Hydrogen refueling stations are mainly divided into externally supplied hydrogen refueling stations and internally produced hydrogen refueling stations, based on their hydrogen supply methods. Externally supplied hydrogen refueling stations receive hydrogen from external hydrogen production bases via long-tube trailers, liquid hydrogen tankers, or pipelines. Internally produced hydrogen refueling stations utilize distributed hydrogen production technologies, including natural gas reforming, water electrolysis, and methanol-to-hydrogen production. Integrated hydrogen production and refueling stations reduce intermediate hydrogen storage and transportation links, lowering costs.
Hydrogen refueling stations primarily offer refueling pressures of 35MPa and 70MPa to meet the needs of different types of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. 70MPa refueling requires hydrogen pre-cooled to -40℃. my country's 35MPa rapid hydrogen refueling control technology based on domestically produced Type III hydrogen storage cylinders has reached the advanced international level, but 70MPa refueling machines are still in the prototype stage, and 90MPa compressors are under technical development.
Hydrogen is prone to leakage, flammability, and explosiveness; therefore, hydrogen refueling station design must adhere to strict regulations. The process system must be equipped with an emergency shut-off system, leak detection alarm devices, and over-limit shutdown devices. An alarm should sound when the hydrogen content in the air reaches 0.4%, an emergency exhaust system should be interlocked to activate when it reaches 1%, and the emergency shut-off system should be activated when it reaches 1.6%. The compressor is one of the key safety risks, as it is prone to leakage due to seal failure. Rooms with explosion hazards must be equipped with pressure relief facilities and emergency ventilation.
