Risk analysis and management of hydrogen station fire and explosion accidents using DEMATEL-ISM and complex network models

With the implementation of national policies on new energy industries, many companies are increasingly investing in hydrogen energy and expanding the construction of hydrogen stations. However, due to the characteristics of hydrogen being prone to leakage, diffusion, and flammability, various risk factors can easily lead to fire and explosion accidents at hydrogen stations, resulting in serious consequences. In order to ensure the safe operation of hydrogen stations, this paper proposes a risk analysis method for fire and explosion accidents at hydrogen stations based on DEMATEL-ISM and complex network models. Firstly, through Bow-Tie analysis, all potential risk factors that could lead to fire and explosion accidents at hydrogen stations are comprehensively identified. Then, based on the DEMATEL-ISM model, a causal relationship diagram of risk factors is established to figure out the key factors, and further a multi-level hierarchical structure model of risk factors is constructed to visually describe the risk level among varied factors based on causal attributes and logical relationships. Finally, combined with the complex network topology, the safety impact of each risk factor and its relationship to the hydrogen station system are deeply explored from a network structure perspective. By considering the important risk factors from a point (single factor) - line (hierarchical logic) - surface (network structure) perspective, the results suggest that inadequate hazard inspections, operational errors, and failures in monitoring safety protection systems are the most important and complex factors in the system of fire and explosion accidents at hydrogen stations. Additionally, this study proposes "one-on-one" control measures for these factors.