Energy Wall Refueling Stations for Fuel Cell Scooters

Abstract

This project investigates the feasibility of hydrogen refueling stations using photovoltaic systems for fuel cell scooters. The aim was to identify the solar electricity generation potential of noise barriers in the Netherlands and the connection between this and future theoretical hydrogen demand for fuel cell powered two wheelers (scooters or mopeds). Noise barriers block noise from inhabited areas, which is also where mopeds and their owners reside. Noise barriers retrofitted with solar panels, or Energy Walls, coupled with a hydrogen production, storage and dispensing system is proposed. This system would enhance sustainable, carbon neutral mobility as well as contribute renewable energy to the grid electricity mix. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases and noise pollution are reduced with electric drive vehicles such as fuel cell powered two wheelers. A case study of a noise barrier on the A20 in Rotterdam Noord was modeled; other suitable locations were identified as well, such as Amsterdam or Delft. The characteristics of the barrier in Rotterdam provided a lower levelized cost of PV electricity and was thus chosen to simulate specifically. A range of electrolyzer capacities was also simulated to understand the effect of the electrolyzer capacity and the final cost of hydrogen to the user. The demand base case was 100 scooters which traveled 2.5 km/day each on average. Provided a single metal hydride canister has a range of 25 km and capacity of 45 gH2 , this demand configuration means 0.45 kgH2/day needs to be produced for the users. An hourly simulation of the energy production was modeled using two control strategies, which focused on maximizing the Energy Wall input and the use of the electrolyzer respectively. The second strategy had higher electricity costs as compared to the first, however the cost of the electrolyzer was minimal regardless of the number of panels. The cost of hydrogen depends on the size of the Energy Wall and the electrolyzer capacity; for the lowest cost setup the price of hydrogen ranged between 14.3 and 7.2 EURO/kgH2 . The cost per kilometer traveled by fuel cell scooters was found to be between 2.57 and 1.4 ¢/km. Battery electric vehicles are still much cheaper to operate in this aspect, driving at a cost mileage of between 0.3 and 0.6 ¢/km, however gas powered scooters had the highest cost per kilometer (3 - 5¢/km). This model finds that the operational costs of a hydrogen fuel cell scooter are lower than its gas scooter counterpart, but not low enough to compete with battery powered scooters. The one advantage of gas scooters is the range on one refuel, however with their relatively high operational costs and emissions, electric drive engines become favorable. Battery electric have a good cost efficiency. Fuel cell scooters are quickly recharged with canisters, and are mid-cost range to operate compared to the other two technologies.