Integrated multi-stage and multi-zone distribution network expansion planning with renewable energy sources and hydrogen refuelling stations for fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

In line with the growing pressures on implementing zero-carbon emission policies and the implementation of hydrogen in the transport sector, energy markets are experiencing inevitable transformation and interactions. Since fuel cell electric vehicles have been attracting considerable attention, the production and supply of renewable hydrogen through hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs) are of great importance. The growing energy demand, inappropriate siting and sizing of HRSs, and high penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (RESs) make power distribution network planning very challenging. This paper proposes an integrated multi-stage and multi-zone expansion planning framework to coordinate the investment and scheduling of HRSs, wind and solar energy sources, and the distribution network. To model the green HRSs, water electrolysers powered by renewable electricity and storage tanks to locally produce and store hydrogen are suggested. The objective of the proposed problem is to minimise the investment, operation, emissions, and maintenance costs of network’s assets, RESs, and HRSs. The RESs expansion scheme comprises the installation of two different groups; the former pertains to distributed renewable sources installed over the network while the latter is integrated into HRSs. Case studies are conducted on 6-node and real Australian 100-node distribution networks. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed model in terms of optimal timing, sizing, location, and operational schedules of HRSs, RESs, and distribution network’s assets.