System architecture design of a robust heating system

Abstract

Power outages are exponentially increasing because extreme weather conditions are occurring more frequently. In addition, the duration of the power outages are increasing. Unfortunately, the will to expand or convert the current electric grid is not there. The objective of this thesis is to design a new system - at a high level - that would protect homeowners from the effects of power outages. To do this, interviews were conducted with people who have actually experienced power outages during winter. Their preference for continued space heating during power outages prompted a design that uses natural gas fuel cell to power a furnace (or boiler) independent of the electric grid. The same system could also provide electricity to the homeowners, if the furnace is turned off. In addition to the system architecture design, surveys were conducted to determine pricing and financial analyses were performed to determine the commercial viability of the design. Consequently, the design proved to be too expensive. What's more, prices would have to drop significantly and / or other stakeholders, such as utility companies, insurance companies and governments, would have to cover most of the cost of the product for there to be a mass adoption.