WREF 2012: Macro-System Model for Hydrogen Energy Systems Analysis in Transportation

The introduction of hydrogen as an energy carrier for lightduty vehicles involves concomitant technological development of an array of infrastructure elements, such as production, delivery, and dispensing, all associated with energy consumption and emission levels. To analyze these at a system level, the suite of corresponding models developed by the United States Department of Energy and involving several national laboratories is combined in one macro-system model (MSM). The MSM uses a federated simulation framework for consistent data transfer between the component models. The framework is built to suit cross-model as well as cross-platform data exchange and involves features of "over-the-net" computation. While the MSM can address numerous hydrogen systems analysis aspects, of particular interest is the optimal deployment scenario. Depending on user-defined geographic location and hydrogen demand curve parameters, the cost-optimal succession of production/delivery/ dispensing pathways undergoes significant changes (the most important of these being the transition between distributed and central hydrogen production with delivery). Some 'tipping' (break-even) points are identified.