A study on metrological cross-validation of hydrogen refueling stations using a hybrid metrology evaluation system

Abstract

Hydrogen refueling stations play a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these stations is crucial for their safe and efficient operation. This study proposes a hybrid metrology evaluation system for the comprehensive cross-validation of hydrogen refueling stations. The system combines experimental measurements with computational models to thoroughly assess the stations' performance. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the precision, accuracy, and reliability of hydrogen refueling stations and to identify potential uncertainties or sources of error in measurements. Six refueling experiments were conducted, varying the refueling pressure from 476 bar to 735 bar and the refueling rate from 0.601486 kg/min to 0.702694 kg/min. The maximum refueling capacity was determined to be approximately 6.3 kg, based on the specifications of the NEXO vehicle.Throughout the experiments, data on critical parameters such as pressure, weight, and flow rate were collected. These data were meticulously analyzed and compared with expected values derived from computational models. The results convincingly demonstrate that the hybrid metrology evaluation system offers a robust and precise evaluation of hydrogen refueling stations. The system adeptly identifies discrepancies between experimental measurements and computational models, facilitating the correction of potential measurement errors.This study contributes significantly to the enhancement of metrological cross-validation techniques for hydrogen refueling stations, ensuring their precision and dependability. The study findings can inform the development of standardized metrological protocols and guidelines for the certification and calibration of hydrogen refueling stations. By establishing accurate and dependable metrological validation methods, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be expedited, promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.