Hydrogen-Powered Energy System for Refugee Camps

in War Zones: A Secure and Sustainable Solution

Ian Y.H. Chua

1, 2, 3, 4

7 February 2025

1. Introduction

In war-torn regions, ensuring a reliable and safe electricity supply for refugee camps is

critical to sustaining life. Electricity powers medical facilities, food preparation,

sanitation, and security systems. This paper proposes a hydrogen-based power system

that is bullet-proof, explosion-proof, and lightweight, ensuring operational stability

even under conict conditions. Hydrogen fuel—stored as compressed or liqueed

hydrogen—oers high energy density, minimal emissions, and long-term viability for

remote and high-risk areas.

This document includes Appendix 1 for detailed calculations and Appendix 2 for

transportation logistics.

2. Need for Secure Power in War Zones

Refugee camps shelter displaced individuals who rely on humanitarian aid. The

presence of hospitals, kitchens, and sanitation facilities necessitates a continuous

power supply. However, traditional diesel generators pose risks due to fuel supply

chain vulnerabilities, ammability, and environmental impact [1]. Renewable energy

sources like solar and wind are intermittent, making hydrogen an optimal alternative for

continuous power generation [2].

3. Benets of Hydrogen Fuel for Refugee Camps

3.1. High Energy Density and Storage Eiciency

Hydrogen fuel, whether in compressed or liqueed form, provides signicantly higher

energy density than batteries and is more practical than diesel in war zones. Liquid

hydrogen oers an energy density of 33.3 kWh/kg, making it a lightweight and eicient

fuel source [3].

3.2. Emission-Free and Sustainable

Hydrogen-based power produces only water as a byproduct, making it a sustainable

choice compared to fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas

emissions [4].

3.3. Safety and Operational Benets

• Explosion-proof design: Hydrogen storage and fuel cells operate under strict

safety protocols, reducing risks of detonation from attacks or accidental

mishandling.

• Bullet-proof casing: Ensuring resistance to small arms re protects the

hydrogen storage unit from external threats.

• Lightweight construction: Enables rapid deployment and ease of transportation

to crisis zones.

4. Equipment Design and Protective Features

4.1. Hydrogen Storage Container

The bullet-proof and explosion-proof hydrogen storage unit is constructed using

three-layer reinforcement:

1. Outer Layer (Impact Resistance): UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight

Polyethylene) or Kevlar (15-20 mm thick) for stopping small arms re.

2. Middle Layer (Structural Integrity): Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) (10 mm thick)

for blast resistance.

3. Inner Layer (Hydrogen Containment): Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

(CFRP) (25-30 mm thick) to prevent leaks.

The container stores liquid hydrogen at -253°C in a super-insulated, vacuum-sealed

cryogenic tank, ensuring stable long-term storage [5].

4.2. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator

To meet the camp's energy needs, a 125 kW Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

(PEMFC) generator converts hydrogen into electricity at 50% eiciency, ensuring

continuous power for the hospital, kitchens, and sanitation facilities [6].

4.3. Safety and Infrastructure Integration

• Automated leak detection and emergency shuto prevent hydrogen leaks.

• Super-insulated pipelines and vaporizers regulate fuel delivery to the

generator.

• Shielded generator housing protects against external attacks and

environmental exposure.

5. Conclusion

The proposed hydrogen-powered energy system provides a sustainable, secure, and

eicient electricity source for war zone refugee camps. Its bullet-proof and explosion-

proof design ensures safety under conict conditions while its lightweight construction

enables ease of deployment. With hydrogen’s high energy density, zero-emission

output, and reliability, this system can sustain essential humanitarian infrastructure in

conict-aected regions.

Acknowledgments

This paper was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT 4.0, which provided insights and renements in the

articulation of philosophical and scientic concepts.

Founder/CEO, ACE-Learning Systems Pte Ltd.

M.Eng. Candidate, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

M.S. (Anatomical Sciences Education) Candidate, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.

M.S. (Medical Physiology) Candidate, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.

Appendix 1: Detailed Calculations

A. Power Demand Calculation

• Daily energy need per person: 3 kWh

• Total population: 500 people

• Total daily demand: 3 kWh × 500 = 1,500 kWh/day

• Hydrogen fuel cell eiciency: 50%

• Total required hydrogen energy: 1,500 ÷ 0.50 = 3,000 kWh/day

B. Hydrogen Storage Calculation

• Energy density of liquid hydrogen: 33.3 kWh/kg

• Required hydrogen mass per day: 3,000 ÷ 33.3 = 90 kg/day

• Storage for 7-day supply: 90 × 7 = 630 kg

• Liquid hydrogen density: 70.85 kg/m³

• Required storage volume: 630 ÷ 70.85 = 8.9 m³

• Cylindrical tank dimensions: Diameter = 1.5 m, Length = 5.0 m

C. Fuel Cell Sizing

• Continuous power demand: 1,500 kWh/day ÷ 24 hours = 62.5 kW

• Accounting for eiciency loss: 62.5 × 2 = 125 kW fuel cell required

• Number of cells needed (0.7V per cell, 400V output): 400 ÷ 0.7 ≈ 570 cells

• Hydrogen ow rate: 90 kg/day ÷ 24 = 3.75 kg/hour

Appendix 2: Transportation Logistics

1. Heavy-Duty Transport Truck (Hydrogen Storage Unit)

• Vehicle Type: Armored Fuel Transport Truck

• Purpose: Secure transport of the cylindrical hydrogen tank

• Security Features: Bullet-proof shielding, leak detection, GPS tracking

2. Flatbed Truck (Fuel Cell Generator and Equipment)

• Vehicle Type: Military-grade Flatbed Truck

• Purpose: Transport 125 kW PEM fuel cell generator and auxiliary equipment

3. Light Tactical Vehicles (Personnel and Maintenance Equipment)

• Vehicle Type: Armored Utility Vehicle

• Purpose: Escort security, maintenance personnel, and patrol duties

4. Emergency Response Vehicle (Fire Suppression & Medical Aid)

• Vehicle Type: Fire-Resistant Rescue Truck

• Purpose: Hydrogen-specic re suppression and medical emergency response

Each vehicle ensures safe deployment and operation of the hydrogen energy system

in war zones.

References

1. UNHCR. (2020). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2020. Retrieved from

https://www.unhcr.org/statistics

2. IRENA. (2018). Hydrogen from Renewable Power: Technology Outlook for the

Energy Transition. International Renewable Energy Agency.

3. Dincer, I., & Acar, C. (2015). Review and evaluation of hydrogen production

methods for better sustainability. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy,

40(34), 11094-11111.

4. U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Oice.

Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells

5. Momirlan, M., & Veziroglu, T. N. (2005). The properties of hydrogen as fuel

tomorrow in sustainable energy system for a cleaner planet. International Journal

of Hydrogen Energy, 30(7), 795-802.

6. Barbir, F. (2013). PEM Fuel Cells: Theory and Practice. Academic Press.