Method and apparatus for changing the state of operation of a fuel cell, such
as starting the fuel cell up or shutting the fuel cell down, are disclosed. An
idle load is applied to the fuel cell when the cell temperature is between about
normal operating temperature and a transition temperature, and fuel and oxidizer
are supplied to the fuel cell commensurate with the power delivered to the idle
load. Below the transition temperature, purging/passivation procedures known in
the art can be followed, and an open or dummy load applied to the fuel cell. At
normal operating temperature or above a service load is applied to the fuel cell.