A risk-based evaluation of safe distance for a hydrogen refueling station

Abstract

To ensure the safety of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) and protective targets in the surrounding area, this paper has introduced a risk-based safe distance assessment method for a 35MP HRSs, emphasizing the impact of the station's surrounding area. The findings indicate that the safe distance is determined by vapor cloud explosion (VCE) accident scenarios arising from pipeline leaks (compressor-hydrogen storage tanks) at 125 m. Therefore, a crucial focus should be placed on safeguarding and maintaining hydrogen pipelines. Furthermore, based on societal risk, the requirement of a 358-m safe distance specifies that the population gathering within this range should be <500 people, virtually eliminating the possibility of constructing hydrogen stations in urban residential areas. Only in scenarios where VCE risks are not considered, less-populated surrounding environments might reduce the safe distance of hydrogen stations. Eliminating the risk scenarios of VCE is a crucial approach to lowering the safe distance of HRSs, making establishing such stations in urban centers feasible. Therefore, factors such as open spaces, well-ventilated facilities, and blast walls become critical elements in reducing the safe distance of HRSs.