Fast starting fuel cell

A start-up method for a fuel cell module comprising:

• a) closing a first contactor or other switch in series with a diode;
• b) connecting the fuel cell module in parallel with a battery or other source of electrical power through the diode and optionally powering one or more reactant pumps from the battery or the fuel cell module;
• c) monitoring a current sensor for a signal indicating current flow through the diode;
• and
• d) after current is detected through the diode, by-passing the diode through an electrical circuit comprising a bus and a resistor located in a discharge circuit around the diode;
• wherein the resistor, the diode, and no voltage converter are located between the fuel cell module and the bus.

A start-up method for a fuel cell module comprising:

• a) closing a first contactor or other switch in series with a diode;
• b) connecting the fuel cell module in parallel with a battery or other source of electrical power through the diode and powering one or more reactant pumps from the battery or the fuel cell module;
• c) monitoring a current sensor for a signal indicating current flow through the diode;
• and
• d) after current is detected, connecting a by-pass circuit comprising a bus around the diode, wherein no voltage converter is located between the fuel cell module and the bus.

An electrical power supply system comprising:

• a) a fuel cell module;
• b) a battery or other source of electrical power;
• c) a diode between the fuel cell module and the battery;
• d) one or more reactant pumps for the fuel cell connected to the battery;
• e) one or more sensors adapted to determine current flowing through the diode;
• f) a by-pass circuit around the diode, the by-pass circuit comprising a contactor;
• g) a bus, wherein no voltage converter is located between the fuel cell module and the bus, and
• h) a controller adapted to close the contactor in the by-pass circuit when current flowing through the diode reaches a threshold.