Optimal Sizing of Renewable Energy Powered Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle Charging Station (HEVCS)

Abstract

The primary barrier to the extensive implementation of electric vehicles (EVs) is the lack of necessary and adequate charging infrastructure within a particular area. Moreover, sourcing the energy needed for EVs from the grid that heavily relies on fossil fuels diminishes the environmental advantages of EVs and, further increases strain on grid system in electricity-deficient regions. Therefore, this study designs and simulates six different standalone hybrid renewable energy systems utilizing solar, wind, and biomass sources and a grid-tied system for a selected location of Singaperumal Kovil, Chennai, India. One unique aspect of this research is the use of a single station for charging electric vehicles and hydrogen refueling. These systems are designed to fulfil the energy requirements of 48 battery-electric vehicles and 17 hydrogen vehicles, Using HOMER Pro software, combining a bio-gas generator, wind turbine, and photovoltaic system. The renewable energy sources are identified as the most practical and reliable among the various cases for that location, in terms of technical, economic, and environmental feasibility. Among six different standalone scenarios and a grid-tied system, the biogas generator, wind, and PV configuration model is more cost effective than other configurations. The proposed system generates 2,009,492 kWh/yr of electricity and 30,199 kg/yr of Hydrogen.

Advanced Levelized Cost Evaluation Method for Electric Vehicle Stations Concurrently Producing Electricity and Hydrogen

“…The new concept of co-generation stations, which concurrently produce electricity and hydrogen, is gaining prominence due to its potential to concurrently facilitate the widespread adoption of BEVs and FCEVs [10][11][12][13]. These systems offer significant advantages.…”

“…The growing interest in co-generation EV stations highlights the need for a comprehensive techno-economic analysis to evaluate their viability [10][11][12]. The initial step in such analysis involves calculating the levelized costs for various types of energy outputs for assessing a co-generation station's financial performance.…”

“…A different body of research [10][11][12] used another method to calculate the levelized costs. All these studies [10][11][12] focused on standalone co-generation EV stations for combined charging and refueling facilities.…”

“…A different body of research [10][11][12] used another method to calculate the levelized costs. All these studies [10][11][12] focused on standalone co-generation EV stations for combined charging and refueling facilities. In these studies, the method for LCOE calculation involved dividing the system's total annualized costs by the electricity served annually, rather than the electricity produced.…”

“…Among studies [10][11][12], ref. [10] explored six renewable configurations in Chennai. The results showed an LCOE range of USD 0.493 to 1.168/kWh and an LCOH of USD 8.86 to 20.4/kg.…”