Patent ID: 8658327
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell system comprising: a. a plurality of fuel cells for chemically converting a fuel mixture into electric current, each fuel cell having an inner anode layer forming an anode, an electrolyte layer disposed on the inner anode layer, and an outer cathode layer disposed on the electrolyte layer, each fuel cell also having a metallic end cap bonded to the fuel cell such that a seal is made via a bond between the metallic structure of the end cap and a surface of the anode on an outside diameter of the fuel cell and current collection occurs across a bond between an inside diameter of the fuel cell and the end cap, the end cap including an orifice for allowing flow of fuel to an interior of the fuel cell, wherein the cathode and electrolyte layers terminate short of the manifold so as to allow the seal to be made to the surface of the anode on the outside diameter of the fuel cell; b. a cell manifold for supporting the plurality of fuel cells and for delivering the fuel mixture to interior portions of the fuel cells, the manifold having a plurality of fuel cell receptacles in fluid communication with a fuel distribution plenum, each fuel cell receptacle mating with a connecting ferrule portion of the end cap of a fuel cell, such mating providing electrical connectivity between the manifold and the end caps and also providing for delivery of fuel from the fuel distribution plenum to the interior portions of the fuel cells through the end cap orifices; and c. wherein the seal includes a leak-tight ceramic-to-metal joint.