Apparatus and method for fuel cell standby

An apparatus for placing a fuel cell stack in a standby mode, the apparatus comprising:

• a compressor for pressurizing ambient air to provide a cathode stream;
• a fuel cell stack for receiving the cathode stream to provide electrical power to a load;
• a cathode valve operably coupled to an outlet of the fuel cell stack for controlling a flow of the cathode stream to the fuel cell stack;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive a power request amount for the load;
• compare the power request amount to a predetermined amount;
• and
• control the compressor to operate at a minimum speed and the cathode valve to close in response to determining that the power request amount is similar to the predetermined amount.

An apparatus comprising:

• a fuel cell stack for receiving a cathode stream to power a load;
• a valve for controlling a flow of the cathode stream to the fuel cell stack;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• compare a power request amount from the load to a predetermined amount;
• and
• control a compressor to operate at a minimum speed and the valve to close if the power request amount is similar to the predetermined amount.