the disclosure relates to a fuel cell including a solid electrolyte layer disposed on a separator plate . another separator plate positioned adjacent the separator plate mounting the solid electrolyte layer are joined to a surface of the first separator plate to form an electrode separator assembly having a chamber between the joined separator plates . working fluids may be supplied to or exhausted from the chamber through openings in fluid communication . a porous support member may be positioned within the chamber . the first separator plate and the porous support member may include a multiplicity of ribs defining channels in fluid communication with the chamber .