Extreme Cold Conditions Research Articles

Nasal Itching And Bleeding Due To Excessive Exposure To Air Conditioners

Introduction: Nasal mucosa is very sensitive when it is exposed to extreme dry and cold weather conditions. Persistent or recurrent nasal itching due to such exposure is usually followed by the epistaxis. Objective of the study was to analyze effects of excessive exposure to dry and cold air of air conditioners on nose in terms of nasal itching and epistaxis. Methods: This prospective cohort study carried out on 144 healthy Pakistani individuals working in United Nations Hospital in Nyala, Sudan from February 2014 to May 2014. Individuals spending less than 8 hours daily inside air conditioners were compared to those spending more than 15 hours daily. Chi square tests were applied to compare the proportions of incidence of nasal itching and epistaxis between these two groups as well as between two age groups. Results: Mean age of all 144 subjects was 35.01 years (± 6.4). Chi square test results confirmed that there was statistically significant difference of both the symptoms (nasal itching p-value 0.021 and nasal bleeding p-value 0.044) between two groups. Those spending more time in air conditioners were significantly more affected by dry and cold air. As for as the age group is concerned significantly higher number of subjects of ages more than 40 years had nasal bleeding compared to the younger age group (equal or less than 40 years). Conclusion: Effects of exposure of dry air of air conditioners on nasal mucosa in terms of nasal itching and nasal bleeding were found to be significantly higher when subjects were exposed 15 hours or more per day. Furthermore nasal bleeding was more commonly seen in elderly subjects (more than 40 years) due to such exposure

Characterization of Indoor Temperature and Humidity in Low-income Residences over a Year in Seoul, Korea

People spend the majority of their time in indoor environments. Maintaining adequate indoor temperature and humidity is necessary to support health and improve quality of life. However, people with low incomes can be vulnerable because they may not be able to use effective cooling and heating systems in their homes. In this study, the indoor temperature and humidity in low-income residences over a year in Seoul, Korea was characterized. Indoor temperature and humidity were measured in three types of homes (12 rooftop residences, 16 basement residences, and 18 public rental apartments) occupied by low-income residents. Both differed significantly among the three types of residence, particularly during the summer and winter seasons. A regression model between indoor and outdoor temperature detected a heating threshold at 3.9℃ for rooftop residences, 9.9℃ for basement residences, and 17.1℃ for public rental apartments. During tropical nights and cold-wave advisory days, rooftop residences showed the most extreme indoor temperatures. This study demonstrates that people living in rooftop residences could be at risk from extreme hot and cold conditions.

Factors affecting mortality risk during transportation of broiler chickens for slaughter in Atlantic Canada

Mortality of broilers during transport and lairage before slaughter represents an economic loss to the poultry industry and a welfare issue that needs to be addressed. In Canada, broilers can be transported long distances and be exposed to environmental factors, such as cold temperatures, that can affect the percentage of dead-on-arrivals or DOAs. Slaughter plant records for loads transported over a 19-month period in 2009–2010 were examined to identify factors affecting mortality risk (% DOA) during transportation from the rearing barn to the slaughter plant. Information from 2007 loads was analysed using a multilevel linear model. Most of the variation in the mortality risk occurred at the load level rather than at the producer or barn level. There were significant effects of bird sex, age and weight, catching team, journey duration and holding barn duration on mortality risk. The following environmental risk factors increased mortality risk: cold temperatures during the journey and in the holding barn, low crate stocking density during journeys at cold temperature and increased trailer temperature when in the holding barn. The analyses identified risk factors that can be used to refine management practices to mitigate some of the mortality risk. Increased mortality in some loads was associated with environmental conditions that caused deaths from hypothermia, whereas in other circumstances, some deaths likely occurred from hyperthermia. The climatic conditions in Atlantic Canada were responsible for significant risk factors that affected the mortality risk. Although refinement of the management practices described in this study, such as reduced journey and lairage durations, and increased crate stocking density can mitigate some of the mortality risk, the extreme cold conditions experienced during some parts of the year exceeded the capacity of the systems of transportation used to provide environmental conditions that minimise mortality.

Chilean native species from the Andes Mountains: an attractive source of germplasm for ornamental plant breeding

Chile presents a rich biodiversity of vascular plants with almost 5,000 native species, about 50% of them being endemic. Many of these species are distributed throughout the Andes Mountains showing high adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. Particularly some geophytes and perennial species from the Andes Mountains close to the central part of Chile (between 33 and 34°S) show an attractive ornamental value. This research aimed to identify and characterize these plants as a possible source of germplasm for ornamental plant breeding purposes. Field trips during four flowering seasons (2013 to 2016), between December and February, were performed. Seeds and explants were collected and different propagation and breeding techniques were performed. Considering color and size of the flowers, and growth habits, among other characteristics, five genera were identified as attractive to use for ornamental plant breeding purposes: Alstroemeria and Pasithea (geophytes), and Junellia, Malesherbia and Salpiglossis (herbaceous perennials). In vitro seed germination was described for Alstroemeria pallida and Alstroemeria exserens (cold stratification), Malesherbia linearifolia (stratification with 100 mg L-1 GA3), Pasithea coerulea (scarification with H2SO4 and cold stratification at 4°C) and Salpiglossis (stratification with 150 mg L-1 GA3). In vitro and ex vitro propagation of Junellia spathulata was successfully performed by using cuttings. Hybridization and polyploidization were applied in Alstroemeria spp., while mutagenesis using gamma rays was applied to in vitro callus of Alstroemeria spp. Limitation on water supply during flowering and resistance to extreme cold conditions during winter, are also interesting characters to consider these species as promising germplasm to develop for the ornamental plant market.

Effect of season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and oxidative stress parameters of indigenous sheep.

Aim:This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of summer and winter season on physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters in Indigenous sheep.Materials and Methods:The research was carried out during summer and winter season. 8 adult apparently healthy female sheep (aged 2-4 years) of similar physiological status were selected. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The THI value of summer and winter season were 82.55 and 59.36, respectively, which indicate extreme hot condition during summer season and extreme cold condition during winter season. Physiological parameters were recorded daily during the experimental periods. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval and analyzed for biochemical, hormonal, and antioxidant parameters. The results were analyzed using completely randomized design.Results:From data obtained in this study, we found that higher THI during summer have significant effect over various physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and enzymatic indices of indigenous sheep. The physiological response such as rectal temperature, respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and skin temperature (ST) was increased significantly. We also found a significant increase in some biochemical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine (Cr), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). The level of cortisol hormone and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidase (LPO) antioxidants increased significantly during summer. Whereas, some parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (IP), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were decreased significantly during summer season.Conclusion:It was concluded that the THI is a sensitive indicator of heat stress and is impacted by ambient temperature more than the relative humidity in Indigenous sheep. Higher THI is associated with significant increase in RT, RR, PR, ST, BUN, uric acid, Cr, ALT, AST, Na, K, cortisol, SOD, GPx, and LPO and with a significant decrease in glucose, cholesterol, Ca, IP, T3 and T4.

Ancestral Variations in the Shape and Size of the Zygoma.

The variable development of the zygoma, dictating its shape and size variations among ancestral groups, has important clinical implications and valuable anthropological and evolutionary inferences. The purpose of the study was to review the literature regarding the variations in the zygoma with ancestry. Ancestral variation in the zygoma reflects genetic variations because of genetic drift as well as natural selection and epigenetic changes to adapt to diet and climate variations with possible intensification by isolation. Prominence of the zygoma, zygomaxillary tuberosity, and malar tubercle have been associated with Eastern Asian populations in whom these features intensified. Prominence of the zygoma is also associated with groups from Eastern Europe and the rest of Asia. Diffusion of these traits occurred across the Behring Sea to the Arctic areas and to North and South America. The greatest zygomatic projections are exhibited in Arctic groups as an adaptation to extreme cold conditions, while Native South American groups also present with other features of facial robusticity. Groups from Australia, Malaysia, and Oceania show prominence of the zygoma to a certain extent, possibly because of archaic occupations by undifferentiated Southeast Asian populations. More recent interactions with Chinese groups might explain the prominent cheekbones noted in certain South African groups. Many deductions regarding evolutionary processes and diversifications of early groups have been made. Cognisance of these ancestral variations also have implications for forensic anthropological assessments as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. More studies are needed to improve accuracy of forensic anthropological identification techniques. Anat Rec, 300:196-208, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Forgotten “KANGRI” Related Severe Erythema Ab Igni

60 year old male resident of Kashmir who works on boats in scenic Dal lake of Kashmir and earns his livelihood by selling goods to tourists in this lake. He has to work in extreme cold conditions in the lake when temperatures touches minus 10 to 15 0 C. Sometimes the lake freezes into ice platform which at places is a meter thick. 
 Centuries ago Kashmiris have invented “KANGRI” which is earthen ware pot decorated and protected with wickerwork. Wood charcoal is put inside this earthenware and lit. As the coal burns a layer of ash is put on burning coal to dampen the intensity of heat. To increase the intensity of heat a spatula like wooden or brass handle is attached to the “KANGRI” which exposes the burning coal under the ash layer to intensify the heat. This “KANGRI” can be used under long robe named PHERAN worn by Kashmiris during winter to keep themselves warm. JMS 2016; 19(2):88-89

A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE ESTIMATION OF THERMAL STRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF COLD INJURIES ON THE EXPOSED ORGANS OF HUMAN BODY

The severe ambient temperature always disrupts the normal thermoregulatory system of the human body. The decrease in core temperature leads to hypothermia and the development of cold injuries takes place at the exposed shells of the human body. The intensity of the cold exposure and its duration leads to various degrees of frostbites and resulting cell damage and fluid passage from the necrotic regions. In this paper, variational finite element has been employed to estimate the thermal damage due to severe cold conditions. The formulation of the model is based on Pennes’ bioheat equation and mass diffusion equation. Moreover, the fluid passage from the cold injuries at the peripheral tissues of the human body with respect to extreme cold conditions has been analyzed in relation with other parameters.

Strong tolerance to freezing is a major survival strategy in insects inhabiting central Yakutia (Sakha Republic, Russia), the coldest region on earth

Yakutia is a part of eastern Siberia, located in north-eastern Russia. The climate of this area is very harsh even by Siberian standards, and is characterized by the absolute temperature minimum, which is below −64.4 °C, and a long period of low temperatures reaching to a range between −47 and −55 °C. Despite such a severe climate, the fauna and flora of Yakutia present a considerably rich biodiversity, suggesting a high adaptation potential of the organisms in this area. In this study, 30 local species of insects belonging to Coleoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera were selected to investigate cold adaptation. The identification of the cold adaptation strategy was based on the measurement of the insect body supercooling point (SCP) and hemolymph ice-nucleating activity. According to the data collected, there is a high incidence of freeze tolerant species among the insects found in Yakutsk area (Yakutsk, 62° latitude, 130° longitude): 93.3% of them were freeze tolerant, and only 6.7% were freeze avoiding. It is suggested that the evolution of cold hardiness in this region preferably develops for the selection of the strong freeze tolerance that allow the insects to survive extreme cold conditions.

Thermal design of «AIST» small spacecraft

Thermal design is a prerequisite essential to design a satellite. In space environment, it makes it possible for the satellite to survive in extreme hot and cold conditions. In recent years small satellite missions have been developed for many kinds of purposes. The paper describes thermal design for the AIST small spacecraft mission. To calculate thermal environment a detailed thermal mathematical model has been developed using the finite element method and Siemens NX 10.0 software with the integrated module NX Space Systems Thermal Simulation. The analysis carried out with the help of mathematical simulation showed the sufficiency of the passive thermal control system of the AIST small spacecraft. In order to improve thermal radiation couplings between panels a coating with a high emissivity factor was applied on all the inner surfaces. The outer surfaces (except the areas occupied with photovoltaic converters) were coated with aluminum foil. The graphs of changes in temperatures of onboard equipment in the orbital flight phase show that all the parameters meet the requirements of the thermal control system specifications.

Quantitative estimates of tropical temperature change in lowland Central America during the last 42 ka

Determining the magnitude of tropical temperature change during the last glacial period is a fundamental problem in paleoclimate research. Large discrepancies exist in estimates of tropical cooling inferred from marine and terrestrial archives. Here we present a reconstruction of temperature for the last 42 ka from a lake sediment core from Lake Petén Itzá, Guatemala, located at 17°N in lowland Central America. We compared three independent methods of glacial temperature reconstruction: pollen-based temperature estimates, tandem measurements of δ18O in biogenic carbonate and gypsum hydration water, and clumped isotope thermometry. Pollen provides a near-continuous record of temperature change for most of the glacial period but the occurrence of a no-analog pollen assemblage during cold, dry stadials renders temperature estimates unreliable for these intervals. In contrast, the gypsum hydration and clumped isotope methods are limited mainly to the stadial periods when gypsum and biogenic carbonate co-occur. The combination of palynological and geochemical methods leads to a continuous record of tropical temperature change in lowland Central America over the last 42 ka. Furthermore, the gypsum hydration water method and clumped isotope thermometry provide independent estimates of not only temperature, but also the δ18O of lake water that is dependent on the hydrologic balance between evaporation and precipitation over the lake surface and its catchment. The results show that average glacial temperature was cooler in lowland Central America by 5–10 °C relative to the Holocene. The coldest and driest times occurred during North Atlantic stadial events, particularly Heinrich stadials (HSs), when temperature decreased by up to 6 to 10 °C relative to today. This magnitude of cooling is much greater than estimates derived from Caribbean marine records and model simulations.The extreme dry and cold conditions during HSs in the lowland Central America were associated with fresh water forcing in the North Atlantic, which led to reduced Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, cooling of the North Atlantic, southern advance of sea-ice, and southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Although some models correctly predict the sign of temperature and precipitation changes, they consistently underestimate the degree of observed cooling and decreased precipitation over land in lowland Central America.

Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas psychrophila MTCC 12324, Isolated from the Arctic at 79°N.

Pseudomonas psychrophila MTCC 12324 is a facultatively psychrophilic bacterium isolated from the Arctic fjord Ny-alesund in the Svalbard Archipelago. Here, we present a 5.2-Mb draft genome sequence of P. psychrophila MTCC 12324, reported for the first time, from the Arctic. This enables a study of the cold adaptation mechanisms to survive under the extreme cold conditions.

Draft genomic DNA sequence of the multi-resistant Sphingomonas sp. strain AntH11 isolated from an Antarctic hypolith.

Hypoliths are microbial communities that live underneath translucent rocks in desert ecosystems and represent a key refuge niche in the Antarctic Dry Valleys. These cryptic microbial assemblages are crucial as they mediate numerous ecosystem processes. Here, we present the first draft genome of a hypolith isolate belonging to the α-proteobacterial class and the genus Sphingomonas. The draft genome of Sphingomonas sp. strain AntH11 shows the capacity of this organism to adapt to the extreme cold and arid conditions encountered in Antarctic desert soils. Our result also suggests that its metabolic versatility and multidrug resistance constitutes an opportunistic advantage in competition with other hypolith-colonizing microorganisms.

Estimates of Biomass Yield for Perennial Bioenergy Grasses in the USA

Perennial grasses, such as switchgrass (Panicum viragatum) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), are potential choices for biomass feedstocks with low-input and high dry matter yield per hectare in the USA and Europe. However, the biophysical potential to grow bioenergy grasses varies with time and space due to changes in environmental conditions. Here, we integrate the dynamic crop growth processes for Miscanthus and two different cultivars of switchgrass, Cave-in-Rock and Alamo, into a land surface model, the Integrated Science Assessment Model (ISAM), to estimate the spatial and temporal variations of biomass yields over the period 2001–2012 in the eastern USA. The validation with observed data from sites across diverse environmental conditions suggests that the model is able to simulate the dynamic response of bioenergy grass growth to changes in environmental conditions in the central and south of the USA. The model is applied to identify four spatial zones characterized by their average yield amplitude and temporal yield variance (or stability) over 2001–2012 in the USA: a high and stable yield zone (HS), a high and unstable yield zone (HU), a low and stable yield zone (LS), and a low and unstable yield zone (LU). The HS zones are mainly distributed in the regions with precipitation larger than 600 mm, and mean temperature range 292–294 K during the growing season, including southern Missouri, northwestern Arkansas, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, southern Ohio, western Kentucky, and parts of northern Virginia. The LU yield zones are distributed in southern parts of Great Plains with water stress conditions and higher temporal variances in precipitation, such as Oklahoma and Kansas. Three bioenergy grasses may not grow in the LS yield zones, including western parts of Great Plains due to extreme low precipitation and poor soil texture, and upper part of north central, northeastern, and northern New England due to extreme cold conditions.

Stable isotope analyses of NO2−, NO3−, and N2O in the hypersaline ponds and soils of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced in significant quantities in the soils and lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Unraveling the mechanisms of N2O production in these soils and ponds is of great interest due to the extreme arid and cold conditions, which are hostile to life. Recent studies have shown production of N2O having unique stable isotopic signatures in certain Dry Valley soils through abiotic reduction of nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−) on active surfaces of Fe(II)-containing minerals, a process known as ‘chemodenitrification’. In this study, δ15N and δ18O of N2O, NO2−, and NO3−, as well as the N2O site preference (SP), were measured at three sites to evaluate the role of chemodenitrification in N2O production. The δ15N and δ18O values in NO3− indicated an atmospheric source, while δ15N values in NO2− (−150‰) were indicative of abiotic reactions. Instead of finding unique SP values for N2O at Dry Valley sites, SP values mostly fell within the range associated with microbial N2O production mechansims. The δ15N and δ18O of N2O were also within a range of values expected for various biological N2O production mechanisms. However, efforts to detect biological activity in Don Juan Pond (DJP), a hypersaline pond in the Wright Valley, have been largely unsuccessful. We consider two possible scenarios for N2O production at DJP: (1) abiotic production in the pond, or (2) biological production in nearby freshwater and transport to the pond. Although little is known about the isotopic systematics of abiotic N2O production, these results indicate that if the observed N2O was produced by an abiotic mechanism, its isotopic signature is indistinguishable from that expected from a mixture of several microbial processes and thus, the formation pathway cannot be determined from isotopic composition alone.

Burns in Epileptics with Special Reference to Kangri Burns

Background: During seizure attacks patients may suffer severe trauma such as deep burns, limb fractures, head and neck injuries. Most burns in epileptic patients occur during major seizures. Such burns were always full-thickness. Because of extreme cold conditions people in Kashmir valley especially in rural areas use Kangri to keep themselves warm. This Kangri which is already notorious for causing Kangri cancer has an additional disadvantage in causing deep burns mainly to the hands in epileptic patients. Objective: (1) To analyse the epidemiological data of burnt hospitalised epileptic patients. (2) To determine the frequency, causes and consequences of burns in patients with epilepsy stressing on Kangri burns in epileptics. Study design and Method: It was both a retrospective and prospective study. All patients of epileptic burns admitted in the hospital from Jan 2005 to Nov 2012 were included. In the retrospective group, the case records of epileptic burnt patients were carefully analysed. All new patients were evaluated in detail. Results: Out of 73 patients 32(43%) were in the age group of 16–30 years. Mean age was 26 ± 17 years. Majority of the patients 46(63%) were females. 61(84%) patients belonged to rural areas. Kangri was the most common etiological agent of epileptic burns in 46(63%) patients.37 (52%) had sustained full thickness burns and Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) involved was up to 5% only. Commonest site of burns was hands/upper limbs 40 (56%). Amputation of the gangrenous digits/hands was the commonest surgery performed in 22(25%) patients. Complication in burnt epileptic patients was the loss of a body part 22(41%) followed by contracture 16(36%), wound infection 11(21%) and loss of vision in 1(2%) patients. Conclusion: Epileptic patients should avoid high risk situations like working alone in the kitchen. Kangri should be replaced by alternative simple and safe warming devices.

Design and Perfromance Characteristics of a Portable Solar-Driven Thermoelectric Heat Pump under Thunder Bay Extreme Cold Conditions in Northwestern Ontario, Canada

Renewable & alternative non-conventional green energy technologies used for heat-pumping applications have shown real merits and received renewed interest in recent years especially in small-scale portable heating applications. Solar-driven thermoelectric heat pumping is one of these innovative technologies. In this paper, a thermoelectric heat pump that utilizes the Peltier effect has been designed, constructed and instrumented for suitable experimentation and characterization under Thunder Bay city extreme cold weather conditions in Canada. The thermoelectric test setup is powered using a renewable solar photovoltaic system and tested under different operating conditions. It was found that the PV-powered thermoelectric heat pump system has shown an acceptable performance with COP ranging from 0.98–1.22. Typical results showed that the average heat pumping power for the system was 72.1 W when the system was operated at an ambient temperature of –17 o C with an inside system temperature increased from approximately –5 o Ct o 25 o C.

Dehydrins associated with the development of frost resistance of Asian white birch

Seasonal changes in the content of dehydrins in Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla Sukacz.) growing under extreme cold conditions of Eastern Siberia (Central Yakutia) were studied for the first time by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Several polypeptides, including putative storage proteins, which content was higher in winter than in other periods, were observed. Intraspecies polymorphism of dehydrins was detected during plant dormancy. The two groups of dehydrins were found: dehydrins with mol wts of 56-73 kD, which were present year-round, and dehydrins with mol wts of 15–21 kD, evidently related to the development of frost resistance because they were absent in summer but present in large amounts in winter. Under low winter temperatures, the highest level of dehydrins coincided with the lowest content of water in buds, which was accompanied by increased plant frost resistance to the highest values.

087 Extreme biology: Probing life at low water contents and temperatures

Germplasm that is dried or cryopreserved appears quiescent. However, changes occur in preserved germplasm, albeit slowly. Viability time courses follow a sigmoidal curve where there is a lag phase when changes can’t be detected, followed by a period of rapid mortality. Predicting longevity under extreme dry or cold conditions requires that we understand the interactions of temperature, moisture and cell constituents on the duration of the initial lag phase. Moreover, to elucidate why germplasm eventually succumbs, we need better assays to detect change under conditions where changes are presumed to not occur. The conceptual model we use is derived from investigations of movement and structure in visco-elastic materials and centers around measuring the properties of glasses formed in preserved germplasm. Orthodox seeds survive extreme drying and naturally form glasses at ambient temperatures. In contrast, cryopreservation treatments are needed to form glasses in desiccation-sensitive propagules, and strategies vary among labs and tissue types: vitrification by chemical dehydration, freeze desiccation during very slow cooling (∼1 °C/hr to −30 °C), or partial air-drying and rapid cooling. The objective of our work consists of measuring the properties of glasses formed in an array of germplasm using different methods. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) can determine the propensity for ice and lipid crystallization and recrystallization events during storage. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) measures structural properties within the formed glasses and temperatures associated with relaxation events that destabilize the glass. The combination of techniques provides unique insight into the mechanisms and kinetics of change as well as thermo-dynamically based estimates of longevity of cryopreserved materials. Source of funding: USDA Agricultural Research Service. Conflict of interest: None declared. christina.walters@ars.usda.gov

Application of hybrid micro-cogeneration system—Thermal and power energy solutions for Canadian residences

This paper presents results from a field trial with a hybrid micro-cogeneration system applied to satisfy both thermal and power needs of a typical Canadian detached house. The hybrid system consists of an internal combustion engine integrated with a high efficiency furnace. It was installed, integrated with the rest of the mechanical systems and demonstrated at the Canadian Center for Housing Technology (CCHT). Cost analysis was performed to examine the economics of such systems in relation to different price structures imposed by the electric utilities. The study revealed that the hybrid micro-cogeneration system performed reliably and generated both heat and power with high efficiency during the heating season and was able to satisfy the heating demand under very cold weather conditions. The power generated by the system was first directed to the house satisfying 50% of the electric load with the other 50% being exported to the grid. The project demonstrated that micro-cogeneration systems when sized to meet the base electric load and design thermal load of the residence are a valuable alternative to the central power generation plants and are able to reliably satisfy the house thermal/power demand even under extreme cold conditions.