Systems and methods for independently controlling the operation of fuel cell stacks and fuel cell systems incorporating the same

A method of operating a fuel cell system that includes an oxidant source configured to provide an oxidant stream, a fuel source configured to provide a fuel stream, and a plurality of fuel cell stacks, wherein the plurality of fuel cell stacks are configured to receive the fuel stream and the oxidant stream and to produce a stack electrical output therefrom, wherein the fuel cell system is configured to produce a system electrical output to supply to an energy consuming device, the method comprising:

• beginning production of the system electrical output from the fuel cell system responsive to a system start condition, wherein the fuel cell system is in electrical communication with an energy storage device that is configured to store electrical energy and provide an energy storage device electrical output, and further wherein beginning production of the electrical output includes supplying the electrical output from the energy storage device;
• initiating production of electrical output from a first fuel cell stack of the plurality of fuel cell stacks responsive to a first stack start condition, wherein the first stack start condition corresponds to the energy storage device reaching a first level of charge for a first stack start time;
• and
• initiating production of electrical output from a second fuel cell stack of the plurality of fuel cell stacks responsive to a second stack start condition that is different from the first stack start condition, wherein the second stack start condition corresponds to the energy storage device reaching a second level of charge for a second stack start time, and further wherein the first level of charge is greater than the second level of charge.