ENGS 89/90 Reports

Year of Graduation

2023

Project Advisor

Alexis Abramson

Instructor

Solomon Diamond

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

Hydrogen heating systems have the potential to heat homes without relying on carbon intensive fuels. However, residences throughout Vermont (VT) and New Brunswick (NB) are increasingly adopting electric heat pumps as they are cost-competitive and less carbon intensive than hydrocarbon-fueled heating systems. If this widespread adoption of heat pumps continues, then peak demand on the coldest days of the year will exceed the capacity of many electric grids. We are working with Irving Oil Limited, a Canadian fuel producer, to determine the critical milestones and conditions for hydrogen to feasibly heat homes in VT and NB by conducting techno-economic analyses at three levels. First, we analyzed the economic and technical viability of different heating solutions at the Beaubassin Research Station, a wildlife research facility sponsored by Irving Oil in New Brunswick, Canada. Then, we created a more general model for assessing the feasibility of hydrogen heating for different types of households across VT and NB. We built on these models to assess the societal impact of widespread adoption of hydrogen heating under different conditions: energy costs, regions, types of homes. Our Household analysis indicates that heat pumps are less viable for heating leaky homes in regions like VT and NB, instead hydrogen can be used independently or as a supplemental fuel. Our societal model indicates that it can be significantly more cost effective to reduce regional carbon emissions through the use of residential hybrid heat pump and hydrogen boilers than widespread heat pump adoption alone.

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