Development of Hazard Assessment for Hydrogen Refueling Station in Malaysia

Hydrogen plays an important role recently and recognized by various organizations (public and private) to replace fossil fuel in future transportation applications. Recently, research institutes in Malaysia are the focus of the studies on hydrogen technology in order to drive this energy in transportation applications. Since Hydrogen and fuel cells are viewed as one of the most important energy conversion devices in the future, thus the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) had identified this energy as priority research after solar. Just like normal refueling stations, hydrogen stations and its infrastructure must be planned, designed, and operated in accordance with the properties. Safety consideration of hydrogen system installation and its application can consider as one of the major issues influencing the acceptance of hydrogen for public use. The current methodology of hydrogen production and storage system was surveyed in this paper, and the characteristics of the system as well as their advantages and limitation were reviewed. Besides, this study has investigated and discussed the potential hazards associated with hydrogen refueling facilities such as hydrogen production, storage and dispensing system. These preliminary safety considerations in hazard identifications are intended to figure out the potential hazard and thus analyze the hazard in each of the sub-system before the full quantitative risk assessment take place. Thus, a framework for the entire risk analysis of hydrogen fueling stations was established.