Optimization of Leak Detectors’ Positioning in a Hydrogen Refueling Station

Hydrogen has the potential to promote sustainable road transport in the forthcoming years, thus significantly reducing the human impact on the environment. This energy carrier can be produced by renewable energy through water electrolysis and used in fuel cell-powered vehicles (FCVs) with elevated efficiency and no pollutant emissions. The number of FCVs being used around the world is rapidly increasing, reaching 34,804 vehicles and 540 refueling stations by the end of 2020. Nevertheless, hydrogen is highly flammable and can permeate and embrittle most metallic materials, making its containment extremely challenging. A leak in a hydrogen refueling station can rapidly escalate to a major disaster if not promptly detected and addressed. In this perspective, gas sensors play a critical role in detecting leakages and undesired hydrogen releases. When selecting a hydrogen gas detector, it is important to consider the environmental conditions in which it is expected to operate, its performance, reliability, and cost, as well as the optimal positioning within the refueling station. This study analyzes several hydrogen releases from a high-pressure storage tank to optimize sensor positioning, given a certain detection probability. This research contributes towards advancing the modelling of safety barriers in hydrogen refueling stations considering accident scenarios. In this vein, this study aims at expanding the current knowledge of facility operators and stakeholders for related risks, thus enabling the widespread utilization of hydrogen in road transport.