Abstract: An arrangement is proposed for a system with at least two molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell stacks (1, 2, 3). The cathode flows (14) of these stacks are connected in series while the anode flows (25) are in parallel. All stacks have an internal reforming device for a hydrocarbon fuel. Anode gas is recycled (24) from the stack outlets to the inlets. The invention allows the stacks to be of the same design and this reduces manufacturing costs. The cathode streams between the stacks are cooled by, for example, adding streams of cool air (15) to them. The cathode inlet temperatures can, therefore, be controlled by relatively inexpensive low temperature air valves. The invention allows the system to be designed with few heat exchangers, if any. The per pass utilization of all the oxidant streams and fuel streams are low. The efficiency of the system is typically 4-5 percentage points higher than that of equivalent conventional systems.

Abstract: An arrangement is proposed for a system with at least two molten carbonate or solid oxide fuel cell stacks (1, 2, 3). The cathode flows (14) of these stacks are connected in series while the anode flows (25) are in parallel. All stacks have an internal reforming device for a hydrocarbon fuel. Anode gas is recycled (24) from the stack outlets to the inlets. The invention allows the stacks to be of the same design and this reduces manufacturing costs. The cathode streams between the stacks are cooled by, for example, adding streams of cool air (15) to them. The cathode inlet temperatures can, therefore, be controlled by relatively inexpensive low temperature air valves. The invention allows the system to be designed with few heat exchangers, if any. The per pass utilization of all the oxidant streams and fuel streams are low. The efficiency of the system is typically 4-5 percentage points higher than that of equivalent conventional systems.

Abstract: An electric power generation system using fuel cells, wherein the system includes a stack of fuel cells each having an anode, electrolyte and a cathode. Associated with the anodes are anode passageways divided into two groups. Each group is formed by anode passageways connected to one of the two anode gas exhaust manifolds. Associated with the cathodes are cathode passageways divided into two groups. Each group is formed by cathode passageways connected to one of the two cathode gas exhaust manifolds. The anode exhaust gas in each of the manifolds is maintained completely separate from that in the other manifold. Similarly, the cathode exhaust gas is separate in the two manifolds. Fuel gas from a supply is fed to an inlet manifold supplying all of the anode passageways in which the reforming reaction takes place. Anode exhaust gas from the outer manifold is supplied to the inlet manifold to mix with the fuel gas to the anode passageways.

Abstract: A electrochemical power generation system comprising a plurality of fuel cells electrically connected to each other, each fuel cell having an anode and a cathode. A plurality of first passage means are associated with and defined by the anodes and a plurality of second passages means are associated with and defined by the cathodes. The first passage means is divided into a first group and a second group of passage means. A third passage means is connected to the inlets of the first group to supply fuel gas to the first group. A fourth passage means receives the anode exhaust gas from the first group. The fourth passage means is divided into first and second streams, the first stream is supplied to the third passage means and the second stream is supplied to inlets to the second group of the first passage means as fuel. Solid oxide fuel cells or molten carbonate fuel cells are used.