Prevention and risk analysis of Hydrogen refueling station – case study

Abstract: Hydrogen technology is advancing as a promising solution for a clean energy system and environment. The potential of hydrogen as a clean and promising energy source highlights its advantages in the energy lifecycle, production, storage, transportation, and various applications. National policies and strategies prioritize advancing hydrogen utilization, aiming to drive towards a carbon-neutral society. Among its many applications, hydrogen-powered mobility, particularly through fuel cell electric vehicles generating only water and warm air, stands out. However, there remains an insufficiency in infrastructure and the production of eco-friendly green hydrogen. Recent years have seen the installation of numerous refuelling stations, not limited to the Czech Republic. However, ensuring safety and mitigating potential risks associated with hydrogen applications, for example with hydrogen refuelling stations, is of paramount importance. Especially in the process of introduction and implementation of new technologies, and with hydrogen which is viewed as an explosive gas, steadily increasing societal acceptance is crucial. This necessitates thorough process safety and risk management implementation before installation, aiming to prevent leakage, possible explosions, or major accidents. Considering that absolute safety doesn’t exist, the acceptable risk level aligns with the economic advancement of society, and the greatest source of risks is the human factor (that is people), effective utilization of hydrogen technologies can only be ensured if its manufacturers, users, or even the entire society, are aware of the majority of risks associated with hydrogen as an efficient energy carrier of the future. To ensure a safer environment and acceptance of hydrogen technologies, continuous improvements in safety measures and risk management strategies should be implemented, evolving alongside the advancement and integration of hydrogen–based systems in our energy landscape. This proactive approach will contribute significantly to the safe, efficient, and sustainable utilization of hydrogen technology in the years to come. This study aimed to conduct a quantitative risk assessment of a hydrogen refuelling station, covering its entire lifecycle from production, storage, and distribution, to usage. Focusing on potential hazards associated with hydrogen and scenarios posing environmental risks, the assessment emphasized the critical role of production technology, hydrogen storage, pipelines, and filling stations in ensuring safety. A thorough evaluation of a specific scenario involving continuous hydrogen leakage, dispersion and potential ignition leading to fire or explosion revealed that the risk level at the station is socially acceptable. While safety measures were adequately evaluated, additional precautions such as detachable couplings, detection sensors, or emergency shutdown systems are essential for comprehensive risk management and broader societal acceptance.

Keywords: accident prevention, hydrogen, safety, risk management, societal acceptance

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005305

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