NOVELTY - Tubular fuel cell assembly includes an anode-side current collector which comprises a tubular metallic structure which permits fuel gas in tubular passage (14) to contact anode layer (12). The tubular metallic structure is at least partially embedded in the anode layer.    USE - None given.    ADVANTAGE - The current collection on the anode side of the fuel cell is improved over the nickel cermet current collectors, with an electrical conductivity 500 times greater at the operating temperature of a solid oxide fuel cell (700 - 1000 degrees C) and an improved thermal conductivity. This permits smaller devices to be adopted and losses to be reduced. By at least partially embedding the tubular metallic structure of the anode side current collector in the anode layer, the tubular metallic structure provides a degree of reinforcement to the solid oxide fuel cell, also permitting smaller devices to be adapted while at the same time improving thermal and mechanical shock resistance.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Tubular fuel cell assembly (10) comprises:    (a) an anode side which comprises an anode layer (12) in electrical contact with an anode-side current collector and defines a tubular passage (14) for fuel gas;    (b) a solid oxide electrolyte layer (18) on a radially outer surface of an anode layer;    (c) a cathode layer (20) on a radially outer surface of the electrolyte layer; and    (d) a cathode-side current collector on the cathode layer.    The anode-side current collector comprises a tubular metallic structure which is adapted to permit fuel gas in the passage to contact the anode layer. At least the surface of the tubular metallic structure is formed of nickel or nickel alloy. The tubular metallic structure is at least partially embedded in the anode layer.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (i) a tubular fuel cell assembly comprising (a), (b), (c) and (d) above in which the cathode layer is discontinuous along the length of the assembly to provide a set of longitudinally spaced cathode portions; and    (ii) a fuel cell bundle comprising a set of tubular cell assemblies each of which is mechanically connected to one or more adjacent tubular fuel cell assemblies.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a cross-section through one embodiment of a single tubular fuel cell assembly.    Assembly (10)    Anode layer (12)    Tubular passage (14)    Mesh (16)    Electrolyte layer (18)    Porous cathode layer (20)    Gaps (22)    Silver mesh (24)    Silver strip (26)