Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of On-site Hydrogen Refueling Station with Solid Oxide Electrolyzer

Abstract

System efficiency and investment costs of on-site hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) adopting hightemperature steam electrolysis with solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) were evaluated, assuming use of electricity derived from renewable energy. In this paper, the techno-economic analysis for the on-site HRSs were conducted, considering technological innovations such as SOEC system, compressor, storage tank, precooler, and dispenser. In the analysis, a conventional small-scale HRS (hydrogen production rate: 300 Nm³-H₂/h) was considered and the technological requirements for the investment cost reduction were discussed in terms of improvements of system components. Through the sensitivity analysis based on relevant technological scenarios, we clarified the technological requirements to reduce the costs to the same level as the target investment costs of 200-300 million JPY/station in 2025, Japan.