Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

"A hydrogen economy could offer energy stability, economical, and environmental benefits. Several issues are involved in the design and implementation of a hydrogen economy such as the selection of feedstocks, generation and storage technologies, transportation methods, appropriate equipment capacity, codes/standards and public awareness. The design of a hydrogen infrastructure may seem insurmountable; however, as the system is deconstructed a proper design can be achieved. In order to better understand how a hydrogen system for light duty vehicles might operate, both hydrogen resource and capacity analysis and modeling is conducted. Specifically, an evaluation of leading near term production and distribution technologies is presented. A hydrogen system based on wind-generated electricity is then presented as a viable component in a hydrogen transition strategy. In support of this strategy, the theoretical hydrogen generation capability of a wind-hydrogen system on a state level basis is determined. A newsvendor framework is utilized to determine the optimal capacity for hydrogen filling stations based upon consumer behavior. The utility of this approach is expanded by including the effects of a competitive business environment by providing an alternative to the consumer and by including a consumer placed utility for hydrogen. The consumer placed utility represents the value to the consumer that the higher energy efficiency and environmental benefits hydrogen is perceived to provide. The results from a parametric analysis of key variables are presented in regards to inventory levels. The presented work provides an understanding as how a complex hydrogen economy might operate in the future. Finally, future areas for model expansion are presented"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Grasman, Scott E. (Scott Erwin)

Committee Member(s)

Guardiola, Ivan
Luechtefeld, Ray
Liu, Zhen
Sheffield, John W.

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Engineering Management

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2009

Pagination

ix, 81 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 72-80).

Rights

© 2009 Kevin Braun Martin, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Demand (Economic theory) -- Mathematical modelsEnergy policyHydrogen as fuel -- ResearchRenewable energy sourcesWind power

Thesis Number

T 9559

Print OCLC #

746045875

Electronic OCLC #

489056560

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