MODEL-BASED DESIGN AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF A CLEAN GRID-INDEPENDENT HYDROGEN SUPPLY STATION FOR A BUS FLEET

The imperative of achieving net zero emission (NZE) targets is central to the global sustainability agenda, particularly in the critical sector of urban bus fleets. This study explores transitioning fleets from traditional diesel to fuel cell (FC) propulsion, identifying the most economically viable option through a comprehensive methodology, including a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis. Despite FC technology advancements, challenges persist due to unfavorable hydrogen price and high capital expenditures, necessitating innovative alternatives. The main objective is to introduce and validate the design of a clean grid-independent hydrogen supply station, a transformative solution envisioning a fleet powered by H-2 generated from a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL) based renewable microgrid, overcoming challenges posed by H-2 pricing and aligning with NZE goals. The design process involves developing a tailored PEMEL-based microgrid for hydrogen production. Analyses include a simple payback (SPB) period evaluation and validation, comparing the proposed configuration with microgrid setups by other authors. Despite challenges, the grid concept associated with fleet renewal demonstrates real-world viability and economic benefits, providing a compelling case for adoption in urban bus fleet renewal. With a 40% reduction in TCO compared to FC bus renewal and a 10% reduction compared to diesel buses, it represents a sustainable and economically sound solution that significantly contributes to the global sustainability agenda.