The LAX Airport Hydrogen Fueling Station: Lessons Learned

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The LAX Airport Hydrogen Fueling Station
Lessons Learned

• Jonathan Weinert
• Hydrogen Pathways Program
• UC Davis
• April 27, 2004

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Introduction

• The Problem
• True station costs not well-understood
• Lack of knowledge transfer between station
  projects
• Research Motivation
• Hydrogen Pathways Program ITS-Davis
• Developing cost models for H2 infrastructure
• Result SCAQMD Internship for LAX case study

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Disclaimer

• The following presentation is based on my own
  personal observations and interpretations. These
  are in no way tied to the views and opinions of
  the partners involved in this project.

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Purpose

• General understanding of the LAX station
• What has been learned from this experience (so
  far)?
• How do lessons apply to future hydrogen
  demonstration projects?

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Structure

• 1. Technical Details
• 2. Station History
• 3. Economics
• 4. Obstacles Lessons

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The Project Partners(and their roles)
(Project Management, Hydrogen Equipment, Systems
integration)
(Site Control, retail facility construction,
permitting)
(Real estate)
()
()
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Station Location
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TECHNICAL
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Process Schematic
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Equipment Specifications
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History
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History

• Conceived Oct-2000 ? Born Feb-2001

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Project Timing

1 Statement of Work, Praxair, 2002
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Economics
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Hydrogen Equipment Costs
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Non-Capital Costs
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OBSTACLES LESSONS
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Lesson 1 Contracts Are Critical
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Lesson 1 Contracts Are Critical

• WHY? Major time delays caused by contract
  disagreements
• OBSTACLE Liability ? no lease agreement 8
  month delay
• Whats unique about H2 station projects?
• Uncharted Territory RISK
• - Few precedents, Mixed perception, Few rules
• 2. Several partners funding sources
• - Complex, hard to satisfy each partner
• 3. Long duration -gt employee turnover
• - Contracts help new employees carry the baton
  forward
• Recommendation
• Clearly define who does what, , liability
• Develop Rules partners can base contracts on,
  contract templates

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Lesson 2 Champions are Crucial
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Lesson 2 Champions are Crucial

• Why? Where they go, the organization follows.
• OBSTACLE LAWA lost Champion midstream
• Whats unique about H2 station projects
• Uncharted territory, no clearly defined rules
  yet,
• Need leadership willing to take risk, accept
  responsibility
• Recommendation
• Choose partners w/ high-level champions
• Create champions supporters

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Lesson 3 Educate Engage Local Authorities
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Lesson 3 Educate Engage Local Authorities

• WHO Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• e.g. Fire Marshals, City Council
• WHY They can make or break project (or at least
  cause long delays)
• Whats unique about H2 station projects
• Lack of Codes, Standards, Regulations
• Recommendation
• Educate engage early often
• Develop common set of rules

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Conclusions

• LAX Lesson Recap
• THE BIG LESSONS
• 1. Codes, Standards, Regulations Needed!!
• 2. There are hidden costs to hydrogen stations.
  (Ex liability? insurance, legal, EE)
• 3. Demonstrations have unique learning value

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Thank You
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Special Thanks

• SCAQMD, Gary Dixon Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta
• ITS-Davis Dan Sperling, Joan Ogden, Anthony
  Eggert
• Aaron Rachlin (Praxair), Mike Jones (BP)

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Questions???
Presentation and paper available at
www.fuelcelltrek.com