Location and capacity planning of hydrogen refueling station in highway network based on hydrogen life cycle cost: Modeling, optimization and case verification

The construction of hydrogen refueling station (HRS) is crucial to facilitate the promotion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). Firstly, based on the queuing theory, this study optimizes the allocation of hydrogen dispensers in HRS during peak hours. Secondly, the method of highway distributed hydrogen production is used to model minimum hydrogen life cycle costs and optimize the location of HRS in pipeline and truck transportation. Thirdly, taking the highway network in Shandong Province of China as example, using proposed improved genetic algorithm to solve this problem. Finally, the result comparison with the maximum coverage model (MCM) verifies the advantages of proposed method. The results show that at least 2 additional distributors can meet hydrogen need, and the average unit hydrogen cost for pipeline transportation is 33.02 CNY/kg, while for truck transportation it is 36.72 CNY/kg, which is 10 % and 5 % lower than MCM, verifying the optimization effect. • Queuing system at hydrogen refueling station is modeled to determine the capacity. • Proposing a hydrogen refueling station location model to minimize life cycle costs . • Adopting a distributed hydrogen production method in highway service areas. • Using improved Genetic Algorithm to solve multi-objective optimization problems. • Two different transportation modes are considered in location model.