*** Due to the lack of funding, the hydrogen filling station has been closed effective July 1, 2010.***

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The Center for Energy Research and the Las Vegas Valley Water District are working with Proton Energy Systems and the Department of Energy to build a renewable hydrogen refueling station. One of the objectives for this project is to install and analyze performance of a hydrogen fueling system powered by solar energy. The Center for Energy Research and Proton Energy have developed the requirements for the fueling system, surveyed potential sites, selected the site at the Water District, devised the site plan, designed the fueling system layout, supported the site permitting process, analyzed the proposed system performance, completed the conversion of some vehicles to hydrogen fuel, and is monitoring various experimental performance parameters.

The Renewable Hydrogen Filling Station.

Initially a conventional pressure (200 psia) electrolyzer was installed. This was followed by a high pressure (1200 psia) electrolyzer. Both of these systems have the capability of operating totally off of solar-generated electricity (PV) or totally off of grid power, or some combination of these. A larger unit than the two mentioned combined was installed during the next phase of the project, and it is driven by grid electricity.

As part of the project the Center for Energy Research also performed following work. Conversion of two utility vehicles to hydrogen fuel. One vehicle initially all electric was convereted to fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicle, and that other initially gasoline fueled Internal combustion vehicle is converted to use hydrogen as a fuel for  internal combustion engine. Direct injection method was used to pump hydrogen into the cylinder of the engine. Also Ford pickup truck is currently being converted to use hydrogen as a fuel.

Work is also performed on different methods of hydrogen generation. On sun experimental investigation is performed on Photo-electroctrochemical electrolyzer cell to generate hydrogen. Also experimental and CFD study is performed on the single cell PEM electrolyzer with ultimate goal of improving the performance of individual cells and cell stack by optimizing the fluid dynamics and heat transfer behavior inside the cell.

Hybrid energy systems modeling using renewable energy (Solar , wind, hydro electric power) as an energy sources was performed as a part of this project. The hydrogen based system (electrolyzer, storage tank and fuel cell) is used for seasonal storage of energy. Short term storage based on battery and supercapacitors has been studied. Programs were developed by the center to study the effect of such system for stand-alone as well as residential applications.

In related work, UNLV hosted a workshop on hydrogen safety and related codes and standards, and this was followed by a roadmapping exercise to outline approaches to hydrogen development for the state.