Abstract: A method for delivering an energy resource on a network includes receiving constraints, a first objective function, and a second objective function. The constraints represent electrical load capacities of elements of the network. The constraints and the first objective function are used to identify (i) a load matrix embodying a set of optimal electrical loads for each of the plurality of elements of the power grid and (ii) a corresponding first feature matrix. The load matrix and the first feature matrix optimize the first objective function and satisfy the constraints. If the load matrix and first feature matrix indicate a non-binding fully loaded (NBFL) constraint, the second objective function is used to identify a second feature matrix which optimizes both the first and second objective functions while satisfying the constraints. The second feature matrix assigns a non-zero value to at least one previously identified NBFL constraint.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly (2) includes a vessel (4) containing a gas-permeable, porous housing (16). A fuel cell stack (14), including cells (42) and interconnect plates (44), is contained within the porous housing. Each interconnect plate has oxidant and fuel sides (64, 60) adjacent to the cathode (58) and anode (62) of adjacent cells. Fuel (68) is supplied to the fuel side at positions (78) midway between the center (82) and the periphery (80) of the fuel side. Reaction products (90) are withdrawn from the center of the fuel side. Flue gas (100) is withdrawn from the center (98) of the oxidant side. Air is preheated as it passes through the porous housing to the fuel cell stack. The preheated air combusts residual fuel (110) flowing radially outwardly from the periphery of the stack to further heat the air to the stack operating temperature to eliminate any external preheating of the air.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack (6) includes at least first and second cells (40) and a separator assembly (42). Each cell includes an anode (44), a cathode (46) and electrolyte (48) between them. The separator assembly includes a fluid separator (58) having a fuel side, an oxidant side, an anode spacer element (68) between the fuel side and the anode of the first cell and a cathode spacer element (80) between the oxidant side and the cathode of the second cell. The separator assembly further includes a cathode exhaust passageway(86), having an exhaust inlet (84) at the central region (82) of the cathode spacer element, and an anode feed passageway (64), including a continuous loop anode feed tube, located spaced apart from the cell peripheral edge, with radially inwardly and outwardly directed fuel outlets (76, 78). An air deflector (62) helps prevent radially inwardly moving air from contacting the anode while permitting the air access to the peripheral edge (102) of the cathode spacer element.