Fuel cell with embedded current collector

A fuel cell (10, 10', 10", 10''', 10'''') includes one or more fuel cell assemblies (12). Each of the fuel cell assemblies (12) has an electrolyte (14, 14',14") having a length (34), an anode (16) having a length (36) and disposed on one side of the electrolyte (14, 14', 14"), and a cathode (18) having a length (38) and disposed on the same or the other side of the electrolyte (14, 14', 14"). The fuel cell (10, 10', 10", 10''', 10'''') further includes a plurality of current collectors (20). Each of the current collectors (20) is substantially embedded within, and continuously extends substantially the respective length (34, 36, 38) of at least one of the electrolyte (14, 14', 14"), anode (16) and cathode (18).