Optimal configuration of LOHC-based hydrogen refueling stations

This work addresses a unified method to determine the optimal configuration and scheduling schemes of the hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) based on liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC). For off-site and on-site hydrogen production scenarios, design schemes are developed and corresponding mathematical models are established to minimize the annual total cost of the HRS. This approach provides a universal framework for designing and operating LOHC-based HRSs, adaptable to varying station scales, demand profiles, and system schemes. The design and operational characteristics of the LOHC-based HRSs are explored through a case study in China. The synergistic features of LOHC storage system and hydrogen storage tanks are studied, along with the impact of design schemes and compressor selection on station economics. Results show that, compared with the off-site scenario, a 2.28% reduction in capacity of LOHC storage tanks and a 40.64% increase in investment cost of HRS were observed in on-site scenario, due to the differences in system composition and the methods for hydrogen supply. Besides, in both scenarios, the LOHC storage system serves as the primary supply source, while the hydrogen storage tanks act as auxiliary units during peak-demand times and handles a significant portion of hydrogen supply during low-demand times. In addition, the obtained three-stage compression configuration is proven to have a superior economic performance than the ones adopted in the current HRSs. Sensitivity analysis indicates that electricity price and purchased hydrogen price are key factors affecting the total annual cost of on-site and off-site scenarios respectively, with ±20% fluctuations leading to ±16.59% and ±16.78% variations in total annual cost.