TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Components: The electrochemical energy conversion device is a PEM fuel cell. (I) further comprises: a catalyst; a recharging component for connecting the electrochemical conversion system to a source of electricity for rehydrogenating the hydrogen depleted liquid across the electrochemical energy conversion device; and a source of water. The source of electricity is at least one of a source of direct current electricity, wall outlet or an energy storage device. The source of water is at least one of an onboard storage tank or a household source of water.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The source of the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and the vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid comprise a liquid storage unit. The liquid storage unit comprises a first compartment for an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and a second compartment for hydrogen depleted liquid. The organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least one non-hydroxyl heteroatom. The organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least one alcohol compound of formula (R1-CH(OH)-(CH(OH))n-R2) (II) or (R1-CH(OH)-(X-CH(OH))n-R2) (III), or heterocyclic alcohol compound of formula (IV) or (V). The hydrogen depleted liquid comprises at least one diketo compound of formula (R1-C(=O)-(C(=O))n-R2) (VI) or (R1-C(=O)-(X-C(=O))n-R2) (VII), or heterocyclic diketone compound of formula (VIII) or (IX). The organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises nitrogen. The organic liquid carrier of hydrogen further comprises: an inert additive to facilitate liquid flow within the system; and an additive to enhance the electrochemical reaction.R1, R2 = 1-6C aliphatic radical, 5-12C cycloaliphatic radical or 6-12C aromatic radical;n = 1-3;X = CH2 or NH;R3, R4 = H, 1-6C aliphatic radical, 5-12C cycloaliphatic radical or 6-12C aromatic radical;Y1 = O, S or NH; andZ = CH2, O, S or NH.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Components: The organic liquid carrier of hydrogen is a polymeric polyol. The solid electrolyte is sulfonated polymers, phosphonated polymers, proton conductive ceramics or composites comprising a proton-conductive ceramic and a polymeric material.