Aluminum hydride (AlH3), often referred to as Alane, is examined as a hydrogen storage media for fuel cell-based portable power applications. The hydrogen storage capacity and thermally activated dehydrogenation of Mane makes it a candidate as a hydrogen storage material for portable fuel cell systems. In this study. Alane is found to provide a high gravimetric and volumetric energy density for portable power applications: however, there are significant challenges that must be addressed. These challenges include proper thermal control of the Alane dehydrogenation, fuel utilization and storage/treatment of excess hydrogen, and most importantly safety measures to prevent failure from an over-pressurization caused by excess hydrogen. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.