The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for use with an electrolyte, oxidizable solid fuel, and an oxidizer to generate electrical power. The electrochemical cell includes a permeable electrode body provided along a flow path for receiving a flow including an electrolyte. The permeable electrode body is configured to permit the electrolyte to flow therethrough and to collect solid fuel thereon from the electrolyte flowing therethrough so as to comprise a first electrode for oxidizing the fuel to generate electrons for conduction by the first electrode. The cell also includes a second electrode for receiving electrons and reducing an oxidizer. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween for receiving the flow from the permeable electrode body. One or more return channels are directly communicated to the gap.