Fuel cell and method for cold-starting such a fuel cell

A method for cold-starting a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a cathode, a first flow module disposed adjacent the cathode, an anode, and a second flow module disposed adjacent the anode, wherein at least one of the first and second flow modules includes a material suitable for an exothermal hydride formation, the method comprising:

• flooding at least one of the first and second flow modules with a hydrogen-containing gas so as to induce the exothermic hydride formation and release heat;
• and
• heating the fuel cell using the heat.

A method for cold-starting a fuel cell unit, that includes a starting unit including a first fuel cell including a material suitable for exothermal hydride formation, a further unit including a further fuel cell, and a coolant communicating with the starting unit and the further unit, the method comprising:

• activating the first fuel cell so as to bring the first fuel cell to a first fuel cell starting temperature;
• heating the coolant;
• bringing the further fuel cell to a further fuel cell starting temperature using the coolant.