Patent ID: 7754363
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A direct liquid fuel cell generator comprising: a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell comprises a plurality of cells, each comprising an anode electrode comprising an anode catalysis layer, a cathode electrode comprising a cathode catalyst layer, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, for power generation by supplying a liquid fuel to the anode electrode and an oxidant gas to the cathode electrode; a load connected to an output from the direct liquid fuel cell generator to consume output power thereof; means connected to the output from the direct liquid fuel cell generator, for changing an output current density by controlling the load; means for measuring an output voltage from the direct liquid fuel cell generator; and a decision device connected to the current density control means and voltage detection means, for discriminating the condition of the fuel cell generator from the initiation time of the current density change, and from the measured results of the change of the output voltage, wherein a validity of the fuel cell is decided based on an observation result of time dependent changes of the voltage V of one cell which is caused by generating a current density change ΔI or −ΔI (ΔI in mA/cm