Abstract: A flexible seal for use in a solid oxide fuel cell stack is formed from a ceramic fibre matrix impregnated with a plurality of metallic or semi-metallic particles which are then converted to a corresponding ceramic particle, such as by oxidation. The seal may be formed by dipping the fibre matrix into a slurry, suspension or sol-gel of the particles in an alcohol, and then firing the seal to oxidize the metal particles. The seal may also be formed by tape casting a slurry formed from metallic or semi-metallic particles, ceramic fibres and/or ceramic particles.

Abstract: Integrated ethanol manufacturing by fermentation of biomass, with an electrical fuel cell generator of electrical and heat energy, the cogeneration including use by the fuel cell of the alcohol, and of the carbon dioxide from the fermentation, which increases the generation of energy, and use by the alcohol manufacturing of the heat and electrical energy from the fuel cell, which increases the fuel manufacture.

Abstract: A fuel reformer wherein a catalyst is situated along the length of a chamber and wherein heat conductive means is also situated along such chamber length for promoting more uniform heating of the catalyst.