Fuel electrode-anode supported type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) comprise novel
fuel electrode design with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties.
The novel supporting anodes comprise a plurality of internal longitudinal elevations
or bosses projecting inwardly into the central bore of the tubular body for structural
reinforcement of the entire cell, increasing electrode surface area, optimizing
the anode electronic conductivity, and facilitating the mounting of the cell into
a SOFC assembly system (e.g., cell stack). The SOFCs of the invention contemplate
a range of tubular configurations, including cylindrical and polygonal shapes having
at least three surfaces. Low-cost manufacturing routes are also disclosed, whereby
the protruding bosses in the anode support do not require additional processing
steps compared to conventional forming techniques.