Fuel cell mechanical components

A modular fuel cell system, comprising:

• a metal base comprising:
• a peripheral metal frame;
• and
• metal cross members disposed within the frame and connecting opposing long sides of the frame, such that a hollow space is formed between each pair of cross members;
• a plurality of power modules arranged in a row on the base, such that bottoms of the power modules are exposed through the base by the hollow spaces;
• a fuel processing module and a power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base;
• electrical connectors disposed within the frame and electrically connecting the power modules to the power conditioning module;
• pipes disposed within the frame and fluidly connecting the power modules to the fuel processing module;
• at least one ancillary module located on the base, wherein at least one of the fuel processing, power and the power conditioning modules is at least one of electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one ancillary module through the base;
• and
• a concrete pier or curb located under the base and configured such that the power modules are accessible from below through the base,
• wherein:
• the cross members are configured such that a top surface of each cross member supports edges of at least two adjacent power modules;
• and
• each of the power modules comprises a separate cabinet comprising at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box.