Refueling Stations Research Articles

Mitigating uncertainty: A risk informed approach for deploying hydrogen refueling stations

Regulatory gaps and safety concerns induce uncertainty amongst stakeholders, increases investment risk and impedes the deployment of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS). In this study, a risk-informed approach was employed on a potential HRS in Canada, to optimize separation distances, and identify regulatory gaps. This risk assessment improves upon previous ones that assumed uniform hydrogen leak sizes throughout the entire HRS. This analysis considers variable leak sizes based on the varying pipe flow area in different parts of the HRS like the tube-trailer area, hydrogen system area and the dispenser area. For each area, the potential leak sizes of 0.1%, 1%, 10%, and 100% of the pipe flow area were evaluated to cover a range of possible leaks. Leak frequency for 1% and 10% leak sizes were found to be 2.38E-02/year and 2.68E-03/year indicating relatively smaller difference as compared to other leak sizes. Leak frequency and consequence distances were assessed using HyRAM+ (V5.0) and Safeti (V8.9) respectively. Separation distances, which refer to the required spacing measured from the hydrogen process areas beyond which the risks are considered tolerable, were assessed for the tube-trailer area, storage area, and dispenser area at 350 bar and 700 bar dispensing pressures. Results indicated that 700 bar scenario requires substantially larger separation distances up to 39.1 m due to extended harm distances at lower temperatures. This study proposes safety barriers which reduced jet and flash fire frequencies by 100 and 20 events/year, respectively, that enables decreasing separation distances for each area. The comprehensive evaluation of separation distances generates important insights into separation distance criteria and guidelines, addressing the identified gap in existing codes and standards. While the study focuses on a potential HRS in Canada, the methodology, approach, and results presented are broadly applicable and transferable to similar contexts globally.

Strain analysis and non-destructive monitoring of the two-stage hydraulic-driven piston compressor for hydrogen storage

High-pressure gas storage is an important means of hydrogen application in the transportation industry, especially in hydrogen refuelling stations. The hydrogen compressor is the most crucial dynamic component for high-pressure gas storage in hydrogen refuelling stations. An effective control system is required to guarantee the compressor operates safely and efficiently, which is based on the safe and efficient monitoring of the operating condition of the compressor. However, significantly limited literature has been provided for the hydraulic-driven piston compressor. In this paper, a non-destructive testing method for monitoring the dynamic pressure by strain gauge in the hydraulic-driven piston compressor is proposed. The relationship between the strain of the cylinder head and key operating parameters is obtained through finite element analysis, based on which the optimal location for the pressure monitoring is identified. The proposed non-destructive testing method is validated by experiments of a two-stage hydraulic-driven piston compressor. The strain analysis indicates that the circumferential strain in the cylinder head has a good linear relationship with the in-cylinder gas pressure with a value above 99.6 %. The deformation of the four monitoring positions is almost unchanged with a maximum deviation of 0.5 % under different piston positions. A high uniformity of the circumferential strain of the cylinder head is observed from the analysis. Experimental results indicate that the proposed non-destructive monitoring method is effective in obtaining the dynamic pressure in-cylinder during the compressor operation with a maximum deviation of 5.13 % and an average deviation below 2.01 %.

Feasibility of Photovoltaic-Powered Hydrogen Production for Off-Site Refueling Stations in Iraqi Cities: A Techno-Economic Analysis

The study explores the feasibility of using a photovoltaic (PV) energy system to produce hydrogen for off-site hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) in three Iraqi cities (Karbala, Maysan, and Nineveh), focusing on a comprehensive system model consisting of a 558 MWp off-grid photovoltaic system, a 157.5 MWp proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, a converter, and a hydrogen storage tank. Utilizing HOMER Pro software for system simulation and MATLAB, with consedaring 28 years from 2022 to 2050 life span, incorporating hourly weather data for 2022 to optimize system performance. The outcomes identify that the Karbala city as the most cost-effective for green hydrogen production, highlighting the economic benefits of PV technology, which presents the most economical option with a levelized energy cost of $5,010/GWh. The project is projected to produce 10.61 million kg of hydrogen annually at a production cost of $2.75/kg, with an overall project cost estimated at $372.77 million. The results are of strategic significance for Iraq transportation sector, supporting the development of a robust green hydrogen infrastructure for HRS. This infrastructure is expected to promote sustainable transportation practices and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to the energy transition in Iraq. This techno-economic analysis provides a foundational assessment for stakeholders considering investments in renewable hydrogen production and infrastructure development.

Influence of driver error on the level of hydrogen refuelling station risk

This study investigates the relationship between car drivers’ approaches to hydrogen refilling and the associated risks. The focus is on a dispenser operated directly by drivers. The awareness of the consequences of careless operations on hydrogen installations differs among drivers. In this study, models of cautious and careless drivers were considered to analyse how their approach affects the risk of the refuelling process. This research involves the development of scenarios for hazardous events and their consequences, such as fires or explosions. The probabilities calculated for the scenarios, together with the death probabilities for the consequences, allowed us to determine the risks and compare the results for a cautious and careless driver. The highest values of the risk obtained in the research for cautious and careless drivers were 7.68⋅10−5 and 3.22⋅10−4.

Hydrogen fueling station: review of the technological state of hydrogen fuel usage

RELEVANCE. In the modern world, on the verge of global climate change, the search and implementation of alternative energy sources become particularly significant. Hydrogen energy is one of the most promising directions, offering a revolutionary approach to the decarbonization of various industrial sectors. The development of technologies related to the production, storage, and use of hydrogen opens new horizons for creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure.OBJECTIVE. To review the technological state of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS), analyze the latest global trends and developments in this area, identify factors contributing to the efficiency of HRS components, and present thermodynamic principles of hydrogen fuel use. To outline the main problems associated with the need for widespread implementation of hydrogen infrastructure and to identify potential directions for their resolution. To develop suggestions for creating a modular layout of a container-type hydrogen station, which will allow a flexible approach to organizing hydrogen infrastructure with the possibility of rapid scaling and adaptation under various operating conditions.METHODS. Based on the use of literature data. The method of prototyping an autonomous hydrogen refueling station was used, and mathematical calculations of thermodynamic processes occurring in the components of HRS were conducted.RESULTS. Studies in the field of technological state of stations have been examined and systematized, and development trends have been identified. The main components involved in the operation of a hydrogen station are described. Thermodynamic processes of hydrogen fuel use that contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption of hydrogen stations have been investigated.CONCLUSION. The hydrogen station combines efficient conversion of hydrogen into electricity, minimization of emissions, energy independence, and flexibility in energy storage. Determining the optimal operating parameters of HRS equipment based on the thermodynamics of processes, considering the specifics of temperature regimes of Russian regions, is important for reducing costs and increasing the energy efficiency of hydrogen fuel systems. The proposed structure of the container-type HRS is an optimal platform for subsequent modernizations and innovations in the field of hydrogen technologies.

Vehicle choice modeling for emerging zero-emission light-duty vehicle markets in California

To predict the market dynamics of various zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies, this study introduces a dynamic discrete vehicle choice model (VCM) that investigates the probabilities associated with 14 decision factors, applying these to the purchase of ZEVs from 2020 to 2040. Market share and penetration results are presented under eight scenarios, that vary by vehicle costs infrastructure development and incentive strategies. The findings suggest that in the early years, incentives alone may not generate significant market penetration of ZEVs before the infrastructure meets the basic convenience for daily use, especially for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). However, in later years, incentives play a more important role in the market penetration of ZEVs under well-defined infrastructure networks. By 2040, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are projected to dominate the market in California. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and FCVs may experience a decline in market share due to improved charging convenience, which benefits the market penetration of BEVs. However, fuel cell plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (FC-PHEVs) could still be beneficial if accessible models are available, considering the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations. The goal set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is achievable, but it requires a sustained combination of measures; no single effort can achieve it. These measures include technological improvements to reduce the cost of ZEVs, a wider range of models available for consumers to choose from based on their desired performance, the establishment of infrastructure (battery chargers and hydrogen dispensers), and attractive incentives aimed at promoting ZEV adoption. The proposed methodology can be adapted for other regions in the United States and globally by carefully examining the inputs for each decision factor at the desired scale.

Real time hydrogen plume spatiotemporal evolution forecasting by using deep probabilistic spatial-temporal neural network

The accidental leakage of gaseous hydrogen from hydrogen refueling station facilities has the potential to result in a large fire and explosion catastrophe. The ability to forecast the spatiotemporal evolution of hydrogen plumes in real-time is crucial for monitoring the distribution of plume concentrations and mitigating the risk of fire and explosion. The utilization of deep learning has been extensively employed in a diverse range of spatiotemporal forecasting tasks. However, these approaches encounter limitations in accurately quantifying uncertainty when predicting spatiotemporal concentrations and plume boundaries. This research paper introduces a novel model called DPSTNN_H2Evolution, which is a deep probabilistic spatial-temporal neural network designed for forecasting the spatiotemporal evolution of hydrogen plumes. The benchmark dataset is constructed by the implementation of numerical simulations pertaining to the inadvertent leak of hydrogen within a hydrogen refueling station. The findings of the study indicate that incorporating quantified uncertainty information might enhance the precision of plume boundaries and the resilience of plume concentrations when predicting the spatiotemporal development of hydrogen. By employing Monte Carlo sampling with a sample size of m=100 and a dropout rate of p=0.1, the model demonstrates the ability to provide real-time inference for 10 instances of plumes, while maintaining a high level of accuracy with R2 = 0.9829. In comparison to the current state-of-the-art model, the proposed model demonstrates superior accuracy and robustness in forecasting the spatiotemporal evolution of hydrogen plumes. In general, our proposed model has the potential to serve as a dependable option for the development of a digital twin for emergency management of hydrogen refueling stations.

Real-time energy management strategy of the hydrogen-coupled microgrid based on Informer model prediction results and deep reinforcement learning

Abstract Microgrids (MG) powered by emerging distributed energy resources (DERs) are increasingly pivotal in driving the decarbonization of the power system. Due to the uncertainty of renewable energy sources, electricity generated from wind and solar is typically stored, either in batteries or in the form of high-pressure hydrogen gas within hydrogen storage tanks to meet the refuelling requirements of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). For FCVs, the substantial operational expenses associated with hydrogen refuelling stations pose a significant barrier to their widespread adoption, with a notable portion of these costs attributed to hydrogen transportation. To address this challenge, this paper employs the Informer model based on a transformer for day-ahead prediction of photovoltaic power generation, as well as load demand forecasting. Subsequently, the Twin-delayed deep deterministic (TD3) policy gradient algorithm is used for real-time energy management of the microgrid. While ensuring that the State of Charge (SOC) remains above 45% daily to meet future hydrogen demands, the MG pursues an optimal strategy to minimize the total daily cost, including electricity procurement, carbon emissions and equipment degradation. Compared to outcomes derived from rule-based approaches, the algorithm introduced in this paper minimizes solar waste and equipment degradation, facilitating hydrogen production during low-cost electricity periods and enhancing economic feasibility.

A comprehensive energy flow analysis method based on hydrogen energy to electric energy conversion

Abstract With increasing global concerns about climate change, more and more countries and regions are turning to sustainable energy, and hydrogen energy, as one of the representatives of clean energy, is gradually becoming one of the key areas for development in various countries. Due to its high energy density, easy storage, and pollution-free characteristics, hydrogen energy has been widely used in fields such as automobiles, aviation, and petrochemicals. In the automotive industry, hydrogen energy, as a renewable and clean energy source, has become one of the development directions. Compared to traditional fuel, hydrogen-powered vehicles not only achieve zero emissions but also have higher energy efficiency and can achieve longer range. Currently, multiple countries around the world are accelerating the promotion of hydrogen-powered vehicles and building related infrastructure such as hydrogen refueling stations. In the aviation field, hydrogen energy also has broad application prospects. Traditional aviation fuel contains a lot of hydrocarbons, so the pollution problem of the aviation industry has been a concern. As a clean and renewable energy source, hydrogen energy not only solves the pollution problem in the aviation industry but also has a very high energy density, providing sufficient power to support aircraft flight. In addition to the automotive and aviation fields, hydrogen energy can also be widely used in the petrochemical industry. Currently, traditional petrochemical production processes emit many harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, greatly affecting environmental quality. By using hydrogen energy, harmful substances such as carbon dioxide generated in traditional petrochemical processes can be converted into renewable resources, thus achieving an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable production model.

Technical and economic analysis of a hybrid PV/wind energy system for hydrogen refueling stations

In recent years, the construction of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) has been in full swing. However, irrational configuration and design can increase the operation and maintenance costs of HRSs and reduce their overall energy conversion efficiency. This paper introduces the configuration optimization of a hybrid PV/wind energy system for hydrogen refueling stations. Firstly, the distribution of hydrogen refueling demand of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) in different time periods was simulated by the Monte Carlo method according to the driving rules of HFCVs. Then a model of renewable energy HRS was established in Homer, the purpose is to provide energy supply service for HFCVs through hydrogen production by electrolysis of water from renewable energy generation. Based on this, a load demand response model is developed. Finally, the best system configuration under different scenarios is obtained with the objective of minimizing the total net present cost (NPC). Through simulation calculations, the results show that the system configuration is more economically feasible after considering the demand response. The best system configuration was a grid-connected system containing a 548 kW PV, 1040 kW WT, 600 kW electrolyzer, and 600 kg hydrogen tanks This renewable energy system has the lowest NPC of $8,351,442 and produces 40,000 kg of green hydrogen annually. The sensitivity analysis also shows that with the advancement of hydrogen energy development and technology, the system will bring multiple benefits such as environmental protection and economic benefits in the future.

Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles

In this comprehensive review, the evolution of transportation sustainability is explored, focusing on the challenges and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable alternative energy source. Beginning with an overview of the historical context, including the pioneering work of Sir William Grove in 1838, delving into modern advancements and challenges. From fundamental principles of hydrogen fuel cell operation to infrastructure requirements and safety considerations, industry trends, and modern technological advancements. Despite obstacles such as limited refueling stations and high costs, collaborative efforts among supporters of the technology hold promise for overcoming challenges and driving innovation forward. Ultimately, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles represent a compelling pathway toward achieving a sustainable future in transportation.

Mapping Hydrogen Initiatives in Italy: An Overview of Funding and Projects

The global momentum towards hydrogen has led to various initiatives aimed at harnessing hydrogen’s potential. In particular, low-carbon hydrogen is recognized for its crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement and heavy-duty transport. This study focuses on the presentation of all hydrogen-related financing initiatives in Italy, providing a comprehensive overview of the various activities and their geographical locations. The examined funding comes from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), from projects directly funded through the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and from several initiatives supported by private companies or other funding sources (hydrogen valleys). Specific calls for proposals within the PNRR initiative outline the allocation of funds, focusing on hydrogen production in brownfield areas (52 expected hydrogen production plants by 2026), hydrogen use in hard-to-abate sectors and the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations for both road (48 refuelling stations by 2026) and railway transport (10 hydrogen-based railway lines). A detailed description of the funded initiatives (150 in total) is presented, encompassing their geographical location, typology and size (when available), as well as the funding they have received. This overview sheds light on regions prioritising decarbonisation efforts in heavy-duty transport, especially along cross-border commercial routes, as evident in northern Italy. Conversely, some regions concentrate more on local transport, typically buses, or on the industrial sector, primarily steel and chemical industries. Additionally, the study presents initiatives aimed at strengthening the national manufacturing capacity for hydrogen-related technologies, alongside new regulatory and incentive schemes for hydrogen. The ultimate goal of this analysis is to foster connections among existing and planned projects, stimulate new initiatives along the entire hydrogen value chain, raise an awareness of hydrogen among stakeholders and promote cooperation and international competitiveness.

A multi-stage framework for coordinated scheduling of networked microgrids in active distribution systems with hydrogen refueling and charging stations

Due to the increase in electric energy consumption and the significant growth in the number of electric vehicles (EV) at the level of the distribution network, new networks have started using new fuels such as hydrogen to improve environmental indicators and at the same time better efficiency from the excess capacity of renewable resources. In this article, the services that can be provided by hydrogen refueling stations and charging electric vehicles in the optimal performance of microgrids have been investigated. The model proposed in this paper includes a two-stage stochastic framework for scheduling resources in microgrids, especially hydrogen refueling stations and electric vehicle charging. In this model, two main goals of cost minimization and greenhouse gas emissions are considered. In the proposed framework and in the first stage, the service range of microgrids is determined precisely according to the electrical limitations of distribution systems in emergency situations. Then, in the second stage, the problem of energy management in each microgrid will be solved centrally. In this situation, various indicators including the output energy of renewable sources, smart charging of hydrogen and electric vehicle charging stations (EV/FCV) and flexible loads (FL) are evaluated. The final mathematical model is implemented as a multivariate integer multiple linear problem (MILP) using the GUROBI solver in GAMS software. The simulation results on the modified IEEE 118-Bus network show the positive effect of the presence of flexible loads and smart charging strategies by charging stations. Also, the numerical derivation shows that the operating costs of the entire system can be reduced by 4.77% and the use of smart charging strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49.13%.

Investigation of the minimum filling amount of ionic liquid in the multi-stage ionic liquid compressor

Ionic liquid compressors are the ideal solution for hydrogen refueling stations, and multi-stage compression is an inevitable choice for achieving high-pressure refueling, such as 90 MPa level. However, the initial filling amount of the ionic liquid in the compression chamber is lacking basis as the characteristics of gas-liquid two-phase flow during the reciprocating movement of the liquid piston are not understood. This study numerically investigates the variation characteristics of the gas-liquid interface in the compression chambers under different structural and operating parameters of a five-stage ionic liquid compressor. Based on the fluctuation feature of the phase interface, the minimum liquid piston heights in each stage that ensure effective sealing for the compression chamber with different stroke-to-diameter ratios (r) are determined. Finally, the mathematical relationship for calculating the minimum ionic liquid filling amount related to structural parameter r and suction pressure is established, which provides guidance for the design of the ionic liquid compressor.

4E analysis of novel direct expansion cycle-organic Rankine cycle-integrated hydrogen refueling station system using liquid hydrogen cold energy

The global supply of fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) is expected to increase to reduce carbon emissions. The number of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) is increasing annually, and liquid hydrogen (LH2) is attracting attention as an alternative to overcome the transport and storage limitations of gaseous hydrogen (GH2). If LH2 is supplied to the market, the existing GH2-HRSs can potentially become obsolete because they are not as economically feasible compared with LH2-HRSs. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a new HRS system that integrates direct expansion cycle (DEC) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) using LH2 cold energy to increase the utilization and economic feasibility of GH2-HRSs. The proposed design was validated through 4E (energy, exergy, economy, and environmental impact) analysis. Compared to the basic design, which did not include LH2 as cold energy, the specific energy consumption (SEC) and exergy efficiency of the proposed design improved by 38.6% and 9.8% to 0.81 kWh/kg H2 and 89.1%, respectively. The minimum selling price improved by 8.3% to $ 1.02/kg H2. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 11% from 2.9 kg CO2-eq/kg H2 to 2.6 kg CO2-eq/kg H2, and the life cycle cost (LCC) reduced by 10.5%. Finally, the net present value of the proposed design increased by $535,000, and the payback period decreased by 1 year, indicating that the proposed design was more economically feasible than the basic design. In conclusion, the proposed ORC-DEC-integrated model is practical and feasible in terms of exergy, energy, economy, and environmental impact, allowing the current GH2-HRSs to be used if LH2 becomes the main hydrogen energy.

Towards safer hydrogen refuelling stations: Insights from computational fluid dynamics on LH₂ leakage

Scaling hydrogen as a key clean energy carrier necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the safety aspects of hydrogen including liquid hydrogen (LH₂). Hence, this study presents a detailed computational fluid mechanics analysis to explore accidental LH₂ leakage and dispersion in a hydrogen refuelling station under varied conditions which is essential to prevent fire and explosion. The correlated impact of influential parameters including wind direction, wind velocity, leak direction, and leak rate were analysed. The study shows that hydrogen dispersion is significantly impacted by the combined effect of wind direction and surrounding structures. Additionally, the leak rate and leak direction have a significant effect on the development of the flammable cloud volume (FCV), which is critical for estimating the explosion hazards. Increasing wind velocity from 2 to 4 m/s at a constant leak rate of 0.06 kg/s results in an 82% reduction in FCV. The minimum FCV occurs when leak and wind directions oppose at 4 m/s. The most critical situation concerning FCV arises when the leak and wind directions are perpendicular, with a leak rate of 0.06 kg/s and a wind velocity of 2 m/s. These findings can aid in the development of optimised sensing and monitoring systems and operational strategies to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire and explosion consequences.

Optimization of hydrogen refueling strategy: Based on energy consumption and refueling demand

The energy and economic viability of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) hold significant importance during their promotion. The cascade hydrogen storage system is advantageous in reducing energy consumption and finds widespread application in HRS. Within the cascade hydrogen storage system, varying pressure switch difference values (PSDVs) correspond to different energy consumptions. Simultaneously, HRS must meet the demand for hydrogen refueling. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to establish an optimization method for PSDV, aiming to optimize energy consumption while satisfying hydrogen refueling demand. In this study, an HRS simulation model was established using the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform to evaluate the effects of PSDV on energy consumption and refueling time. Accordingly, a BPNN proxy model was built to predict these outcomes. On the basis of the proxy model, the Pareto solution set of PSDV was obtained through NSGA-Ⅱ. Finally, the ideal point estimation method was integrated to assist the decision-makers in determining the refueling strategy. The proposed optimization strategy is capable of reducing energy consumption while still meeting the hydrogen refueling demands of HRS, resulting in a maximum energy reduction of 10.76%.

On-site hydrogen refuelling station techno-economic model for a fleet of fuel cell buses

Fuel cell electric buses (FCBs) have proven to be a technically viable solution for transportation, owing to various advantages, such as reliability, simplicity, better energy efficiency, and quietness of operation. However, large-scale adoption of FCBs is hindered by the lack of extensive and structured infrastructure and the high cost of clean hydrogen. Many studies agree that one of the significant contributors to the lack of competitiveness of green hydrogen is the cost of electricity for its production, followed by transportation costs. On the one hand, to reduce the investment cost of the electrolyzer, high operating hours should be achieved; on the other, as the number of operating hours decreases, the impact of the electricity costs declines. This paper presents an innovative algorithm for a scalable hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) capable of successfully matching and identifying the most cost-efficient levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) produced via electrolysis and connected to the grid, based on the HRS components' cost curves and the hourly average electricity price profile. The objective is to identify the least-cost range of LCOH by considering both the electric energy and the investment costs associated with a hydrogen demand given by different FCB sizes and electrolyzer rated powers. In addition, sensitivity analyses have been conducted to quantify the technology cost margins, and a cost comparison between the refuelling of an FCB fleet and the recharging infrastructure required for an equivalent fleet of Battery Electric Buse (BEB) has been performed. An LCOH of around 10.5 €/kg varying from 12 €/kg (2 FCB) to 10.2 €/kg (30 FCB) has been found for the best-optimized configurations. The final major conclusion of this paper is that FCB technology is currently not economically competitive. Still, a cost contraction of the electric energy price and the electrolyzer capital investment would lead to a 50% decrease in the LCOH. Furthermore, increasing renewable energies into the grid may shift the electricity cost curve, resulting in higher prices when the BEB recharging demand is more significant. This impact, in addition to the peak power load and longer recharging times, might contribute to bridging the gap with FCBs.

Techno-Economic Assessment of a Full-Chain Hydrogen Production by Offshore Wind Power

Offshore wind power stands out as a promising renewable energy source, offering substantial potential for achieving low carbon emissions and enhancing energy security. Despite its potential, the expansion of offshore wind power faces considerable constraints in offshore power transmission. Hydrogen production derived from offshore wind power emerges as an efficient solution to overcome these limitations and effectively transport energy. This study systematically devises diverse hydrogen energy supply chains tailored to the demands of the transportation and chemical industries, meticulously assessing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Our findings reveal that the most cost-efficient means of transporting hydrogen to the mainland is through pipelines, particularly when the baseline distance is 50 km and the baseline electricity price is 0.05 USD/kWh. Notably, delivering hydrogen directly to the port via pipelines for chemical industries proves considerably more economical than distributing it to hydrogen refueling stations, with a minimal cost of 3.6 USD/kg. Additionally, we assessed the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for supply chains that transmit electricity to ports via submarine cables before hydrogen production and subsequent distribution to chemical plants. In comparison to offshore hydrogen production routes, these routes exhibit higher costs and reduced competitiveness. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was undertaken to scrutinize the impact of delivery distance and electricity prices on LCOH. The outcomes underscore the acute sensitivity of LCOH to power prices, highlighting the potential for substantial reductions in hydrogen prices through concerted efforts to lower electricity costs.

Multi-period hydrogen supply chain planning for advancing hydrogen transition roadmaps

The global commitment to the Paris Agreement has triggered the development of national hydrogen strategies and roadmaps in numerous countries. For seamless execution of a hydrogen strategy, the model employed in roadmap optimization must consider intricate operational details. This study offers a comprehensive multi-period model for hydrogen supply chain (HSC) expansion planning, spanning production to distribution. The model optimizes facility timing, location, type, and capacity while considering efficient operational strategies. Hydrogen, sourced diversely, anchors the supply chain, supported by precise calculations for road-based transport and pipelines. Storage facilities adapt to supply sources and transportation methods, addressing supply-demand fluctuations and transport interruptions. Hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) are optimized for efficient urban distribution. Analyzing South Korea's HSC in this model reveals a shift towards green hydrogen in later stages, initially relying on refineries and imports. Investments transition from pipelines to liquid (LH2) and gaseous (GH2) hydrogen trucks in the early phases, eventually incorporating NH3 tanker trucks. The model predicts a decreasing levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), reaching $3.89/kg through HSC expansion planning. The model predicts a decreasing LCOH, reaching $3.89/kg through strategic HSC expansion. Transportation costs, playing a significant role in the final LCOH, are crucial for South Korea to achieve its target of 3000 KRW/kg. These results offer valuable insights for nations advancing hydrogen initiatives, providing a detailed cost breakdown model to guide policy planning and achieve HSC and LCOH objectives effectively. Also, the study showcases Korea's adeptness in transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy.