Techno-economic analysis of type III and IV composite hydrogen storage tanks for fuel cell vehicles

Abstract

The hydrogen gas storage tank market includes passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks. However, there is insufficient economic analysis of these tanks, which is the key element for achieving market expansion. Theoretical studies have investigated the cost of carbon composites in automotive and aerospace applications and hydrogen storage tanks. However, there is insufficient analysis based on actual technological and cost data. Moreover, there is limited analysis of the material, labor, and expense costs and equipment investments based on production quantities. The objective of this study is to analyze the costs related to hydrogen tanks in passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks on the basis of the manufacturing technologies, tank volume, type, and annual production. Furthermore, this study uses a cost–profit modeling approach to identify the cost, price, investment, and key cost drivers and provide target costs, effective manufacturing technologies, and strategies to meet the demands of the hydrogen tank market.