LOW LOSS INLET HEADER FOR FUEL CELLS

An inlet header (128A) having: an inner end, an outer end, a plurality of segments therebetween, including: an outer segment (320A) that extends from the outer end to a first intermediate end, the outer segment (320A) defines a cylindrical profile; a first intermediate segment (320B) that forms an outer elbow and extends from the first intermediate end to a second intermediate end, the second intermediate end has a rectangular shape, and the first intermediate segment (320B) increases in width proportionally as it extends toward the second intermediate end; a second intermediate segment (320C) that extends from the second intermediate end to a third intermediate end, the third intermediate end has a rectangular shape, and the second intermediate segment (320C) increases in width and height proportionally as it extends toward the third intermediate end; and an inner segment that forms an inner elbow and extends from the third intermediate end to the inner end of the inlet header (128A).