Design and Operation Mechanisms of Battery and Hydrogen Based Transport Systems Integrated with Power Grids

As a result of the low Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions in the electricity generation profiles, electrification of transit networks represents a promising approach to reduce transportation-related GHG emissions. Two fundamental concepts have been adopted to electrify transport systems: utilization of (i) battery storage for Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), and (ii) hydrogen for Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). Each of the two concepts has its own design and operation challenges in order to be widely and efficiently deployed. Accordingly, this thesis focuses on developing new models to address the imminent challenges of design and operation practices that are associated with the adoption of both concepts.

First, novel analytical methodologies are developed to be applied to the size estimation of BEV and FCEV fueling stations, as a critical step to set the stage for the transportation electrification. The ratings of various components are expressed in terms of the system operation percentage using the proposed formulation, and the desired ratings are selected at which the net profit reaches the maximum point.

Second, both Public Bus Transit (PBT) and power utility operators retain various challenges in facilitating the seamless integration of Battery Electric Bus (BEB) fleet systems. The most salient challenges are: (i) the lack/unavailability of real-world and high-resolution speed data of BEB to accurately calculate the Electric Bus Energy Consumption (EBEC), and (ii) the lack of appropriate simulation tools to model and optimize BEB fleet systems. Therefore, a novel model to generate a set of synthetic speed profiles is proposed using the basic information of the bus trip: duration, distance, and bus stops. A new mathematical formulation is also proposed to model and optimize the design of BEB fleet systems. The model considers the operational requirements of PBT systems, utility grid model and the EBEC characteristics.

Third, the proliferation of hydrogen fueling stations throughout the transportation network and justifying their economic viability are key factors to the success of the FCEVs. Accordingly, a new model for optimal scheduling of distributed hydrogen storage stations is proposed to serve the transport sector and the electricity market Demand Response (DR) program, besides optimizing the hydrogen sale price. Further, the Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology now offers a promising solution for the reliable and safe storage of hydrogen. Hence, this thesis also demonstrates how such plants should be optimally sized and operated for joint applications for concurrent services to both the transportation sector and utility grid ancillary services.

The findings of this thesis highlight the feasibility of current BEBs technology to replace diesel-based transit buses, shall appropriate technical design and measures be considered to alleviate the negative interactions between power utilities and transit networks. In addition, ancillary services provision to the grid is concluded to be a win-win situation to the utility grid and the hydrogen facility that can reduce the hydrogen sale price.