Operational Assessment of a Two-Stage Hydrogen Refueling Station for Hydrogen-Powered Hyperloop Systems Under Variable Hydrogen Demand

Hydrogen-based propulsion is a promising option for low-emission transport, including emerging high-speed concepts such as Hyperloop. This study evaluates the operational performance of a two-stage hydrogen refueling station concept for hydrogen-powered Hyperloop-type vehicles. The proposed configuration combines direct hydrogen supply from a transport container with final refueling from a high-pressure buffer. A discrete-event simulation model developed in FlexSim represents hydrogen deliveries, container replacement, vehicle arrivals, refueling, buffer replenishment and station occupancy under different arrival patterns and hydrogen supply conditions. Full refueling to 100% is considered alongside a 70% target as a fallback option when sufficient high-pressure hydrogen is unavailable. The assessment combines station-level indicators with departure hydrogen inventory, theoretical vehicle range and route feasibility. In the scheduled scenario, the station served all 16 vehicles, with an average vehicle time in the system of 35.4 min. The results identify high-pressure hydrogen availability and buffer replenishment as key operational constraints. Partial refueling may facilitate departures during temporary high-pressure shortages, provided that the onboard hydrogen inventory is sufficient for the subsequent route. The proposed approach links station performance with vehicle hydrogen requirements and provides a basis for assessing hydrogen refueling infrastructure under variable transport demand.