Two-tier pressure consolidation operation method for hydrogen refueling station cost reduction. (1st February 2018) - Reddi, Krishna
Abstract: An operation strategy known as two-tier "pressure consolidation" of delivered tube-trailers (or equivalent supply storage) has been developed to maximize the throughput at gaseous hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The high capital costs of HRSs and the consequent high investment risk are deterring growth of the infrastructure needed to promote the deployment of FCEVs. Stations supplied by gaseous hydrogen will be necessary for FCEV deployment in both the near and long term. The two-tier pressure consolidation method enhances gaseous HRSs in the following ways: (1) reduces the capital cost compared with conventional stations, as well as those operating according to the original pressure consolidation approach described by Elgowainy et al. (2014) [1], (2) minimizes pressure cycling of HRS supply storage relative to the original pressure consolidation approach; and (3) increases use of the station's supply storage (or delivered tube-trailers) while maintaining higher state-of-charge vehicle fills. Highlights: A 2-tier hydrogen station supply pressure consolidation method is proposed. The 2-tier pressure consolidation method improves utilization of the compressor. The 2-tier pressure consolidation enables higher tube-trailer payload utilization. The 2-tier pressure consolidation enables higher state of charge vehicle fills. The 2-tier pressure consolidation limits pressure cycling of supply vessels.