow means for causing the oxidant gas to flow in the conduit, and a cooling means driven independently from the gas flow means so as to cool the heat radiation unit. By independently controlling the driving of the gas flow means and the cooling means, the fuel cell can be driven in such a manner that the temperature of the power generation unit and the amount of water remaining in the power generation unit are regulated into preferable conditions. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a fuel cell and an electronic apparatus with the same mounted thereon in which power generation can be performed stably and various apparatuses are contained therein in a compact form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an electricity generator which has an oxygen electrode, a fuel electrode, and a solid polymer type electrolyte membrane disposed between the oxygen electrode and the fuel electrode, and a method for controlling the fuel cell. The fuel cell has a problem in that the electrolyte membrane is dried to lower the ion-exchange characteristics when lowering the load current or increasing the air feed rate during the operation or when allowing the fuel cell to stand for a long time, so that the output of the fuel cell is considerably lowered. In the present invention, a load control portion for permitting a load on the fuel cell to vary depending on the output state of the fuel cell or an air feeding control portion is proved in the fuel cell and controlled to increase the load current or suppress the air feeding when the output characteristics are lowered or the internal resistance value is increased, thus solving the above problem.

Abstract: Elements which exhibit good thermal conductivity are disposed in contact with permanent magnets of an electric motor. These elements absorb heat from the magnets and reduce the rate at which the temperature of the magnets increases. The elements can be provided with fins and the like to increase the rate at which heat is released from the elements.