Economic analysis of hydrogen refueling station considering different operation modes

Hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are crucial infrastructures for the advancement of hydrogen energy. To promote and construct HRSs, a cost-benefit analysis is essential. Factors such as hydrogen transportation, storage, production technology, and subsidy policies can impact the costs. This paper aims to analyze the economics of HRSs under four operation modes, ie., on-site hydrogen production, off-site production with pipeline transportation, off-site production with tube trailer, and off-site production with liquid hydrogen tanker. Two life-cycle analysis models, an annualized cost model for hydrogen transportation and a levelized cost model for HRSs, are established for economic assessment. The study reveals that hydrogen supply costs account for over 50% of the LCOH for off-site station, and power costs drive up the LCOH for on-site station. Among the four operation modes, off-site station with pipeline is most economical, and the cost advantage increases as pipeline capacity utilization rate reaches 100%, but decreases as it drops to 20%. off-site station with long tubes is economical within 300 km, and off-site station with liquid hydrogen tankers is more economical within 300km∼1,000 km. On-site hydrogen production by water electrolysis is not economical at a cost of 35.24 CNY/kg. The optimal operation scheme under different hydrogen source distances is proposed.