Patent ID: 8026013
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell unit comprising: a plurality of angularly spaced fuel cell stacks arranged to form a ring-shaped structure about a central axis, each of the fuel cell stacks having a stacking direction extending parallel to the central axis, wherein each of the stacks has a rectangular cross section; an annular cathode feed manifold surrounding the fuel cell stacks to deliver a cathode feed flow thereto; a plurality of baffles extending parallel to the central axis, each of the baffles located between an adjacent pair of the fuel cell stacks to direct a cathode feed flow from the annular cathode feed manifold and radially inwardly through the adjacent pair; an annular cathode exhaust manifold surrounded by the fuel cell stacks to receive a cathode exhaust flow therefrom; and a radial cathode exhaust flow passage located underneath the ring-shaped structure and extending from the annular cathode exhaust manifold in a generally symmetric 360 degree pattern to a location radially outward of the annular cathode feed manifold.