A fuel cell device is provided having an active central portion with an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte therebetween. At least three elongate portions extend from the active central portion, each having a length substantially greater than a width transverse thereto such that the elongate portions each have a coefficient of thermal expansion having a dominant axis that is coextensive with its length. A fuel passage extends from a fuel inlet in a first elongate portion into the active central portion in association with the anode, and an oxidizer passage extends from an oxidizer inlet in a second elongate portion into the active central portion in association with the cathode. A gas passage extends between an opening in the third elongate portion and the active central portion. For example, the passage in the third elongate portion may be an exhaust passage for the spent fuel and/or oxidizer gasses.