NOVELTY - Implementing a fuel cell system (100) shutdown process comprises establishing an oxidant recirculation path from a portion of a cathode flow path (118A-118H, 118M) upon initiation of the fuel cell shutdown process; recirculating the oxidant through the oxidant recirculation path during an oxygen depletion phase to deplete oxygen and form an oxygen-free fluid; establishing an anode purge path upon completion of the oxygen depletion phase; and transferring the oxygen-free fluid through the anode purge path.    USE - For implementing a fuel cell system shutdown process.    ADVANTAGE - The method increases fuel cell efficiency and simplifies the fuel cell shutdown process.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Implementing a fuel cell system shutdown process where during normal operation of a fuel cell stack (102) of the fuel cell system, an oxidant is supplied to a cathode (108) of the fuel cell stack via a cathode flow path and a fuel is supplied to an anode (104) of the fuel cell stack via an anode flow path (110A-110G) to generate electrical power, comprises establishing an oxidant recirculation path from a portion of the cathode flow path upon initiation of the fuel cell shutdown process; recirculating the oxidant through the oxidant recirculation path during an oxygen depletion phase to deplete oxygen and form an oxygen-free fluid; establishing an anode purge path from a portion of the cathode flow path and the anode flow path, where the anode purge path is established upon completion of the oxygen depletion phase; and transferring the oxygen-free fluid through the anode purge path to substantially purge out the fuel in the anode during a purge phase. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a processor-readable medium storing instructions for causing a processor to implement a shutdown process for a fuel cell system; and    (2) a fuel cell system.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a simplified block diagram of the fuel cell system.    Fuel cell system (100)    Fuel cell stack (102)    Anode (104)    Cathode (108)    Anode flow path (110A-110G)    Cathode flow path (118A-118H, 118M)