Fuel Cells and Disaster Relief

Max Almono Patricio Barnuevo,

Jenny Cusack, Jeremy Fishman

| Information Technology Review | April 21th

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Hurricane Sandy
Estimated damages
costing over $50
billion
Caused over 8 million
people to lose power

2 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Technical Description

Conclusion

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Issues with Current Resources

Sandy caused 87 deaths by
hypothermia due to power
outages and carbon monoxide
poisoning from generator failures

According to FEMA current

generators are unreliable and
hazardous

3 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Disaster Relief with Conventional Generators

Combustion generators
are clumsy
Require large and
constant supply of gas

4 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Recommendation

Invest in BlueGen to to
develop FEMA specific
portable fuel cell
generators

Implement BlueGen
generators into disaster
relief efforts

5 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Use opened up logistics

and new funds to
further increase FEMA
relief operations

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Portable Fuel Cell Generators

Efficient

Logistics

Doesnt require constant supply of

fuel

Usage of Heat Byproduct

Provide heating for those affected
Cook warm food

Logistics opened up from

reduction of fuel demand

Morale Booster

Heat and food provide

comforts that are rare in
disasters

Wide Operating Range

Disaster Zones

Power in inclement weather and in

nearly in environment

6 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Relief efforts occur in

difficult environments and
in unpredictable situations

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Benefits of Fuel Cells

Operational Costs

Grid Independent

Hydrogen is abundant and

cheap
$100 to $200 per kW

Reliable, Safe
Stable prices

Environmentally
Friendly

Reductions in green house

gas emissions

7 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Other Benefits in Disaster Relief

Fuel
Flexible

Operates on
conventional or
renewable fuel

More
Power

Modern efforts
demand electricity

Scalability

Lightweight and
modular
Be fitted to any
situation

8 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Conclusion

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

Conclusion

Business Impacts
Increased capital and resources
from more efficient electricity
generation

Impacts
More Funds
To invest in new equipment and personnel

Increased Efficiency
Investors/governments more likely to provide funds

Freed Logistics
Resources can be devoted to other causes/materials

Higher Morale
Comforts provided by Fuel Cells are key

9 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

10 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Technical Description

Conclusion

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Technical Description

11 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Technical Description

Conclusion

Problem

Recommendation

Business Case

Conclusion
Hurricane Sandy

Current Resources
Recommendation
Portable Fuel Cells

Benefits
Business Impacts
Technical Description

12 | Information Technology Review | April 21th

Technical Description

Conclusion