Open AccessEconomic and technical analysis of distributed utility benefits for hydrogen refueling stations. Final report
Author(s) -
J.J. Iannucci,
J.M. Eyer,
S.A. Horgan,
Susan M. Schoenung
Publication year - 1998
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/677067
Subject(s) - hydrogen production , electricity , electricity generation , hydrogen storage , environmental science , mains electricity , gas compressor , hydrogen , service (business) , combustion , waste management , process engineering , engineering , business , electrical engineering , chemistry , mechanical engineering , power (physics) , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , voltage , marketing
This report presents the potential economic benefits of operating hydrogen refueling stations to accomplish two objectives: supply pressurized hydrogen for vehicles, and supply distributed utility generation, transmission and distribution peaking energy and capacity to the utility. The study determined under what circumstances using a hydrogen-fueled generator as a distributed utility generation source, co-located with the hydrogen refueling station components (electrolyzer and storage), would result in cost savings to the station owner, and hence lower hydrogen production costs. The systems studied include a refueling station (including such components as an electrolyzer, storage, hydrogen dispensers, and compressors) plus on-site hydrogen fueled electricity generation units (e.g., fuel cells or combustion engines). The operational strategy is to use off-peak electricity in the electrolyzer to fill hydrogen storage, and to dispatch the electricity generation about one hour per day to meet the utility`s local and system peaks. The utility was assumed to be willing to pay for such service up to its avoided generation, fuel, transmission and distribution costs