Deployment of Hydrogen Stations Using P-median Method Considering Existing Stations

Abstract

In response to the introduction of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to the commercial market hydrogen station deployment needs to be progressed. Since resources allocated for deployment are limited for either private companies who wish to install stations and governments who provide subsidies, efficient station allocation should be cognizant of the service of potential customers. Based on a literature review, the results of a social survey and data analysis, p-median is chosen to find optimum locations for hydrogen stations. Location and the amount on potential demand for FCV’s in the early stage of deployment is estimated by a regression model. The result of GIS analysis for short mid-term perspective using p-median implies the importance of covering regional hub cities (such as prefectural capital cities) as well as metropolises and the result of GIS analysis for long-term perspective implies the ultimate necessary deployment of hydrogen stations. The locations suggested by the analysis were examined through coverage analysis on existing gasoline stations. The geographical tendency of station locations allocated by the developed methodology provides guidance for hydrogen station location practice.