a fuel cell system wherein a plurality of fuel cells are arranged in a series of stages , the number of fuel cells decreasing in number in each stage from anode gas inlet to the anode gas outlet . the system allows for parallel flow to all of the cells in a given stage and series flow between the various stages . a similar configuration is present on a cathode side of the system . however , the direction of flow is reversed , providing a greater number of cells in the stage nearest the cathode outlet and a fewer number of cells in the stage near the cathode gas inlet . the invention further provides for the various stages to be configured such that the direction of flow of the anode gas of a given stage is generally opposite the direction of flow of the cathode gas of a given stage .