Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module includes a housing that contains a plurality of fuel cell elements called unicells. Each unicell comprises a plurality of microcells. The housing is divided into a plurality of housing sections. A compressible bulkhead disposed between two adjacent housing sections and has a plurality of holes formed therein to allow respective unicells to pass through the bulkhead. A clamp element compresses the bulkhead to form a gas-tight seal between said bulkhead and the unicells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell modules. The fuel cell module includes a housing that contains a plurality of fuel cell elements called unicells. Each unicell comprises a plurality of microcells. The housing is divided into a plurality of housing sections. A compressible bulkhead disposed between two adjacent housing sections and has a plurality of holes formed therein to allow respective unicells to pass through the bulkhead. A clamp element compresses the bulkhead to form a gas-tight seal between said bulkhead and the unicells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell assembly having a plurality of microcells, and to methods of assembling fuel cell assemblies from microcells. A plurality of microcells is circumferentially spaced around a central member. Each microcell comprises an inner current collector having one or more microchannels formed therein, a proton exchange membrane surrounding said inner current collector, and an outer current collector disposed on the outside of said proton exchange membrane. A first electrical connector disposed at a first end of the fuel cell assembly electrically connects to the inner current collectors of said microcells. A second electrical connector disposed at a second end of the fuel cell assembly electrically connects to the outer current collectors of the microcells. In one embodiment, inner and outer seals are disposed in spaced relation to one another adjacent the first end of said fuel cell assembly.