Serial connected fuel cell stack module assembly

A large, scalable SOFC system based on modules, which may be connected in series on the cathode gas side. The fuel cell stacks are aligned side by side and assembled into a stack module with cathode inlets on one face of the module and the cathode outlets on the other face of the module. The stack modules are serially connected in a simple manner by placing the stack modules one after the other, so that the outlet face of the first module faces the inlet face of the second module and so on. In the chamber between two stack modules, the air is cooled for example by addition of cold quench air or by a heat exchanger. This offers compactness, simple stack/system interface and improved system performance. The modules are designed for manufacturability, well-balanced heat management and high fuel utilization.