Various alternative vehicle concepts are currently expected to play an important role to achieve a zero-emission road-bound mobility sector. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are one of these concepts. Especially for trucks used in heavy-duty long-haul transport long driving ranges, fast and reliable refueling, and a well-developed refueling network are needed. That is why European regulations and fundings promote the build-up of an initial network of hydrogen refueling stations.
Hydrogen refueling stations must meet very different, sometimes extreme requirements like very high pressures or low temperatures, depending on the vehicle and the hydrogen storage technology used. That is why a wide range of technical solutions exist, which influence the refueling station’s characteristics, e.g., energy efficiency and refueling speed. Furthermore, there is rapidly advancing technological development. Thermal management is a central element in the design of a hydrogen refueling station to meet objectives, like low costs and high reliability, in the best possible way. In this respect, the development of optimized thermal management concepts for hydrogen refueling stations is currently a challenge. In order to carry out an economically advantageous design of the refueling station, a thermodynamic simulation is currently coupled with an economic evaluation. Currently, the assessment / optimization of the investment is carried out using the net present value method. The uncertainties (e.g. with regard to market ramp-ups or demand profiles) of such a long-term, strategic decision can therefore only be mapped using scenarios. However, the decisions of the operators require a dedicated consideration of uncertainty with the help of models for investment decisions in the case of uncertainty, such as the real options analysis.
Within the scope of a bachelor / student / master thesis, an assessment / optimization model for the economically advantageous selection of components of a hydrogen refueling station in the case of uncertainty shall be developed, based on a literature review. The model is intended to depict the investment alternatives as real options. By using the model recommendations for action for an economically advantageous component selection are to be given. A basic understanding of mathematical optimization may be required to work on this topic. In addition, basic programming skills (e.g. Python) are recommended.
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