TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Method: The method (M1) further involves periodically adjusting the minimum required time based on the sensed operating condition. The minimum required time is computed based on the following steps: calculating a first battery capacity loss required to close the valve; calculating a second battery capacity loss required to open the valve; calculating a battery capacity loss rate by leaving the valve in the open position; and calculating the minimum required time further based on a comparison of the calculated first and second battery capacity losses and the calculated battery capacity loss rate. The step of determining the minimum required time comprises selecting the minimum required time from a lookup table. The operating condition comprises a sensed temperature, wear parameter, and sensed humidity. The step of controlling actuation of the valve to open the valve when greater battery electrical output is required involves controlling actuation of the valve to open the valve when a battery voltage falls below a low voltage threshold. The step of controlling actuation of the valve to close the valve when lesser battery electrical output is required involves controlling actuation of the valve to close the valve when the battery voltage exceeds an upper voltage threshold. The method (M1) further involves monitoring a rate of change of battery voltage and controlling the valve to open the valve based on the monitored rate of change of battery voltage; and sensing position of the valve. The valve comprises a moveable plate and the valve is opened and closed by moving the moveable plate. Preferred System: The controller dynamically adjusts the minimum required time based on the sensed operating condition. The minimum required time is selected from a lookup table. The sensor comprises a temperature sensor for sensing temperature as the sensed operating condition; a wear detector for sensing a wear parameter of the valve; and a humidity sensor for sensing humidity. The fluid consuming electrode comprises an air electrode. The controller monitors a rate of change of voltage of the battery and controls the valve based on the rate of change of voltage. The system further comprises a position sensing to sense position of the valve. The controller calculates a first battery capacity loss required to close the valve, calculates a second battery capacity loss required to open the valve, calculates a battery capacity loss rate by leaving the valve in the open position, and calculates the minimum required time further based on a comparison of the calculated first and second battery capacity losses and the calculated battery capacity loss rate. The valve comprises a moveable plate that is actuatable by the actuator to open and close the valve. The controller controls the actuator to open the valve when greater battery voltage is required and to close the valve when lesser battery voltage is required. At least a portion of the system is disposed in a device powered by the fluid consuming battery. EXAMPLE - No suitable example given.