A review of safety risk management strategies for hydrogen refueling stations

Abstract

Hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) are critical infrastructure in the emerging hydrogen economy, playing a crucial role in the global energy transition toward a more sustainable future. However, hydrogen's hazardous physicochemical properties and demanding operational conditions at HRSs pose significant challenges to effective safety risk management. This work systematically examines the major safety risks associated with HRSs and the strategies used to address them. It begins with an overview of the types and classifications of HRSs, as well as their typical units, components, and operational principles. Then, the key safety risk challenges of hydrogen leakage, fire, and explosion are analyzed. Subsequently, safety risk assessment technologies are investigated and compared, followed by the risk reduction strategies, including accident prevention via design-for-safety, active engineering safety devices, administrative safety controls, and emergency response plans. Lastly, future research directions are outlined from the perspectives of inherently safer design, chaotic behaviors of hydrogen leakage, integrated design for safety, reliability, and energy efficiency, and safety knowledge graphs. This work is expected to provide researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with structured insights into HRS safety, thereby contributing to the advancement of a safer hydrogen-based energy future.