Optimizing Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Fleet Operations: A Mixed Integer Optimization Approach with Carbon Emission Consideration

Location selection of hydrogenation stations are critical for the operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft due to the high investment costs and aircraft operating cost. The objective of this study is developing a mixed integer optimization model to solve the integrated fleet assignment and hydrogenation station location problem. In this model, hydrogen-powered aircraft are restricted to refuel at hydrogen-powered airports with hydrogen consumption cost associated with aircraft types. Unlike traditional fleet assignment problems, we are considering pure-hydrogen fleets with the goal of minimizing costs. Due to computational challenges in large problem instances, We introduce complex networking and illustrate how it can deliver high-quality solutions for large cases in a shorter computational time. The model was tested in both regional and non-regional case studies, involving Delta Airlines in the United States, which has 200 flights and 55 airports. The compact model formulation enables fast computation. This work represents an initial step towards the integration of hydrogen energy fleets into the existing aviation market.