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Porous refractory ceramic blocks arranged in an abutting, stacked configuration and forming a three dimensional array provide a support structure and coupling means for a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Each of the blocks includes a square center channel which forms a vertical shaft whe

Porous refractory ceramic blocks arranged in an abutting, stacked configuration and forming a three dimensional array provide a support structure and coupling means for a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Each of the blocks includes a square center channel which forms a vertical shaft when the blocks are arranged in a stacked array. Positioned within the channel is a SOFC unit cell such that a plurality of such SOFC units disposed within a vertical shaft form a string of SOFC units coupled in series. A first pair of facing inner walls of each of the blocks each include an interconnecting channel hole cut horizontally and vertically into the block walls to form gas exit channels. A second pair of facing lateral walls of each block further include a pair of inner half circular grooves which form sleeves to accommodate anode fuel and cathode air tubes. The stack of ceramic blocks is self-supporting, with a plurality of such stacked arrays forming a matrix enclosed in an insulating refractory brick structure having an outer steel layer. The necessary connections for air, fuel, burnt gas, and anode and cathode connections are provided through the brick and steel outer shell. The ceramic blocks are so designed with respect to the strings of modules that by simple and logical design the strings could be replaced by hot reloading if one should fail. The hot reloading concept has not been included in any previous designs.

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A modular solid oxide fuel cell arrangement comprising: a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte therebetween and responsive to an oxidant and a fuel gas provided thereto for converting chemical energy of said fuel gas to direct current electrical energy; and block

A modular solid oxide fuel cell arrangement comprising: a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte therebetween and responsive to an oxidant and a fuel gas provided thereto for converting chemical energy of said fuel gas to direct current electrical energy; and block means coupled to said solid oxide fuel cell for providing support therefor, said block means including fuel and oxidant delivery means for respectively providing fuel gas and oxidant to said fuel cell and further including exhaust means for removing exhaust gases from said solid oxide fuel cell.