Abstract: A sealless, planar fuel cell stack system, including a continuous bottom plate, a first permeable or interconnect layer, a continuous cell, a second permeable or interconnect layer, a continuous top plate, a fuel supply member, and an oxidant gas supply member, is provided. The fuel cell system of the present invention does not require glass-based sealants to seal its planar components. In the present system, the continuous cell of the system is supported by the first permeable layer. The second permeable layer is supported by the continuous cell. The fuel supply member supplies fuel into the first permeable layer. The fuel supply member extends between an outer edge and a center region of the first permeable layer and allows distribution of the fuel in a radial fashion. Further, the fuel supply member is connected to an external fuel manifold adjacent the outer edge. The oxidant gas supply member supplies oxidant gas into the second permeable layer.

Abstract: A radial planar fuel cell stack comprises an internal manifold having a first interior cavity and a second interior cavity. A plurality of single cells having an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer therebetween are disposed about the manifold. A manifold bracket operatively fixes the manifold to at least one of the single cells. The manifold bracket describes a channel in communication with at least one of the first and second interior cavities. A porous element is disposed in the channel and ensures uniform distribution of gases over 360°.

Abstract: A sealant for a solid oxide fuel cell comprises a glass material that acts as a matrix, with the glass material being present between about 40 to 90 wt. %. A gap-filler material is also in the sealant and selected from the group consisting of a metal material and a ceramic material, with the gap-filler material being present between about 10 to 60 wt. %. The sealant can seal a gap as large as about 3 mm.