Hydrogen refuelling logistics and optimisation: Optimisation of refuelling logistics for a hydrogen bus network

February 12th, 2022

R&D Focus Areas:
Mobility, Computational modelling, Technology integration process improvement

Lead Organisation:
Deakin University

Partners:
Warrnambool Bus Lines

Status:
Completed

Start date:
October 2020

Completion date:
July 2021

Key contacts:
Associate Professor Vicky Mak-Hau, Chief Investigator vicky.mak@deakin.edu.au
Rasul Esmaeilbeigi, Research Assistant r.esmaeilbeigi@deakin.edu.au
Guillermo Pineda Villavicencio, Senior Lecturer, School of IT, Computer Science and Mathematics guillermo.pineda@deakin.edu.au

Funding:
AUD$60,000 – Hycel Technology Hub via Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment

Project total cost:
AUD$60,000 cash contribution

Project summary description:
This project was a research-industry partnership between Warrnambool Bus Lines (WBL) and the Industry Optimisation and Logistics R&D Team at Deakin’s School of IT. As the company is examining the introduction of a new fleet of 12 hydrogen buses, this project used mathematical modelling to support WBL to determine the optimal configuration of a hydrogen refuelling network.

Key objectives were to provide information to help determine:

  • the optimal hydrogen storage and dispensing equipment, considering refuelling time and vehicle scheduling.
  • the optimal hydrogen tanker transport considering, the refuelling pressure requirements and volume.
  • the number of refuelling stations required to service the proposed hydrogen fleet.
  • the optimal location(s) of refuelling stations.
  • whether fuelling points are static or mobile.
  • whether or not stations will be solely utilised by WBL or positioned to enable use by other potential users.
  • economic metrics for hydrogen bus operation, including $/kg for hydrogen dispensing, $/km for hydrogen bus operations, and
  • an optimised refuelling schedule correlating to timetabled service delivery.

The project assessed different variables in the supply, transport, storage and dispensing of hydrogen into WBL’s vehicles, as well as an assessment of efficient utilisation schedules to enable efficient and cost-effective use of the hydrogen chain.

This project will inform future fleet and system roll outs of hydrogen vehicles, and further the practical development of hydrogen as a commercially viable alternate transport fuel.

Related publications and key links:
Deakin University Hycel site: https://www.deakin.edu.au/hycel/focus-areas

Higher degree studies supported:
Not applicable

 

Reviewed: September 2023