Control detection method to enable gas composition observing during fuel cell system startup

A detection method for enabling gas composition observation during fuel cell system start-up comprising:

• initiating a flow of hydrogen to the anode to pressurize the anode;
• opening an anode flow valve;
• determining if an anode pressure exceeds an anode pressure threshold;
• enabling anode flow set point detection after a first predetermined time if the anode pressure exceeds the anode pressure threshold;
• closing the anode flow valve when a boundary condition is exceeded if the anode pressure does not exceed the anode pressure threshold;
• monitoring an anode flow set point using the anode flow set point detection;
• determining if the anode flow set point exceeds an anode flow set point threshold;
• closing the anode flow valve after a second predetermined time if the anode flow set point exceeds the anode flow set point threshold;
• and
• closing the anode flow valve when the boundary condition is exceeded if the anode flow set point does not exceed the anode flow set point threshold.