NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 

Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Macro System Model (MSM) 

User Guide

Version 1.3

Mark Ruth and Victor Diakov

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Michael Goldsby and Timothy Sa

Sandia National Laboratories

Elvin Yuzugullu, Ryan Hoesly, and Peter 

Zalewski

SRA International, Inc. 

Technical Report

NREL/TP-6A10-51618

September 2011
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 

Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Macro System Model (MSM) 

User Guide

Version 1.3

Mark Ruth and Victor Diakov

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Michael Goldsby and Timothy Sa

Sandia National Laboratories

Elvin Yuzugullu, Ryan Hoesly, and Peter 

Zalewski

SRA International, Inc. 

Prepared under Task No(s). HS07.1003

Technical Report

NREL/TP-6A10-51618

September 2011
NOTICE

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MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 3 -

Table of Contents

1.0 Guide to MSM User Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.1 Basic User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.2 Comprehensive User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.3 Model Developer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.4 Software Architect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.5 System Administrator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.0 About the MSM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.1 Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.2 Goals and Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3 Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3.1 Pathway/WTW Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.3.2 Additional Analysis Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.4 Model Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.5 Component Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.6 Restrictions, Assumptions, Constraints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.7 Validation Methodology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.0 Operating the MSM as a Basic User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.1 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2 Defining a Basic Pathway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.3 Entering Detailed Inputs (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3.4 Submitting the MSM Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3.5 Viewing Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.6 Viewing Results through the HyDRA Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.0 Operating the MSM as a Comprehensive User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.1 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.2 Running the Multi-Parameter Option with MSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4.3 Editing the .xml Input File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.4 Uploading into the MSM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4.5 Viewing Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.0 Offline Capabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.1 MSM-HyPro Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.2 Stochastic Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.0 Future Goals and Expanding Model Capabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Appendix. Detailed Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
- 4 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

List of Acronyms

API Application programming interface

DBMS Database management system

DOE Department of Energy

DTI Directed Technologies, Inc.

EIA Energy Information Administration

FCT Fuel Cell Technologies

GDS Global data set

GHG Greenhouse gas

GIS Geographic Information System

GREET Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation

GUI Graphical user interface

HDSAM H2A Delivery Scenario Analysis Model

HyARC Hydrogen Analysis Resource Center

JRE Java Runtime Environment

MSM Macro System Model

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory

SEPI Systems Engineering and Project Integration Office

SNL Sandia National Laboratories

WTW Well-to-Wheels
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 5 -

List of Tables

Table 1. Unit names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Table 2. Sample entries from the output.csv file. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

List of Figures

Figure 1. Models and tools integrated into the MSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Figure 2. MSM operation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Figure 3. Fuel and vehicle cycles examined in the GREET model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Figure 4. Hierarchy and types of data extracted from the component models to feed into the MSM . 12

Figure 5. Requesting a new user name and password or logging in to the MSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Figure 6. Locally signed Java application archive file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Figure 7. Login dialogue box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Figure 8. The MSM GUI (required inputs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Figure 9. The MSM GUI (optional inputs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Figure 10. Submissions dialogue box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Figure 11. Simulations menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Figure 12. Model description dialogue box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Figure 13. Display of results – fuel pathway chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Figure 14. Display of results – vehicle cycle chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Figure 15. Display of results – output tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Figure 16. NREL HyDRA website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Figure 17. MSM simulations through HyDRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Figure 18. Results of a HyDRA submission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Figure 19. Pop-up indicating creation of map layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Figure 20. Map showing MSM HyDRA results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Figure 21. Legend tab output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Figure 22. The MSM multi-parameter tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Figure 23. Sample parameter schedule file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Figure 24. Simulations menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Figure 25. .xml file sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Figure 26. Original units for liquidTruckTotalTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Figure 27. New units for liquidTruckTotalTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Figure 28. MSM GUI “Upload file” tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Figure 29. .csv output of a typical simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Figure 30. .csv output of a multi-parameter simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Figure 31. Graph of HyPro output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Figure 32. Stochastic (Monte Carlo) results for distributed SMR (green dots) and 

central biomass pipeline (blue dots) cases mapped on the emissions costs diagram . . . . . . 34
- 6 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

1.0 Guide to MSM User Types

The structure and capabilities of the Macro System Model (MSM) allow it to address the diverse needs of its 

users. Some users may desire only a “snapshot” of different technologies and pathways while others may wish to 

investigate options in more detail, searching for answers to specific techno-economic and environmental concerns. 

This section describes the differing perspectives of end users and the range of approaches to utilizing the MSM. 

There is some overlap among these perspectives and processes. The end user types may be categorized as:

Basic User Comprehensive 

User

Model

Developer

Software 

Architect

System 

Administrator

1.1 Basic User

The primary value of the MSM is its ability to link existing models across multiple platforms, allowing for consistent 

cross-cutting analysis. The basic users of the MSM, such as researchers, policymakers, and analysts, will find the 

tool useful for quickly analyzing a variety of scenarios using industry-accepted assumptions. Section 3 of this 

manual provides further detail to assist users in navigating the graphical user interface (GUI) of the model.

The MSM has been designed to allow users to analyze the financial, environmental, transitional, geographical, 

and R&D issues associated with the transition to a hydrogen economy. Basic end users can use the MSM to 

answer cross-cutting questions that were previously difficult to answer in a consistent and timely manner due to 

variations in assumptions and methodologies among different models. Examples include the following: 

• What is the comparison of hydrogen costs at the pump using different hydrogen production technologies?

• How much fossil fuel versus renewable energy use does a given hydrogen pathway require?

• What is the overall efficiency of the pathway considered versus the efficiency of its components?

• How much hydrogen needs to be produced to supply a given city’s demands and what are the raw materials 

needed to meet those demands? What is the resulting emissions profile if hydrogen is produced to meet a 

given city’s demands?

• How might different locations affect the economics, energy requirements, and emissions of hydrogen pathways?

• Does a specific technology make more sense in one location than another?

• How do potential transition pathways compare and what impacts could competing technologies have on transition?

1.2 Comprehensive User

After exploring the basic user capabilities of the MSM, comprehensive users may find that they need additional 

functionality. These users can manually edit the input.xml file (see section 4.3) for direct submission to the 

application server. Although this option affords more flexibility, it is important to note that only minimum error 

checking takes place on the input file; results obtained by the comprehensive user need careful consideration. 

It is therefore necessary that comprehensive users have an advanced understanding of the input parameters they 

are examining. This option enables the user to perform more detailed analyses and to explore different outputs. 

Details are further explained in section 4.
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 7 -

1.3 Model Developer

Model developers for models such as H2A Production update the MSM scripts and application programming 

interfaces (APIs) of their own models as the MSM is updated. The MSM scripts and APIs perform the data 

transfer between the component model and the MSM structure, so the MSM model developers need to identify 

parameters to transfer between models, explore how their models interact with the MSM framework, and add 

those parameters to the model scripts and APIs. Model developers do not necessarily need to modify the scripts 

and APIs but will initially work with the MSM principal investigator to perform these tasks.

1.4 Software Architect

Software architects develop the MSM, including the GUI. As the primary application developers, they understand 

the file structure and working with the various languages used in the MSM such as Ruby, PHP, MySQL, and Java. 

Currently, experts at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) are the exclusive software architects for the MSM and 

are responsible for the system design and evolution. Domain expertise is provided by the principal investigator 

and codified by the software architects.

1.5 System Administrator

System administrators maintain computers where the component models, the executable MSM code, Web server, 

database management system (DBMS), and/or user interface are located. Additionally, they install application 

updates, perform periodic back-ups of data, and grant user access as authorized by the principal investigator. 

For example, component models are expected to be housed on servers at host organizations. When the MSM is 

linked to those models, staff at those organizations will need to become MSM system administrators to enable 

data transfers between their models and the MSM.

2.0 About the MSM

2.1 Description

The MSM is a simulation tool that links existing and emerging hydrogen-related models to perform rapid, crosscutting analysis. The current version (version 1.3) of the MSM links several models, as seen in Figure 1. The H2A 

Production, H2A Delivery Scenario Analysis Model (HDSAM), and Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and 

Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) models, along with a hydrogen-related database (Hydrogen Analysis 

Resource Center, HyARC) and risk analysis tools (@risk and DAKOTA), were integrated into the MSM’s previous 

versions. These allowed analysis of the economics, primary energy source requirements, and emissions of 

hydrogen production and delivery pathways. 

Additional capability has been added to the MSM via the integration of the models HyPro, Hydrogen Demand 

and Resource Analysis (HyDRA), and version 2 of GREET into the MSM. HyDRA brings the spatial component 

into the analysis, and HyPro allows for temporal evaluations. While the MSM was only able to investigate the fuel 

cycle before, the addition of version 2 of the GREET model has enabled the vehicle cycle to also be taken into 

consideration in analyses.
- 8 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

The MSM simulates cost, energy use, and emissions of the entire hydrogen system (including feedstock, 

conversion, infrastructure, and vehicles), and its analyses and sensitivity runs can provide a basis for decisions 

regarding focus of research needs. The MSM operates as a central hub to guarantee consistency in simulations 

that involve multiple models. A GUI allows users with minimal understanding of the models to use them. 

Furthermore, the MSM tool can help users understand the effects of varying parameters on a pathway’s 

results without requiring expertise in all of its models. Since the models are linked and data are consistent, the 

MSM can assist analysts in understanding the effects of changing scenarios (i.e., hydrogen production/delivery 

options) and parameters (e.g., efficiencies and unit costs) on the pathway costs, well-to-wheels (WTW) energy 

requirements, and WTW emissions. 

The MSM was jointly developed by the Systems Engineering and Project Integration Office (SEPI) at the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and SNL. The SEPI provides domain expertise and leads the project; SNL 

provides computer science expertise.

2.2 Goals and Objectives

The MSM was designed to act as an overarching system that provides a cross-cutting analysis and simulation 

capability to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies (FCT) Program. In addition, the MSM 

may be used to guide the development of other similar simulation tools.

The MSM was developed to accomplish the following specific objectives:

• To perform rapid, cross-cutting analysis through a single model by linking existing applicable models.

• To improve consistency of technology representation (i.e., consistency between models).

• To allow for consistent use of hydrogen models without requiring all users to be experts in all models.

• To support decisions regarding programmatic investments, focus of funding, and research milestones 

through analyses and sensitivity runs.

2.3 Scope

The MSM can currently perform pathway, also known as WTW, analysis of hydrogen production and delivery 

pathways. Spatial and temporal models are added to the MSM to allow users to answer more complex questions 

regarding the market dynamics and infrastructure needs related to developing a hydrogen economy. 

Figure 1. Models and tools integrated into the MSM

Macro-System Model

H2A

(H2 Production)

HyARC

(H2 Datatable)

Fuel Cell 

Power Model

Risk Analysis

(@risk, DAKOTA)

GREET 2

GREET

(WTW Emissions)

Cost-perMile Tool

HyDRA

(Spatial Tool)

HDSAM

(H2 Delivery)

HyPRO

(Pathways 

Progression)

Completed Prior to Version 1.3 Version 1.3 Underway
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 9 -

2.3.1 Pathway/WTW Analysis

Pathway, or WTW, analysis responds to the need to understand costs, the breakdown of these costs, energy 

use, and emissions related to different hydrogen production/delivery pathways. Pathway analysis looks at 

these pathways from the extraction of feedstock for hydrogen, through the production, storage, and delivery 

processes, and all the way to the use of hydrogen in vehicles. Through its links to component models, the MSM is 

capable of performing a comprehensive WTW analysis that provides users with details such as the amount and 

type of feedstock used to produce hydrogen, efficiencies of different technologies, energy use and emissions of 

various pathways, hydrogen production capacity to meet demand, and cost of hydrogen at the pump achievable 

under different scenarios.

With the MSM’s ability to integrate multiple variables, the user may modify these variables to observe valuable 

results, highlighting different aspects of various technologies and pathways. The following are pathway-defining 

user inputs:

• Hydrogen production and delivery technology type and size 

• Technology year

• Feedstock used

• City size

• Hydrogen vehicle market penetration rate

• Vehicle fuel economy

• Regional resource costs and characteristics

The ability to compare critical factors such as levelized hydrogen costs at the pump using different hydrogen 

production/delivery technologies, raw material needs required to meet a city’s potential hydrogen demands, 

energy use, efficiencies, and emissions profile (CO2, CH4, N2O, VOC, CO, NOx, PM10, SOx) of hydrogen use for 

varying populations and hydrogen penetration levels is a capability that delivers a comprehensive and crosscutting view of factors related to the development of a hydrogen economy.

The following production and delivery technologies are currently included in the MSM and made available in its GUI:

• Central production technologies1

- Biomass gasification

- Coal gasification with carbon dioxide sequestration 

- Coal gasification without carbon dioxide sequestration

- Natural gas reforming with carbon dioxide sequestration

- Natural gas reforming without carbon dioxide sequestration

- Electrolysis using electricity generated with wind turbines

- High temperature electrolysis with nuclear reactors (Available in 2015+)

• Distributed production technologies

- Electrolysis

- Natural gas reforming

- Ethanol reforming

• Delivery technologies

- Piping of gaseous hydrogen

- Truck transport of liquid hydrogen

1. Production is distributed when hydrogen is produced at refueling stations; central production requires hydrogen delivery from the 

hydrogen production facility to refueling stations.
- 1 0 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

2.3.2 Additional Analysis Capability

As additional component models are integrated into the MSM, the structure and components of the MSM allow 

users to discover answers to more complex questions regarding the market dynamics and infrastructure needs 

related to transitioning to a hydrogen economy. Work is underway to integrate models related to hydrogen’s use 

for stationary power generation, use of biogas for hydrogen, and vehicle cost.

2.4 Model Structure

The general framework of the model is:

• Extensible: Accommodates new models with minimal difficulty

• Distributable: Can be used by multiple people in different areas of the country

• Scalable: Can be scaled to large numbers of participating models.

Figure 2 illustrates how the MSM software application interconnects the component models:

• Unifying Framework: This framework is implemented in the Ruby scripting language and consists of model 

APIs, model control scripts, unit conversion facility, global data set (GDS), and execution control.

• Graphical User Interface: The GUI is implemented in Java and delivered via Java Web Start and the user’s 

installed browser.

• Database Management System: The DBMS is implemented in MySQL and contains archived jobs and 

user data.

• Web Services: Some component models are housed in different locations and Web services are used to 

allow communication via HTTP.

Through the GUI, the user inputs variables such as timeframe, production technology, feedstock, delivery 

method, city size, and penetration of the technology. User input data is initially transferred to the GDS, which 

holds all data in a consistent set of units. As each component model is run, data from it is also transferred to the 

Additional Model Servers

Model User Job Queue

Model API

Model Script

Utility Scripts

Model Control System Web Services Engine Global Data Set

User Job (Maestro)

Server Control System

Web Server

Run

Archive

DB

Client

Model Server

Web Browser

HTTP

HTTP (SOAP)

Figure 2. MSM operation process
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 1 1 -

GDS, and calculations are done by the GDS script. Input data for subsequent models are taken from the GDS. As 

the capabilities of the MSM are expanded in the future, optimization routines and solution methodology schemes 

may also be added.

The current MSM version co-locates most of the back-end resources on a single server (application server) while 

some models and their APIs are located at the model owner’s/developer’s site or other location (model server). 

2.5 Component Models

To date the MSM integrates the following models:

HyARC

http://hydrogen.pnl.gov/cocoon/morf/hydrogen

HyARC provides well-documented, reliable physical property information that can serve as a basis for accurate 

analysis of hydrogen production/delivery costs, markets, policy options, and other key analysis topics. The 

Resource Center features the Hydrogen Data Book (with a wide range of hydrogen and fuel cell information 

valuable to infrastructure analysis), links to external data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and 

other government entities specializing in hydrogen and fuel cell analysis, DOE FCT Program analysis guidelines 

and assumptions, and hydrogen calculation tools. Values from HyARC, including heating values and densities, 

are transferred to other models in the MSM to ensure consistency.

Version 1.0

HDSAM

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_delivery.html

HDSAM is a delivery-scenario model that links various hydrogen delivery component costs to develop capacity/

flow parameters for a hydrogen delivery infrastructure. This approach allows the model to calculate the full cost 

of hydrogen delivery and accounts for any tradeoffs between components. The structure provided by this model 

allows the efficient examination of new technologies, alternative delivery pathways/packaging solutions, and the 

effect of demand density and scale. HDSAM uses financial calculation methodologies and parameters consistent 

with H2A Production to provide a “snapshot” of delivery cost results based upon input assumptions.

Version 2.2

H2A Production and Case Studies

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_production.html 

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_prod_studies.html

The H2A Production model is used to assess the cost of producing hydrogen for central and forecourt (filling 

station) technologies. Users are permitted to define characteristics of the production such as process design, 

capacity, capacity factor, efficiency, feedstock requirements, capital costs, and operating costs. For more 

customized analyses, users may also manipulate various financial parameters including internal rate of return, 

plant life, feedstock costs, and tax rate. Case studies were built on the H2A Production model where the process 

characteristics and parameters are defined for some hydrogen production processes. In the MSM, assumptions 

and data on several key technologies were taken from those H2A Production case studies.

Versions 2.1.1-2.1.3

Figure 3. Fuel and vehicle cycles examined in the GREET model 
- 1 2 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

GREET

http://greet.es.anl.gov

Created by the Argonne National Laboratory, the GREET model allows for the evaluation of various vehicle and 

fuel combinations on a full fuel-cycle/vehicle-cycle basis (Figure 3). For use in the MSM, energy requirements in 

H2A Production and HDSAM are converted to standard GREET inputs (yields, shares, distances, etc.).

 GREET 1 Series

 The MSM uses the GREET 1 Series model (version 1.8d.1) to evaluate the fuel-cycle portion of the pathway 

 lifecycle, allowing researchers to evaluate a fuel cycle from the well to the wheels. More than 100 fuel 

 production pathways (e.g., corn to ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel) are included in GREET 1.8d.1 to 

 calculate the consumption of total energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (primarily carbon dioxide, 

 methane, and nitrous oxide), and six criteria pollutants.

Version 1.8d.1

 GREET 2 Series

 The MSM uses the GREET 2 Series model (version 2.7) to evaluate the vehicle-cycle portion of the pathway’s 

 lifecycle, allowing researchers to evaluate the vehicle cycle from raw materials needed to manufacture 

 the vehicle to its disposal or recycling. GREET evaluates more than 80 vehicle/fuel systems, from conventional 

 combustion engine vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, all-electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles.

Version 2.7

The MSM links these individual component models by integrating the various elements of each one that are 

relevant to hydrogen production, distribution, storage, vehicle technologies, and widespread deployment of a 

hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Figure 4 demonstrates the hierarchy of data, beginning with physical properties 

from HyARC feeding into delivery data from HDSAM, followed by production data from H2A Production, and 

finally accessing vehicle and WTW data from GREET (delivery data is generated before production to set the 

city parameters and will be used to scale production facilities in the future). Data from the most applicable 

model is used in cases where models may contradict. In such a case, data are taken from the component model 

that is believed to include the most detail and accuracy. For example, for hydrogen production yield values, 

H2A Production data are preferred over data from GREET, or HDSAM data are preferred over GREET data for 

liquefaction-efficiency values. In some cases, users are able to decide which values to use, such as in the case of 

vehicle fuel economy, with which the users may opt to use values from HDSAM or GREET or enter their own.

Apart from the above models that are fully integrated with the MSM, there are the following auxiliary models:

HyDRA

http://maps.nrel.gov

HyDRA is a Web- and geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial model created by NREL. It allows 

users to view, download, and analyze hydrogen data and how these data vary across the United States on a 

regional basis. There are currently more than 90 datasets available in the system, including resource cost and 

availability, hydrogen production potential, hydrogen production cost, resource consumption, hydrogen demand, 

infrastructure, and results from integration with other hydrogen models. The ability to run the MSM from within 

the HyDRA application provides access to a significant number of additional datasets and allows for automatic 

updates of HyDRA datasets that relate to hydrogen production.

HyARC

-Physical properties

HDSAM

-Delivery utility requirements

-Calculation of losses 

 during delivery

-Delivery capital and 

 operating costs

-Delivery levelized cost

H2A Production

-Production feedstock and 

 utility requirements

-Production capital and 

 operating costs

-Production levelized cost

GREET 1

-Upstream energy use 

and emissions

-WTP and WTW results

GREET 2

-Energy use

-Emissions

Figure 4. Hierarchy and types of data extracted from the component models to feed into the MSM
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 1 3 -

HyPro

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/progress07/viii_1_james.pdf

The HyPro model simulates the build-out of hydrogen production facilities during the transition from gasoline 

internal combustion engine vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It calculates the expected “pump price” of 

hydrogen (i.e., the cost of hydrogen ready to be dispensed into a customer’s vehicle at the dispensing station) for 

a variety of production/delivery/dispensing pathways over a span of years. HyPro postulates the yearly hydrogen 

demand and calculates which supply infrastructure pathway is expected to provide the cheapest hydrogen in 

any given year. This results in a prediction of how the infrastructure would be built out over time. This build-out 

prediction takes into consideration technology changes over time, underutilization of facilities in the early years 

of a station coming on line, potential stranded assets, feedstock cost differences, economies of scale in the 

production equipment, and “learning curve” capital cost reductions due to fabrication of multiple systems.

2.6 Restrictions, Assumptions, Constraints

Because individual component models pre-date the MSM in many cases, they have functionality apart from 

their use in the MSM. Modification of these models to facilitate their incorporation into the MSM is undesirable 

and should not be necessary. The MSM was designed so that it will be able to accommodate the interaction of 

models that may be run only remotely from their original institutions. Default assumptions in the MSM are based 

on assumptions included in the component models. 

2.7 Validation Methodology

The MSM developers first consulted with each of the component models’ developers to ensure a full 

understanding of each model’s purpose, its intended use, and its inputs and outputs, which were incorporated 

into the MSM before utilizing the model within the MSM. Exhaustive lists of inputs and results were compiled 

based on these discussions. As the component models were linked to the MSM, terms were defined and 

calculation methodologies were created. Gaps and additional research needs were identified through this 

validation process and were fed back to the developers of each individual component model.

Once the component models were linked by the MSM, many comparisons to other analyses were also performed. 

This involved a meticulous review of inputs and results as well as mapping between results from different 

analyses, including various production and delivery methods. If differences between the analyses were caused 

by inputs or outputs omitted by the MSM, they were added to the MSM. 

As more members of the hydrogen community use the MSM, interactions will take place to discuss findings 

and methodologies in more detail and to reach consensus on the MSM approach and defined parameters. Many 

of the expected users are also developers of component models, and this process is expected to also provide 

feedback to their modeling efforts. This process will create a continuous information feedback loop between 

MSM users and developers of both the MSM and component models.

3.0 Operating the MSM as a Basic User

The GUI of the MSM is a convenient and easy-to-use tool to aid those investigating different technology 

pathways in the transition to a hydrogen economy. This section of the user guide describes steps to follow in 

navigating this interface, inputting parameters, and obtaining/viewing results.

3.1 Getting Started

To get started, go to the MSM website at http://h2-msm.ca.sandia.gov/.

TIP: For any questions related to the model, contact msm@nrel.gov. 
- 1 4 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

If this is your first time accessing the model’s online interface, you will need to request a user name and 

password. Click on the “new users” button on the left of the page (Figure 5) to email your request. Your user 

name and password will then be emailed to you.

If you have used the online interface of the model before, click on the “current users” button on the left of the 

page (Figure 5).

When launched, the installed version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE)2 on the user’s computer is 

automatically checked, and a locally signed Java Application Archive file is presented to the user to accept 

for downloading. As this is a locally signed file, a warning message will indicate that “the application’s digital 

signature cannot be verified” (Figure 6). The user may select “Always trust content from this publisher” to 

avoid seeing this prompt again in the future.

A login dialogue box is then displayed (Figure 7), and the user provides the user ID and password. The “Mode” 

select box allows the user to choose which interface to operate under in inputting data and analyzing.3 After 

this, the user is able to view the GUI of the model (Figure 8) and start performing simulations.

2. The application is compiled under Java Development Kit (JDK) 6 and thus requires JRE version 6. The application will not start if 

there is a mismatch with the JRE version on the user’s computer (or if Java is not installed at all). Users should first check that Java is 

installed on their computer and install version 6 if they have an older version on their computer. If users are unsure, the “Do I have Java” 

link provided on the Java website (http://www.java.com) will check to see if Java is installed. If so, it will indicate the version installed, 

providing the user with an option to install the latest updates.

3. Currently, the “Interactive” mode is the only option available to the user.

Figure 6. Locally signed Java application archive file

TIP: If Mozilla Firefox is the user’s preferred browser, once Java Web Start is selected, a dialogue 

box will be displayed. The option “Open with Java Web Start Launcher” should be selected.

WARNING: The MSM currently does NOT launch automatically from the Google Chrome browser, 

due to the way the browser interacts with Java Web Start.

Figure 5. Requesting a new user name and password or logging in to the MSM 
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 1 5 -

Three tabs appear at the top of the GUI (Figure 8):

• Interactive: Use this tab to specify inputs or to select values to perform WTW analyses of different cases; 

more details are provided below.

• Upload file: This tab allows users to upload their own set of data to run simulations.

• Multi-param: This tab allows for the analysis of additional parameters beyond WTW.

These tabs correspond to the three modes shown in the login dialogue box (Figure 8), allowing users to switch 

between modes when using the model.

3.2 Defining a Basic Pathway

Upon login, the user is by default taken to the “Interactive” tab. The left-hand pane of this tab allows users to 

select basic parameters related to factors such as the analysis timeframe, technology options and characteristics, 

market penetration, and region-specific values to be able to carry out a basic run.

Figure 7. Login dialogue box

Figure 8. The MSM GUI (required inputs)

2

1

4

5

6

7

8

3
- 1 6 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

1. Select the starting year of the simulated production/delivery scenario.

2.Select the scale/location of hydrogen production (i.e., central or distributed production) and the delivery 

mode for cases with central production (i.e., gaseous hydrogen via pipelines or liquid hydrogen via trucks).

3.Select the feedstock to be used in generating the hydrogen.

a. For “central production”: Coal gasification (with or without carbon sequestration), steam 

methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas (with or without carbon sequestration), nuclear high 

temperature electrolysis (for years 2015+), wind electrolysis, and biomass (woody) gasification. 

b. For “distributed production”: Electrolysis (using grid electricity), ethanol reforming, and on-site 

SMR of natural gas. 

4.Select the city characteristics. Users may select the population and hydrogen market penetration values 

to be considered. The default range of “50,000 and 20,000,000 inclusive” is given for population, and a 

minimum of “5%” is given for the hydrogen’s market penetration percentage.

5.Select the vehicle fuel economy. Here, users may either select their own value or allow the MSM to use 

default values used in GREET or HDSAM.

6.Optional input: Select regional data. This optional input allows the user to be more specific in feedstock and 

energy prices to be used in the process selected. This regional information is provided by the HyDRA model. 

As a default, the model uses U.S. average values and characteristics for resources. However, the user has the 

option here to determine resource values more specific to the region of choice:

a. Select the region (state and county). Users may not always be familiar with counties. The “Look 

up city” button here takes the user to the U.S. Census Bureau website, where users may locate a 

county name by entering a city/town name or zip code.

b. Click the “Get” button. This will activate the “Resource cost” drop down menu, which shows the 

region-specific costs for utilities. The “electricity mix” option is also activated, where users may 

view the mix of resources used for electricity production in that region. 

c. To select utilities, first select an option from the “Resource cost” drop down menu, and then 

click the “Apply” button to apply the selection to the model run. If more than one selection is 

desired, the next selection may be made, and again followed by the “Apply” button. Note that 

the system will not display any notice to acknowledge that the selection has been applied. Users 

may see the details of their selections when using the “Detailed Inputs” pane (see 3.3 Entering 

Detailed Inputs).

7. Optional input: Name your model run in the “Title” field.

8.Optional input: Note any details you wish about the run in the “Description” field.

3.3 Entering Detailed Inputs (Optional)

The right-hand pane is an optional input area, which allows users more flexibility and details by enabling the 

user to view variable values and assumptions, and to view which model is being used to pull data from (or if a 

variable is using user-defined values). It also allows users to enter their own values in place of the values defined 

by default. The detailed inputs are listed in the Appendix.

WARNING! If the “Apply” button is not selected, the model does NOT take the selection shown 

in the drop down menu into account – it carries out the run with default U.S. average values. The 

“Apply” button is needed to activate your selection. 

TIP: It is useful to get into the habit of naming your model runs and even providing a short 

description, as it is easy to forget the run specifics after a couple runs. 
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 1 7 -

1. Switch to the right-hand pane by clicking the “Edit Detailed Inputs” button.

2.To view details, click on the related variable group and choose the specific variable. 

3.The bottom part of the pane will display the variable value, units, and a short description. Here, the user may 

override the default value and enter a user-defined value.

Figure 9. The MSM GUI (optional inputs)

1

2

3

WARNING! Make sure to click “OK” to apply the user-defined value. 

WARNING! Once selections on the right-hand pane are made, if the “Edit Required Inputs” button 

on the lower part of the pane is selected (to switch to the left-hand pane), all the user-defined 

values in the right-hand pane are reset to default values. This is because the optional inputs are 

dependent on the required inputs. If the required inputs are modified, previous values of optional 

inputs may be rendered invalid. Also, the region-specific resource costs applied on the left-hand 

pane are lost (the state/county selection remains, but the resource cost values need to be applied 

again).
- 1 8 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

3.4 Submitting the MSM Job

1. WITHOUT clicking the “Edit Required Inputs” button, click the “Submit” button on the lower part of the screen. 

2.Now the information about the pathway and detailed input values is sent to the MSM server and an MSM job 

runs. This takes a few minutes or more, depending on the complexity of the run. 

3.A dialogue box appears with a submission notice and run number. If an error message appears instead, 

a miscommunication between the local computer and the MSM server occurred. In this case, it is 

recommended that the user close the GUI windows and log in to the MSM website again.

4.When “OK” is clicked, a “Simulations” menu appears. This menu shows that the submitted job is a “new” job. 

Previously completed runs will show as “complete,” and simulations that ran with errors will show as “error.” 

When the server finishes running the job, its status will change to “complete.” 

a. Click the “OK” button and the Simulations menu disappears.

b. Click the “View submissions” button and the Simulations menu is back on.

5.When the job is complete, the user will receive an email notification (to the email address provided when 

first signing up as a user).

Figure 10. Submissions dialogue box
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 1 9 -

3.5 Viewing Results

1. In the Simulations menu, select the MSM run of interest. (Its status should be “complete.”)

a. Clicking the “Get Info” button shows the job description (that the user filled in when defining 

the job before its submission).

b. Clicking the “Download results” button will prompt the user to save the output file (run_number.

csv) to the location specified by the user. Open the run_number.csv file on your computer. It 

shows the complete list of parameters acquired in the MSM run.

c. Clicking on the “Download input file” button will prompt the user to save the complete list of 

XML instructions for the MSM. This file can later be uploaded by the user to the server to repeat the 

same run.

d. Clicking on the “View output” button will bring up the Fuel CycleH2 Pathway chart (to view fuelcycle results) for the selected MSM run. On the bottom right corner of the chart screen, in the 

drop down view menu, select Vehicle Cycle chart (to view vehicle-cycle results) or select Output 

Tree (to view the details of both the input and output values). 

The Output Tree displays all inputs and outputs through high-level folders (to indicate the pathway components, 

as well as the overall pathway), and lower level categories under these folders display the detailed values. The 

most important model inputs are displayed under the high-level folder “Pathway Defining Parameters,” while 

outputs are shown under the other high-level folders. When an input or output is selected, the bottom part of 

the screen displays the input or output value, its units, its source, and a short description.

Figure 11. Simulations menu

Figure 12. Model description dialogue box
- 2 0 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

In the Fuel Cycle and Vehicle Cycle charts, the top part of the window will display the components and energy 

flow of the case examined in graphical form. Right below the diagram, the following information will be displayed:

- Levelized Cost of Hydrogen at the Pump ($/kg)

- Energy Use and Emissions

› WTW Total Energy Use (Btu/mile)

› WTW Petroleum Energy Use (Btu/mile)

› WTW Fossil Energy Use (Btu/mile)

› WTW GHG Emissions (g/mile)

› Well-to-Pump (WTP) GHG Emissions (lb CO2-equivalent/gge fuel available)

- Energy Efficiency

› Production Process Energy Efficiency (%)

› Pathway Efficiency (%)

› WTP Efficiency (%)

- Case Definition: The required inputs entered by the user when setting up the simulation are 

displayed here. 

- Model Information: The component models (and their versions) used are displayed here. 

After inspecting the results, the user may then print this results page or save it as a PDF document or as an 

image by selecting the appropriate buttons. Multiple results may not be viewed at the same time. To compare 

different cases, the user can either print results or download data to manipulate it according to individual needs.

2. Clicking the “OK” button of the active window closes the graphical display of results and brings the user 

back to the inputs GUI interface.

TIP: In the Output Tree, one variable could be seen in more than one place.

Figure 13. Display of results – fuel pathway chart

Model

Ouptputs

Model 

Information

Graphical Output 

of Results

Model 

Inputs
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 2 1 -

Figure 15. Display of results – output tree

3.6 Viewing Results through the HyDRA Interface

The NREL HyDRA component model gives MSM users the ability to perform spatial analysis of simulations. This 

is useful for analyzing hydrogen production and delivery costs and emissions as they vary over specified regions. 

From the MSM GUI, users have the option to add HyDRA data through the “Select regional data” interface (see 

#6 of section 3.2). For more advanced spatial graphical results, users can run MSM simulations through the 

HyDRA model. To do this, users first must create a HyDRA account through the website4 via the “Create new 

account” option on the login page, reached after clicking “Launch” as seen in Figure 16. Email confirmation from 

the HyDRA administrators will activate new accounts.

4. http://maps.nrel.gov.

Figure 14. Display of results – vehicle cycle chart

Model

Ouptputs

Model 

Information

Graphical Output 

of Results

Model 

Inputs
- 2 2 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

Upon account activation, users may access HyDRA to perform MSM simulations. As shown in Figure 17, MSM 

simulations through HyDRA require minimal user inputs. Users can follow the steps below for submitting a simulation:

1. Click “Accept” on the Users Agreement pop-up (not shown) upon logging into HyDRA.

2. Select the “MSM” tab in the pane on the left. 

3. To view results of previous submissions, simply click the desired simulation, and a pop-up window will 

appear listing the status and results of the submission. 

4. To create a new submission, click the “Create MSM Job” at the bottom of the left pane. 

5. This will open a pop-up, where some limited input data can be entered. 

6. To complete the simulation, simply click “Submit.”

7. To view results from a HyDRA submission, click the desired simulation on the MSM tab as seen in Figure 18. 

Figure 16. NREL HyDRA website

Figure 17. MSM simulations through HyDRA
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 2 3 -

8. Simulations must be completed before viewing; a green circle next to the simulation indicates completion, 

while a yellow circle indicates a simulation in progress. 

9. Once a completed simulation is selected, a pop-up will appear. For graphical results, select “Create layer” 

 from the “Status” tab.

10. A new pop-up will appear indicating successful creation of the map layer.

11. The available map layer results will be listed under the name of the simulation on the “Layers” tab. 

Figure 18. Results of a HyDRA submission

Figure 19. Pop-up indicating creation of map layer

Figure 20. Map showing MSM HyDRA results
- 2 4 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

12. To view the map showing the MSM HyDRA results, users must check the checkbox corresponding to the 

 simulation results that they wish to view. 

13. This will apply the layer to the displayed map. 

14. Users may then click the “Legend” tab to interpret the spatial results.

4.0 Operating the MSM as a Comprehensive User

4.1 Getting Started

Comprehensive users should be familiar with the basic user functions of the MSM before using the 

comprehensive version. Comprehensive users perform more detailed analysis by running multi-parameter 

scenarios that allow for comparative analysis of multiple values for specific inputs and by editing the .xml input 

files through the creation of a comprehensive input file customized by the user. 

4.2 Running the Multi-Parameter Option with MSM 

The multi-parameter run gives the comprehensive user the option to insert multiple values into the MSM’s 

various inputs. This is referred to as the parameter schedule. The MSM runs an amount of times that is in 

accordance with this schedule. This option is often used to give the MSM different distribution values and to 

probe sensitivities in the system. There are two methods available for preparing a multi-parameter run: using the 

“Multi-param” tab through the MSM GUI or creating and uploading a .csv multi-parameter schedule file. 

Users can input their own sets of values into the schedule file. Often, values will be put in according to Monte 

Carlo distributions with X sets reflecting X iterations of a simulation. The model would then run the X sets of 

values through and provide the same number of output sets.

Figure 21. Legend tab output
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 2 5 -

1. To create a multi-parameter schedule file from the “Multi-param” tab, first select “Add data item.” 

An “Add data item” pop-up will appear and list all the potentially variable inputs for the simulation. 

Selecting a data item will create a new input column for the selected variable input data item in the 

top box of the tab. In this example, two data items were added: gasoline hybrid electric vehicle fuel 

efficiency (gasolineHevVehicleFuelEffSource) and gasoline internal combustion vehicle fuel efficiency 

(gasolineIceVehicleFuelEffSource).

2.The “Delete data item” button will delete the last data item column. In this example, clicking the “Delete data 

item” button will delete the gasolineIceVehicleFuelEffSource column. Data item columns can be reordered 

by the user through “drag-and-drop.”

3.When the variable input data items are first selected, only one data row will be available. The data displayed 

will reflect the simulation as set up in the “Interactive” tab, and if this data item was not altered in the 

“Interactive” tab, the value will be a default. These values can be changed by removing the current value 

and entering a new value. The “Add run” button will add a new row to all of the data items allowing users to 

specify multiple values for the same data items. In this example, three simulation runs have been specified. 

4.The “Delete run(s)” button will delete the entire specified run for all data items. To specify a run for deletion 

simply select a cell in the row(s) to be deleted and click the “Delete run(s)” button. 

5.In order to analyze the effects of the multiple input values from the multi-parameter runs, outputs must be 

specified. To select outputs, click “Add output item.” This will open an “Add output item” pop-up , which will 

list the available outputs. The units of the outputs can be altered, although one should take care to enter 

applicable and logical alternative units. 

6.The “Delete output item(s)” button will delete all output items with a check in the checkbox next to the 

output item. 

WARNING! Input data items are dependent on the simulation specified on the interactive tab 

and potential input items will vary accordingly, e.g., some pipeline data items are only available if 

“Pipeline” is selected as a delivery method.

TIP: To submit a multi-parameter run, the “Submit” button must be clicked from the “Multi-param” tab. 

Figure 22. The MSM multi-parameter tab

2 1

6 5

4 3
- 2 6 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

The other method for running a multi-parameter simulation is to create a .csv parameter schedule input file 

in Microsoft Excel. Users may choose this option if they prefer to prepare a simulation off-line or wish to run 

multiple similar simulations over a period of time. Care must be taken to properly format the .csv file as it 

requires specific formatting and the use of the exact MSM terms for inputs and outputs. 

Below is an example of a parameter schedule file with three sets of values. The MSM will run three times with 

each run using a set (row) of numbers from the schedule. The formatting of the .csv file is very specific. 

The users can input their own sets of values into the schedule file. Often, values will be put in according to Monte 

Carlo distributions with X sets reflecting X iterations of a simulation. The model would then run the X sets of 

values through and provide the same number of output sets.

Once created, the .csv input file can be uploaded into the MSM through the “Upload” tab of the GUI. In order 

to upload a .csv parameter schedule file, users must first upload an .xml input file. Step-by-step instructions for 

creating an .xml input file are below, and instructions for using the “Upload” tab are given in Figure 28.

4.3 Editing the .xml Input File

The MSM GUI creates an .xml input file for each simulation run. The input .xml file contains a set of instructions 

for the MSM back-end process that just runs models and is not the GUI. This file can be downloaded from the 

“Simulations” window (Figure 24) that opens when the “View Submissions” button is clicked on the MSM GUI. 

Figure 23. Sample parameter schedule file

WARNING! If there are lengthy multi-parameter runs, the user should contact the MSM team at 

msm@nrel.gov.
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 2 7 -

Clicking “Download input file” will allow users to save the .xml input file from the selected simulation. 

To edit the .xml file, users need to open the file in an appropriate editor (typically Microsoft Notepad). Please 

note that if the .xml file is double-clicked, it will typically open in an Internet browser and will not be editable. 

The .xml file has several sections. They are arranged as a hierarchy, and the “Required Inputs” portion of the 

“User Data” section is seen in Figure 25:

Figure 25. .xml file sections

Figure 24. Simulations menu
- 2 8 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

• Required Inputs: Includes inputs required for hydrogen production, delivery, and dispensing pathways. 

• Optional Inputs: Includes all of the inputs selectable in the right-hand side of the GUI. The code does not 

select models based on inputs from here. Instead, the user names the necessary component models in the 

“Execution Order” section.

• Default Data: Contains inputs into the component models that make up the MSM. (Please note that these 

values are set to specific defaults and no error-checking will be performed by the model to confirm the 

plausibility of edited inputs in the default data section.)

• Execution Order: Shows the order in which the MSM calls the other component models.5 This section should 

be edited only by changing the values (filenames), versions, and descriptions of the component models.

Editable data in the .xml file is arranged in the format of “name,” “value,” “units,” and “description.” Users may edit 

the “value” and “units” fields of each data entry, although care should be taken to edit only the values between 

the “> <” symbols. In the example below, the value for “liquidTruckTotalTime” has been changed from 1 (Figure 

26) to 14 (Figure 27), and the units were changed from days to hours. This example shows how comprehensive 

users can edit the model to match their specific situation as opposed to using the model defaults.

5. The MSM runs GREET twice. The first instance is to extract some parameters from GREET to use as inputs for H2A production and 

delivery models, and the second instance is to obtain energy and emissions results from GREET.

Figure 26. Original units for liquidTruckTotalTime

Figure 27. New units for liquidTruckTotalTime
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 2 9 -

The following table shows all the possible unit names accepted by the program.

Unit Type Unit Additional Names

Area

square_mile mile_square, sq_mi, sq_miles, square_miles

acre Acre, acres, Acres

hectare hectares, ha

square_feet feet_square, sq_ft, sq_feet, square_foot

square_inches inch_square, sq_in, sq_inch, square_inch

Current ampere A, amperes, amp, amps

Coded Mix coded_mix Coded_Mix, Coded_mix

Energy

joule Joule, J, joules, Joules

megajoule MJ, megajoules

gigajoule GJ, gigajoules

Btu BTU, btu, Btus, BTUS, btus, British_thermal_unit, british_thermal_

unit, britishthermalunit, British_thermal_units, british_thermal_

units, britishthermalunits

mmBtu mmBTU, megaBtu, megaBTU

kWh kWhr, kWhrs, kWhour, kWhours, kwh, kwhr, kwhrs, kwhour, 

kwhours, kilowatt_h, kilowatt_hr, kilowatt_hrs, kilowatt_hour, 

kilowatt_hours

MWh MWhr, MWhrs, MWhour, MWhours, mwh, mwhr, mwhrs, mwhour, 

mwhours, megawatt_h, megawatt_hr, megawatt_hrs, megawatt_

hour, megawatt_hours

GGE gge GGE

J H2

J_H2 J_h2, joule_h2, joule_H2, Joule_h2, Joule_H2

MJ_H2 megajoule_h2, megajoule_H2, MJ_h2

Btu_H2 BTU_H2, BTU_h2, btu_H2, btu_h2, Btus_H2, Btus_h2, BTUS_H2, 

BTUS_h2, btus_H2, btus_h2

mmBtu_H2 mmBTU_H2, mmBTU_h2, mmbtu_H2, mmbtu_h2, mmBtus_H2, 

mmBtus_h2, mmBTUS_H2, mmBTUS_h2, mmbtus_H2, mmbtus_h2

Kg C

Kg_C

Kg_CO2 kg_co2, kilogram_CO2, kilogram_co2

lb_CO2 lbs_CO2, lb_co2, lbs_co2, pound_CO2, pound_co2, pounds_CO2, 

pounds_co2

Kg H2 kg_H2 kg_h2, kilogram_H2, kilogram_h2, Kilogram_h2, Kilogram_H2

Length

meter m, meters

foot ft, feet

inch in, inches

mile mi, miles

km kilometer, kilometre

cm centimeter, centimetre

mm millimeter, millimetre

Light candela cd, candelas

Mass

kilogram kg, kilograms

gram g, grams, gm, gramme, grammes

pound lb, lbs, pounds

ton tons, short_ton, short_tons

metric_ton mt, metric_tons

Money dollar $, dollars
- 3 0 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

None

1

% percent, per-cent, per_cent

mole_fraction Mole-fraction, mole_frac, mole-frac, mol_fraction, mol-fraction, 

mol_frac, mol-frac

fraction frac, Fraction, Frac

Power watt W, Watt, watts, Watts

kilowatt kW, kilowatts

Station station Station

Substance

lbmol pound-mole

kmol Kmol, kmole, Kmole, kmoles, kilomol, kilomole, kilomoles, Kmoles, 

Kilomole, Kilomoles

Temperature kelvin K

Time

second s, sec, seconds, secs

minute min, minutes

hour h, hr, hrs, hours

day d, da, days

year yr, years, y

Trip trip Trip, trips, Trips

roundtrip Roundtrip, roundtrips, Roundtrips

Truck truck trucks, Truck, Trucks

Truckload truck load Truckload, truckloads, Truckloads

Volume

cubic_meter cubic_m, cubic_meters, m_cubed, meter_cubed, meters_cubed

cubic_foot cubic_ft, cubic_feet, ft_cubed, foot_cubed, feet_cubed

liter l, L, liters, litre, litres

gallon gal, gallons

normal_cubic_foot normal_cubic_ft, normal_cubic_feet, normal_ft_cubed, normal_

foot_cubed, normal_feet_cubed, Normal_cubic_foot, Normal_

cubic_ft, Normal_cubic_feet, Normal_ft_cubed, Normal_foot_

cubed, Normal_feet_cubed

normal_cubic_meter normal_cubic_m, normal_cubic_meters, normal_m_cubed, 

normal_meter_cubed, normal_meters_cubed, Normal_cubic_

meter, Normal_cubic_m, Normal_cubic_meters, Normal_m_cubed, 

Normal_meter_cubed, Normal_meters_cubed

standard_cubic_meter standard_cubic_m, standard_cubic_meters, standard_m_cubed, 

standard_meter_cubed, standard_feet_cubed, Standard_cubic_

foot, Standard_cubic_ft, Standard_cubic_feet, Standard_ft_cubed, 

Standard_foot_cubed, Standard_feet_cubed, std_cubic_foot, 

std_cubic_ft, std_cubic_feet, std_ft_cubed, std_feet_cubed, Std_

cubic_foot, Std_cubic_ft, Std_cubic_feet, Std_ft_cubed, Std_foot_

cubed, Std_feet_cubed, scf

Table 1. Unit names

When a user is finished changing the MSM model inputs, the file should be saved as filename.xml (“filename” used 

for example purposes only). It is important that the .xml extension be used here.

4.4 Uploading into the MSM

Once the .xml input file and .csv parameter schedule file are completed, users can upload the files for an MSM 

simulation through the “Upload file” tab on the MSM GUI as shown in Figure 28.
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 3 1 -

1. The “Title” input box should be used to name the uploaded simulation.

2.The “Description” input box is used for entering a description of the uploaded simulation. 

3.If a .csv parameter schedule file has been created, users must check the “Multi-parameter run” checkbox in order 

to upload the .csv file. 

4.To begin uploading, click the “Select File...” button. The first pop-up allows users to select a previously prepared 

.xml input file. If “Multi-parameter run” is checked, a second pop-up will immediately appear so users can select 

a previously prepared .csv parameter schedule file. Proper formatting is required for both files; otherwise users 

will receive an error. For information on proper formatting, see section 4.2 and section 4.3. 

4.5 Viewing Outputs

As previously stated, details of submitted simulations are viewed in the Simulations menu. The .csv files obtained 

by clicking the “Download results...” button vary depending on the type of simulation that was run. Shown in 

Figure 29, typical simulations will output a .csv file detailing all the output results and relevant input values for the 

simulation. However, a multi-parameter simulation will output a .csv file (Figure 30) showing only the variable multiparameter inputs and the outputs specified by the multi-parameter run. Outputs can also be viewed in chart format 

as described in section 3.5; however, users must note that only the final run of a multi-parameter simulation will be 

displayed in the charts. 

WARNING! To upload a .csv parameter schedule file, users must first upload an .xml input file. A 

simulation cannot be generated with a .csv file only. 

WARNING! The “Submit” button is dependent on the active tab, so it must be clicked from the 

“Upload file” tab in order to run a simulation with the uploaded files.

Figure 28. MSM GUI “Upload file” tab

1

2

3 4
- 3 2 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

Table 2 includes sample entries from the output.csv file of a typical simulation. The “Variable Name” column shows 

the name of the variables used by the MSM model. The “Value,” “Units of Output,” and “Proper Units” columns 

provide the actual values and units resulting from the model scenario set up by the user. The “Variable Description” 

column displays brief information about each variable. The “Source Model” column shows where each variable’s 

value is generated. The component models are represented in addition to values specific to the MSM model. The 

default data entries are variables that are MSM defaults and can be changed only in the .xml input file. The user input 

entries are variables defined by the user when setting up specific simulations. Finally, the GDS script entries are 

variables generated by the MSM model run.

Variable Name Value Units of 

Output Variable Description ProperUnits Source Model

bituminousCoalLHV 26,100,117 joule / 

kilogram

Bituminous coal (as 

received)

joule / 

kilogram HyARC

cityH2ProductionRequirement 18,685,863 kg/yr

City hydrogen 

production required 

before losses

kilogram / 

year GDS script

cityH2Use 18,685,863 kilogram / year City hydrogen use kilogram / 

year

HDSAM

co2SeqBitumCoal 0.9 1 CO2 sequestration 

in coal case 1 Default data

deliveryMode None

How hydrogen 

is delivered to 

forecourt

User input

productionCapacityFactor 0.7 1 Production capacity 

factor 1 H2A Production

poplarFarmingEnergyUse 272,812.2 joule / 

kilogram

Poplar farming 

energy use

joule / 

kilogram GREET

Table 2. Sample entries from output.csv file

Figure 29. .csv output of a typical simulation

Figure 30. .csv output of a multi-parameter simulation
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 3 3 -

5.0 Offline Capabilities

Aside from carrying out analyses through the GUI, users interested in temporal or risk analyses may take advantage 

of some of the model’s offline capabilities.6

5.1 MSM-HyPro Links

HyPro is a MatLab-based computer model developed by Directed Technologies, Inc. (DTI) under contract to the U.S. 

Department of Energy (DOE) for calculation of the expected “pump price” of hydrogen (i.e., the cost of hydrogen 

ready to be dispensed into a customer’s vehicle at the dispensing station) for a variety of production/delivery/

dispensing pathways in an area of uniform demand density over a span of years. By postulating the yearly hydrogen 

demand and calculating which supply infrastructure pathway is expected to provide the least expensive hydrogen 

in any given year, a prediction can be made of how the infrastructure would be built out over time. This build-out 

prediction takes into consideration technology changes over time, underutilization of facilities in the early years of 

a station coming on line, potential stranded assets, feedstock cost differences, economies of scale in the production 

equipment, and “learning curve” capital cost reductions due to repetitious fabrication of multiple systems. 

In order to integrate HyPro into the MSM, a new means was developed for HyPro to obtain the inputs necessary to 

run the analysis. The data input process built by DTI consists of two related parts: the XML files that store the input 

data and the M-code that translates the contents of the XML files into HyPro. Data is stored in two XML files: Globals 

and AllTechs. The global data set is information about the overall analysis, such as annual hydrogen demand, city 

size, and analysis duration. The remaining inputs are stored in AllTechs.xml and refer to the different components of 

an infrastructure pathway such as the capital cost, design capacity, and labor requirements for each of the various 

production, terminal, delivery, and dispensing pathway options.

The original HyPro output consisted of two parts: tables and graphs (shown in Figure 31). However MatLab graphs 

cannot be readily displayed in the MSM environment. Thus, the output translator was expanded to transfer data from 

HyPro into an Excel file that will allow recreation of the graphs. The data stored in Excel can then be processed by 

the MSM.

Currently, the MSM does not allow Web users access to HyPro, but this feature may be added in the future. Those 

interested in the analysis offered by HyPro with MSM are encouraged to contact msm@nrel.gov for assistance in 

setting up proper input files and obtaining HyPro results. 

6. Inquiries about analyses using offline capabilities can be directed to msm@nrel.gov.

Figure 31. Graph of HyPro output
- 3 4 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

5.2 Stochastic Analysis

An important feature available offline for hydrogen analysts is the stochastic analysis of hydrogen production/

delivery/dispensing pathways. It allows users to generate randomized sets of MSM inputs in order to get sets of MSM 

outputs of interest. The approach is similar to multi-parameter runs (section 4.2) with the following differences: 

• Input parameter values can follow specific probability distributions.

• The number of input sets can significantly exceed what can reasonably be entered via GUI as described in 

section 4.2.

• Hence, stochastic analysis runs are not suitable to be generated from the MSM GUI, so they are part of the MSM 

offline capabilities.

In Figure 32, we present an example of results that can be obtained with MSM stochastic runs.

The distribution of inputs does not need to be stochastic. The prospective users might be interested in having, for 

example, distributed electrolysis inputs (electricity price and electricity generation grid mix) to correspond to each 

county in the United States while focusing on well-to-wheels emissions and hydrogen costs (or other MSM outputs). 

These types of requests can also be accommodated by the MSM team. The prospective users are encouraged to 

contact msm@nrel.gov for assistance.

Figure 32. Stochastic (Monte Carlo) results for distributed SMR (green dots) and 

central biomass pipeline (blue dots) cases mapped on the emissions costs diagram
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 3 5 -

6.0 Future Goals and Expanding Model Capabilities

The MSM is a valuable tool that provides an overarching view of different aspects related to the transition to a 

hydrogen economy. It accomplishes this by linking various detailed models, each offering a unique level of detail 

and perspective. Future plans regarding expansion and enhancement of the MSM will aid the dialogue among the 

members of the analysis community and will provide a simplified and integrated tool to better understand the 

possible pathways to a hydrogen economy.

Developers of the MSM are aiming to give users more flexibility, link to more models, expand to more computers 

(over the Internet), and use more platforms. Future enhancements in model capabilities include: 

• Adding a vehicle cost model.

• Completing links to H2A Power (for analyzing stationary fuel cell systems that generate electricity, heat, and hydrogen).

• Adding a model that simulates vehicle fleet development and related costs, energy use, and GHG emissions.

• Analyzing energy storage options.

• Adding other transition analysis tools.

• Linking HyDRA and GREET2 - ‘What if the car is built there?’

• Linking HyDRA and HyPRO - ‘How does the deployment scenario change with location?’
- 3 6 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

Appendix. Detailed Inputs

Feedstock, Utilities

Electricity Generation Mix

Combination of various 

types of power generating 

methods (coal, nuclear, 

renewable, etc.) used to 

create energy for a given 

region. 

CA mix: California

NE US mix: Northeast United States

US mix: United States

Wind only: Power generated exclusively by wind.

Utilities, Co-products

Source of electricity co-product production: The amount of electricity in kilowatt hours 

produced per kilogram of hydrogen.

Source of electricity co-product cost: The cost in dollars to produce one kilowatt hour of 

electricity.

Source of natural gas consumption: The rate at which natural gas is consumed per mass of 

hydrogen created.

Source of natural gas utility price: The cost of a cubic meter of natural gas.

Source of utility electric consumption: The amount of electricity required to generate a kilogram 

of hydrogen.

Source of utility electric price: The cost of one kilowatt hour of electricity.

Coal

Energy Use for Carbon Capture in H2 Central Plants

The energy in joules per kilogram of carbon required to sequester carbon particles from exhaust in order to reduce pollution. 

Natural Gas

Source of natural gas feedstock consumption: The volume of natural gas required to generate 

one kilogram of hydrogen.

Natural gas feedstock price: The cost of a cubic meter of natural gas.

Electricity Feedstock Use 

and Cost Characterization

Source of electricity feedstock consumption: The electricity in kilowatt hours required to 

generate one kilogram of hydrogen.

Source of electricity feedstock cost – industrial electricity only: The cost of one kilowatt hour of 

electricity.

Nuclear

Source of heat feedstock consumption: The heat in megawatt hours required to generate one 

kilogram of hydrogen.

Feedstock heat price source: The cost of one megawatt of heat.

Biomass

Source of biomass feedstock consumption: The mass ratio of how much biomass must be 

consumed in order to produce one kilogram of hydrogen.

Source of biomass feedstock cost: The price of a kilogram of biomass.

Source of poplar farming energy use: The energy in mega joules required to grow one kilogram 

of poplar tree. 

Production Facility

Source of production total capital investment: Total monetary investment in the production of hydrogen.

Source of production capacity factor: The ratio of the projected actual output of a plant over time against its maximum 

possible output during that time.

Source of number of production FTEs: The number of full time employee equivalents.

Source of internal rate of return: The average projected annual compound rate of return received by an investor over the life 

of their investment. This is a key indicator used by institutions in appraising their investments. 
MSM Version 1.3 User Guide - 3 7 -

Delivery

Pipeline Delivery

Pipeline Losses

Source of H2 loss in pipeline: The percentage of 

hydrogen lost in the pipeline delivery system.

Source of H2 loss during compression: The percentage 

of hydrogen lost when it is being compressed.

Pipeline length from plant to city: Pipeline length for fuel delivery from plant to city.

Liquid H2 Delivery

Liquefier

Source of liquefier efficiency: The hydrogen liquefied 

divided by the sum of the hydrogen liquefied plus the 

energy required for the liquefaction.

Electricity generation mix for liquefaction in NG plant.

Electricity generation mix for liquefaction in solar plant.

Elctricity generation mix for liquefaction in nuclear 

plant.

Electricity generation mix for liquefaction in coal plant.

Electricity generation mix for liquefaction in biomass 

plant.

Storage

Days of storage at production plant/liquefier: The 

duration of the hydrogen’s stay at the plant after being 

generated.

Recovery rate of boil-off gas in production plant: The 

amount of hydrogen recovered when it escapes as a 

gas.

Recovery rate of boil-off gas in terminal: The 

percentage of hydrogen recovered when it escapes as 

a gas.

Transport

Liquid H2 boil-off rate in transportation from 

production plant/liquefier to terminal: The percentage 

of hydrogen that boils off in one day while in the truck 

tank.

Source of liquid H2 truck diesel fuel requirement: The 

fuel efficiency of liquid hydrogen transportation trucks 

running on diesel.

Source of truck-tank loading losses: The amount of 

hydrogen lost as a truck tank is loaded.

Source of truck-tank boil-off rate losses: The amount of 

hydrogen that boils off during transportation.

Time in truck trailer for transport: The average number 

of days that the hydrogen will spend in a truck trailer 

while being transported.

Recovery rate of boil-off gas during distributions: The 

percentage of boil-off gas that is recovered during the 

distribution process.

Dispensing 

Forecourt

Forecourt capacity: The amount of hydrogen that can be contained within a distribution center.

Gaseous H2 Dispensing

Source of energy efficiency when H2 piped from central plants with electric compressors: 

Efficiency of the compressor defined as the lower heating value of compressed hydrogen 

divided by the sum of the lower heating value of hydrogen entering the compressor plus the 

amount of electricity required for the compression.

Source of hydrogen lost at gaseous forecourt station: Hydrogen lost (percent from total) at 

gaseous forecourt.

Liquid H2 Dispensing

Time in liquid H2 forecourt stations: The average time hydrogen will spend at a forecourt station 

from the time it is delivered until it is dispensed.

Recovery rate of boil-off in forecourt station: The percentage of hydrogen that is recovered 

after escaping into the gas phase.

Source of liquid forecourt boil-off rate: The percent of the hydrogen stored at a forecourt that 

boils off every day.

Time in forecourt storage: The amount of time that hydrogen will spend in forecourt storage from when it is delivered until it 

is dispensed.
- 3 8 - MSM Version 1.3 User Guide

Vehicle 

Characterization

Baseline Fuel Efficiencies

Source of gasoline internal combustion engine vehicles’ fuel efficiency: The value of the 

assumed average fuel economy achieved by vehicles with gasoline internal combustion engines 

in miles per gallon of gasoline

Source of gasoline hybrid electric vehicles’ fuel efficiency: The value of the assumed average fuel 

economy achieved by vehicles with gasoline hybrid electric engines in miles per gallon of gasoline.

Source of E-85 ethanol internal combustion engine vehicles’ fuel efficiency: The value of the 

assumed average fuel economy achieved by vehicles with E-85 ethanol internal combustion 

engines in miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. 

Gasoline and Vehicle Type

Vehicle type: This entry has no effect on the model and is used merely to remind the user what 

is being modeled.

Share of RFG in total gasoline use: The percentage of gasoline that has been reformulated and 

is no longer the conventional mixture.

Type of oxygenate in RFG: Type of oxygenate used in the reformulated gasoline.

Energy in 1 GGE: The amount of energy in BTUs that is contained within one gallon of gasoline 

or its equivalent in another substance.

Source of vehicles per person: The assumed average number of vehicles owned by each person in the population.

Default Values 

(Constants)

Values being 

used within the 

calculations that 

cannot be altered by 

the user.

Pipeline Energy 

Consumption

Share of power generation done by turbine for pipeline compressions stations: Percentage of 

total power generated by a turbine.

Share of power generation done by current NG engine for pipeline compressions stations: 

Percentage of total power generated by a natural gas engine.

Share of power generation done by future NG engine for pipeline compressions stations: 

Percentage of total power generated by an advanced natural gas engine.

Share of diesel fuel for piping: The percentage of energy provided by diesel fuel for piping.

Share of NG fuel for piping: The percentage of energy provided by natural gas for piping.

Share of residual oil fuel for piping: The percentage of energy provided by residual oil for piping.

Share of H2 fuel for piping: The percentage of energy provided by hydrogen for piping.

Share of electricity fuel for piping: The percentage of energy provided by diesel fuel for piping.

Gaseous H2 Dispensing

Natural gas share of process fuels for gaseous H2 compression at central plants: The percentage 

of energy provided by natural gas for the compression of hydrogen.

Electricity share of process fuels for gaseous H2 compression at central plants: The percentage 

of energy provided by natural gas for the compression of hydrogen.