Assessment of Alane as a hydrogen storage media for portable fuel cell power sources

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 Alane 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.

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► Alane (AlH3) is examined as a H2 source for portable power applications.
► A fuel cell-battery hybrid design considered.
► System analysis shows feasibility of device.
► Safety concerns regarding adequately controlling H2 pressure.
► Thermal latency of thermal decomposition promotes need for onboard H2 storage.