A testing device for tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) includes a housing within which the tubular SOFC is mounted. The housing includes suitable inlets and outlets to allow a fuel gas, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant, such as air or oxygen, to interact with the anode and cathode of the tubular SOFC. In addition, the housing is formed of suitable material for placement in a heating device, such as a tubular furnace or a miniature tubular heater. A temperature sensor and computing device may monitor the temperature of the tubular SOFC in order to control the operation of the tubular heating device. In addition, the device provides electrical current collectors for coupling to the anode and cathode of the SOFC, which may be removable and reusable.

A testing device for tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) includes a housing within which the tubular SOFC is mounted. The housing includes suitable inlets and outlets to allow a fuel gas, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant, such as air or oxygen, to interact with the anode and cathode of the tubular SOFC. In addition, the housing is formed of suitable material for placement in a heating device, such as a tubular furnace or a miniature tubular heater. A temperature sensor and computing device may monitor the temperature of the tubular SOFC in order to control the operation of the tubular heating device. In addition, the device provides electrical current collectors for coupling to the anode and cathode of the SOFC, which may be removable and reusable.

A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cell units having a truncated cone shape and connected in series with each other is proposed. The series connection of the fuel cell units may be made such that a relatively small outer diameter portion of one of the fuel cell units is inserted into a relatively large outer diameter portion of another fuel cell unit adjacent to the one fuel cell unit.

A fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cell units having a truncated cone shape and connected in series with each other is proposed. The series connection of the fuel cell units may be made such that a relatively small outer diameter portion of one of the fuel cell units is inserted into a relatively large outer diameter portion of another fuel cell unit adjacent to the one fuel cell unit.