There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a portable fuel cell power and management system (for example, hydrogen and / or methanol based systems), components and / or elements thereof, as well as techniques for controlling and / or operating such systems. The fuel cell power management system (and method of controlling and / or operating same) actively monitors, manages and / or controls one or more operating parameter(s) of the fuel cell system. For example, the system monitors, manages and / or controls the consumption and / or the rate of consumption of fuel by the system, and in response thereto, may provide and / or alert the user to amount of fuel remaining, consumed, the rate of consumption and / or the time (or estimation thereof remaining until all of the fuel is spent. In this way, the user may schedule or plan accordingly.