TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Components: The reformer sub-assembly is a partial oxidation, auto-thermal, closed loop adiabatic or steam reformer. The air supply header comprises transition pieces (265) and main supply header. Each transition piece connects the main supply header to the air supply channel, and comprises an orifice. Each orifice is sized to balance the pressure of a supply of air to each fuel cell stack. The air and water return header comprises a water removal device. The fuel discharge header comprises a bottom outlet valve for connecting the fuel discharge header to the fuel outlet channel. Each fuel cell stack is radially placed around the reformer subassembly, and comprises a node, each having a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell assembly that is externally strapped. Each PEM fuel cell assembly comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a gas diffusion layer, a gas and liquid diffusion layer, an anode gas flow field, and a cathode gas and liquid flow field. The MEA has two catalytic active layers, an anode side and a cathode side. Each of the gas diffusion layer and the gas and liquid diffusion layer has a top face and a bottom face. The bottom face of the gas diffusion layer is located adjacent to the anode side. The top face of the gas and liquid diffusion layer is located adjacent to the cathode side. The anode gas flow field comprises a three-dimensional open-cell foamed structure for gas diffusion. The cathode gas and liquid flow field comprises a three-dimensional open-cell foamed structure for gas and liquid diffusion, and has corrugations that create microchannels running parallel to the air supply channels. The corrugations have a pitch and a run. The pitch is at least2/3 of the run. The PEM fuel cell assembly comprises a Nafion electrolyte. Each fuel cell stack may comprise two end plates that are aligned, fuel cell assemblies interposed between the end plates, an internal foil having an anode connection surface and a cathode connection surface, and a compression assembly. The end plates are circular members and comprise apertures for use in conjunction with the compression assembly. The compression assembly is a tie rod assembly exerting less than 45 psi of compressive force on the fuel cell stack assembly.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: Each of the anode gas flow field and cathode gas and liquid flow field may comprise tin oxide, nickel, nickel alloy, copper, copper alloy, gold or gold alloy; or may be plated with tin oxide, gold, iridium, silver or copper. The MEA comprises a platinum or a platinum/ruthenium catalyst. The gas diffusion layer and the gas and liquid diffusion layer comprise a fibrous layer.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The two end plates are made of polyetheretherketone.