Problem area
The City of Kitchener is one of two local communities in Ontario that continues to own its local natural gas distribution network. Blending hydrogen into existing natural gas distribution systems is seen as a possible way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both the costs of this change and the greenhouse gas emission reduction potential are dependent on variables such as how much hydrogen is blended, how the hydrogen is produced, etc. If conducted at the distribution utility level, hydrogen blending potential would also be dependent on the specific locations at which the hydrogen is produced and injected into the network.
Main objectives
In the context of Kitchener Utilities’ gas operations, conduct a high-level feasibility study to examine relevant variables and different approaches, and their implications from a technical, business, customer, community, and energy futures perspectives. The feasibility study should answer questions such as:
- How much hydrogen is required to reach a certain percentage of blending at various times of the year?
- What is the most efficient technology to produce these amounts of hydrogen?
- What are the technical considerations, electricity constrains, location, environmental?
- What are the costs?
- What are the alternatives?
Scope of work
- Literature Review and Background Research
- Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and existing solutions.
- Identify current trends, technologies, and methodologies related to the project.
- Gather data on industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
- Problem Analysis and Conceptual Design
- Analyze the problem domain and identify critical variables and constraints.
- Brainstorm potential solutions and approaches.
- Develop conceptual designs or methodologies that could address the identified problem.
- Feasibility Study
- Define the criteria for feasibility assessment (e.g., technical, business, customer, community, energy futures perspectives).
- Develop a framework or checklist to evaluate each option.
- Compile and analyze the data collected from each feasibility perspective.
- Prioritize and rank potential solutions or approaches based on feasibility outcomes. Your study should include things like:
- Gathering necessary data and information for feasibility analysis
- Assessing technical requirements, challenges, and potential solutions
- Considering technological readiness and scalability
- Financial feasibility
- Conducting surveys or interviews to gather feedback
- Assessing social impact and community acceptance
- Identifying potential benefits or concerns for stakeholders
- Considering sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact
- Analyzing future trends in energy technology and policy
- Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis)
Deliverables
- Report
- Final Report detailing the results of the project.
- Presentation
- Presentation
- Poster
Your group management style
- Mainly autonomous, needs little direction from you and checks in based on pre-established times
- Enjoys more direction from you and checks in more regularly
Required skills
- Research skills
- Analytical skills
- Presentation skills
Additional project details
More information about this project will be shared during the kickoff meeting. Students will receive all the details they need at that time.