Abstract: A fluid guiding assembly for fuel cells, including a channel structure and a gas diffusion layer arranged on the channel structure, the channel structure defining flow field channels extending from a first end of the channel structure to an opposite second end, wherein a porous distributor is arranged at both ends of the channel structure, extending over the entire width of the channel structure.

Abstract: A fuel cell including at least one membrane, at least one anode electrode layer, at least one cathode electrode layer, at least two gas diffusion layers and at least two flow field structures. The at least one membrane is arranged between one anode electrode layer and one cathode electrode layer, forming a membrane electrode assembly and defining an active area. One gas diffusion layer is arranged adjacent to each electrode layer. One flow field structure is arranged adjacent to each gas diffusion layer. Each flow field structure includes at least three fuel manifolds, at least three oxidant manifolds and at least three coolant manifolds. The fuel cell includes at least two active areas and in that at least one fuel manifold, at least one oxidant manifold and at least one coolant manifold is arranged between the at least two active areas.

Abstract: The fuel cell includes several assembled cells with end plates at the top and bottom of the cells that are compressed using an external retention kit. An end plate that is at the top or bottom of the assembly which separates the compression force on the active area and sealant around the cell. The end plates give the freedom and flexibility to adjust compression force on specific areas in the assembly accurately without interfering with other components and the active area.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes an CCM layer with a sub-gasket frame around it to provide gas manifolds and sealant. A flow path is integrated on the sub-gasket in vicinity of the inlet and outlet manifolds that provides a passage for the gases to/from the active area. The flow path provides a rigid path without deforming or clogging the passage.

Abstract: A SOFC system having a fuel reformer for reforming a gaseous hydrocarbon stream and steam into a hydrogen rich gas, a solid oxide fuel cell stack including an anode and a cathode for electrochemically reacting the hydrogen rich gas and a cathode air stream to produce electricity, an anode exhaust stream and a cathode depleted air stream. The anode exhaust stream and the cathode depleted air stream are kept separate, a burner for combusting a mixture of the anode exhaust stream and a fresh air stream to complete combustion and produce heat for the reformer control unit and a blower are also provided. The control unit controlling the blower for controlling the mass flow rate of the fresh air stream to provide heat to the reformer to reform the gaseous hydrocarbon stream and to produce a burner exhaust stream.

Abstract: A SOFC system having a fuel reformer for reforming a gaseous hydrocarbon stream and steam into a hydrogen rich gas, a solid oxide fuel cell stack including an anode and a cathode for electrochemically reacting the hydrogen rich gas and a cathode air stream to produce electricity, an anode exhaust stream and a cathode depleted air stream. The anode exhaust stream and the cathode depleted air stream are kept separate, a burner for combusting a mixture of the anode exhaust stream and a fresh air stream to complete combustion and produce heat for the reformer control unit and a blower are also provided. The control unit controlling the blower for controlling the mass flow rate of the fresh air stream to provide heat to the reformer to reform the gaseous hydrocarbon stream and to produce a burner exhaust stream.