Dynamic simulation of the potential of integrating a turbo-expander in a hydrogen refueling station

High infrastructure expenditure and large operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations reduce the competitiveness of fuel cell vehicles over conventional fuel vehicles. The present study tends to explore the potential of reducing the precooling cost in refueling stations through a composite hydrogen refueling process integrating a turbo-expander. Accordingly, a thermodynamic model of the process following the requirements of SAE J2601 protocol is established to evaluate its feasibility. Based on the model, dynamic simulations are carried out to compare the performances of the proposed refueling process and conventional one. Obtained results reveal that applying the turbo-expander could reduce the precooling energy consumption by 52.6%. Moreover, the infrastructure expenditure of the proposed process is about 210,000$ lower than that of the conventional one. From a feasible investigation of the proposed process, it is concluded that refueling process integrating a turbo-expander has a remarkable potential in hydrogen fueling stations.

Automated summary

This study explores the potential of reducing precooling cost in refueling stations through a composite hydrogen refueling process integrating a turbo-expander. Results show that the turbo-expander can reduce precooling energy consumption by 52.6% and lower infrastructure expenditure significantly. This indicates that the proposed process has remarkable potential in hydrogen fueling stations.