Opportunities for Integrating Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles and Intelligent Transportation Systems

This paper presents the findings of an “Integrated Hydrogen/Intelligent Transportation Systems Evaluation for the California Department of Transportation” project that was conducted by the University of California – Berkeley. The project reviewed state hydrogen activities suggested potential applications of combined hydrogen and intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies that warrant further study and field-testing. The main concept underlying this study is the potential for synergies between two rapidly evolving areas of advanced transportation and energy technology: hydrogen energy systems and ITS. Schemes that combine these two sets of technologies can help to improve convenience and optimize the operation of hydrogen infrastructure by allowing communication and mapping/navigation technologies to facilitate the access to and operation of initially sparse hydrogen refueling networks. This could initially be in fleet and motor pool settings where hydrogen vehicles are first introduced, but then could spread to the broader consumer market should it evolve. Additional benefits include helping to mitigate the limited driving range of early hydrogen-powered vehicles and exposing consumers to new technologies in ways that do not require purchasing them, such as through fleet/motor pool, transit, and carsharing organization operations. Finally, additional opportunities for integration of hydrogen energy and ITS can be found through linkages with stationary power generation, where a new paradigm of “distributed power generation” is emerging. The paper concludes by suggesting that a “smart hydrogen refueling” field test is the most attractive concept at present based on timing, technology availability, and potential interest to a range of stakeholders.