Feasibility analysis of sustainable hydrogen production for heavy-duty applications: Case study of highway 401

Abstract

Considering the environmental effects of the CO2 emissions in the transportation sector, it is vital to find alternate fuels which significantly mitigate the detrimental greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen, as a sustainable energy vector, could substantially decrease the CO2 emissions released by heavy-duty trucks. Development of such technology necessitates detailed planning, technical evaluations, and financial roadmaps. Therefore, regulating the grid sale and purchase prices is crucial to guarantee a successful hydrogen commercialization in the transportation sector. This study evaluates the sustainable framework of hydrogen refueling stations along Highway 401, Canada, employing grid-connected photovoltaics, wind turbines, electrolyzers, H2 tanks, and converters for various scenarios. A detailed GHG emission evaluation is conducted as per intensive programs and expenses from the central grid for all scenarios during the project lifetime. Sensitivity evaluation is conducted to evaluate the impact of grid price rates, capital cost multiplier, and PV output volatility on various technical and financial parameters. Integration of 1269 kW PV/31 WTs/58 ELC/220 kg H2 tank/901 kW converter under 10-truck scenario is determined to be the best system. The corresponding net present cost, levelized cost of hydrogen, and renewable fraction of the best solution are estimated to be M1.07$, $2.03 kg hydrogen, and 93%, respectively.