• Issue 1 (2013)
• Issue 2 (2013)

Sustainable System Solutions: RAK Research and Innovation Center

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 2 (2013), PP 67 - 76

Published: 22 Nov 2015

DOI: 10.5383/swes.5.02.010

by Mousa Mohsen, Zaki Iqbal, Uday Kumar, Waqar Ullah, Omar Akash from RAK Research and Innovation Center, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Abstract: Achieving sustainable development requires collaboration between different sectors and institutions, as well as the participation of all relevant stakeholders and individuals. The major contribution of institutions of higher education and research Center to society's efforts at achieving sustainability is well recognized. RAK Research and Innovation Center is a state of art research and development Center specializing in sustainable system solutions. This Center is the succession of research platform developed by the CSEM in 2007 when the Government of Ras Al Khaimah allocated to CSEM-UAE 87000 m2 of land in the industrial zone to build world unique Solar R&D facilities open to co-operation with world leading academic, technology and industrial development Centers. Recently, the Center became one of the major research facilities of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. Today this facility includes seven R&D test platforms focusing on Photovoltaic, Solar cooling, Solar Hybrid Minigrip, green building, solar water desalination, Solar Island and Concentrated Solar Power. One of the most promising applications of renewable sources, in UAE is to harness the energy required to supply fresh water. Water desalination using renewable energy technologies, such as solar is possible. Employing such new systems to produce fresh potable water in the future give solutions from feasibility, sustainability, environmental and safety issues to national economy, and social benefits. The need for sustainable approach to tackle the issue of bottled water has motivated us to develop an in-house water purification unit based on Membrane Distillation (MD) technology. MD is a novel process that could be adapted effectively for many water purification applications. A difference in partial pressure serves as the driving force, and the presence of a hydrophobic membrane ensures high water quality regardless of feedstock parameters. Hot-side temperatures below 90 C are suitable and this process has been proven ideal for exploiting waste heat or solar thermal resources for small scale applications. There is an acute increase in the energy utilization as well as its production in the world over in general and in particular in UAE. This is because of increase in population and economy. As a result of this there is an increase in global warming and CO2 emission. To reduce the generation and also to mitigate its effect on the climate, one has to reduce the utilization or need of the energy use in the society. Share of buildings in total energy consumption and its utilization is huge around 20%-40% depending upon country and it is used in cooling, heating, hot water, home appliances, lighting and cooking etc. In UAE 40% is the buildings share of total energy consumption of which Cooling is around 70% of building load, Lighting is the next and all the others will account for 20%. Hence, thermal insulation of building represents a big potential in Energy Saving in UAE. A theoretical study is done at site on different cost-effective and thermally efficient solutions, related to solar insulation materials for the buildings. To perform a real outdoor test for savings obtained with solar insulating materials, a solar calorimeter test facility has been designed and builds. The present design is aimed to determine the heat flux reduction and the energy savings of different measures with similar indoor conditions, with and without solar insulating materials for the same ambient conditions. RAK research and Innovation Center has one the world's first high precision solar tracking platform which can be used for concentrating solar panels. The platform floats on a cushion of air and is equipped with state of art rotating systems to track the movement of the sun in the order of 10-2. This platform has been tested for the load rotation test and it can take up to 150 tons of loads distributed over its top. This high precision structure is study various technology requiring high precision tracking for the optimum energy production. This platform has the potential to be deployed on land or offshore. Both versions are based on the principle of a torus floating on water and rotating to track the sun’s azimuth, thus ensuring optimal use of primary solar radiation received on earth. Solar radiation being concentrated can be used in solar thermal processes or photovoltaic applications. This paper describes the basic research platforms at RAK Research and Innovation Center, and the main results that have been achieved. read more... read less...

Keywords: Sustainable System Solutions,Concentrated Solar Power

Agents and Sensors System for Monitoring Sandstorms

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 2 (2013), PP 59 - 65

Published: 26 Jun 2015

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.009

by Elhadi M. Shakshuki, Tarek R. Sheltami from Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, B4P 2R6, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 31261

Abstract: Saudi Arabia highways, especially in the eastern region, are subject to several sandstorms and sand dunes that yield to reduced visibility, unsafe roads and sometimes it is life threatening. This makes wireless sensor networks bring very promising, desired and effective natural solution to provide safe roads. This paper presents agent-based system architecture approach for data dissemination in a wireless sensor network (WSN) for sandstorm monitoring. This system architecture consists of three layers of agents, including the interface, routing and data collection layer. The interface agent responsibility is to interact with the users to fulfil their interests. The routing agent generates the optimized query plan to the cluster agent. At the routing layer, the routing agents perform data dissemination and efficient in-network processing with the other agents in the same layer; it also captures the required data through the data collection layer that has direct access to sensor nodes. This paper provides the agents’ architecture, design and implementations that enable them to communicate and work together to disseminate and gather data in WSNs. read more... read less...

Keywords: Agents, data dissemination, query optimization, sensor networks.

Impact of Olives Storage and Irrigation with Treated Wastewater on the Oil Quality: Simulation of Olive Mill Conditions

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 51 - 57

Published: 24 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.008

by M. Gharsallaoui , C. Benincasa, M. Ayadi , E. Perri, M. Khlif , S. Gabsi from Olive Tree Institute BP1087 Sfax 3000 Tunisia, C.R.A. Istituto Sperimentale per l’Olivicoltura, via Li Rocchi 111, 87036 Rende (Cs), Italy , National school of Engineering, Gabes, Tunisia

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of irrigation by treated wastewater on the Tunisian olive oil quality. In this experiment, olives from fields irrigated with TWW were transported to the laboratory and mixed with other batches of olives, at different proportions, of the same variety and coming from olive groves not irrigated. In order to meet the work schedule of Tunisian mills, the mixtures of olives obtained were stored in a laboratory at room temperature for 3, 6 and 9 days before being crushed. The results showed that the acidity and the carotene content of the oils does not depend on the irrigation system, but are dependent on the duration of olive storage before the extraction. On the contrary, the irrigation system affects the oxidation state of the oils and their fatty acid composition read more... read less...

Keywords: treated wastewater, irrigation, mill conditions, olive oil quality

Preparation, Characterization and Application of Chitosan/ Polyethylene Glycol Blend Film for Removal of Iron from Water

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 43 - 49

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.007

by Neama A. Reiad, Omar E. Abdelsalam, Ehab F. Abadir, Farid A. Harraz from Sanitary & Environmental Department, Housing & Building National Research Center, Dokki 11511, Egypt, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt , Advanced Materials Technology Department, Central Metallurgical R & D Institute (CMRDI), Cairo 11421, Egypt

Abstract: Cross-linked chitosan (CS) with sub-micrometre porous structure were prepared by extraction of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) from CS/PEG blend film according to wet phase inversion method and were examined for iron removal from aqueous solutions. The developed films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis to understand their Physico-chemical properties. The adsorption parameters, such as contact time, pH, and metal ion concentration were studied. By increasing CS:PEG ratio in the blend film the adsorption capacity of iron ions increases, and the equilibrium achieved after 60 minutes. The experimental data were better fitted to Freundlich equation than Langmuir equation. The regenerated blend films could be used up to four cycles of adsorption/desorption without losing efficiency. read more... read less...

Keywords: Chitosan, Blend Film, Adsorption, Iron Ions

Science Policy and Implications for Sustainable Development- The Case of Jordan

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 35 - 42

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.006

by Odeh Al-Jayyousi , Abeer Arafat , Suha Shouqar from Vice President for Science and Research, Royal Scientific Society, Jordan , Knowledge Management Officer, Royal Scientific Society, Jordan , Research Assistant to HRH, President of RSS Royal Scientific Society, Jordan

Abstract: This paper aims to review the science policy in selected countries, i.e., US, UK, Malaysia and Turkey. It intends to document best practices in STI to inform science policy in Jordan. Science policy for sustainable development will be assessed and compared in light of international experience. The necessary conditions and enabling environment needed to root science in society will be outlined. “In the memory of the victims of Oslo and UtøyaIsland, 22nd of July 2011” read more... read less...

Keywords: science policy, innovation, sustainable development, Jordan.

The Effect of TDS on the Hydrogen and Oxygen Production Using Photovoltaic Power Generation System

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 31 - 34

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.005

by Salah Abdallah , Essam Yousef , Issameddin Abdullah , Asma Tamime from a University of Business & Technology, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ,Applied Science University, Amman 11931, Jordan, Department of Mechatronic Engineering, Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan

Abstract: In this work, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) on the hydrogen and oxygen production using photovoltaic power generation system. A testing rig was built, where the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen occurs when a DC current generated by a photovoltaic system is passed between two electrodes, immersed in water and separated by a non-electrical conducting material which is resistive Teflon. The results of experimentation indicate that within the range of TDS from zero to 2000 ppm, the higher TDS level gave better production, and when the level equals zero it gave no production at all. read more... read less...

Keywords: Hydrogen and oxygen production, TDS, Photovoltaic

Combined Energy-Water-Food (EWF) Procession: Project-based Approach to the Sustainable Development of North-Sinai Settlements

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 21 - 30

Published: 24 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.004

by Sherif A. Sheta from Mansoura University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering, Mansoura, Egypt 35516

Abstract: The tripod of energy, water, and food (EWF) are recognized as the key driver of any socio-economic development worldwide. In Egypt, attention is being increasingly given to the impact of population growth and urban and rural development on the environment. This research-based study is aimed at promoting a combined technique that can probably enforce the agricultural development strategy and issues of food security in terms of water and energy efficiency in new desert settlements in Egypt. It hypothesizes that combined appropriate technologies can pave the way to an enabling setting that secures a more sustainable use of the available natural resources. The goal is to approach an interdisciplinary research system that employs an EWF technique, while better identifying national and cross cutting priorities in the environment and climate change related sectors. To attain this goal, the study is determined to explore the potential of integrating these combined techniques into the settlement context and envision this integration in terms of their technical performance, economic payback and social impact. Methods used include the integration of building attached greenhouses (B-GH), water desalination, sol-water ponds, and solar collectors for attaining greenhouse cooling loads and seawater desalination. read more... read less...

Keywords: Combined Techniques, Renewable Energy, Water, Food, EWF, Sustainable Settlements, North Sinai.

Experimental Investigation of a Novel Solar Powered Psychometric Low Grade Water Desalination System

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 13 - 20

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.003

by Mahmoud Shatat , Saffa Riffat, Mark Worall from Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK

Abstract: Many countries around the world and especially in the Middle East and MENA region are struggling to provide their people with clean water under the rapid global climate change circumstances. Hence Drinking water of acceptable quality has become a scarce commodity. This paper describes the results of experimental and theoretical investigations of the operation of an efficient small scale water desalination system using the psychometric humidification and dehumidification process. The test results demonstrate that at temperatures in the range 54 Oc to 63oC, the system produces about 3.5 kg/hr of fresh water with high desalination efficiency. The experimental and theoretical values for the total daily water output were found to be closely correlated. A synthetic brackish water solution was used for the tests and its total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured. The analysis of the product water showed that its quality was within the World Health Organization guidelines. Following the experimental calibration of the mathematical model, it was demonstrated that the performance of the system could be improved to produce a considerably higher amount of fresh water and it would be an ideal solution to produce drinkable water for local residents in remote areas. read more... read less...

Keywords: Water Desalination, Psychometric, Humidification, Dehumidification, Water Quality

The Effect of PH on the Hydrogen and Oxygen Production Using Photovoltaic Power Generator

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 7 - 12

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.002

by Salah Abdallah , Essam Yousef , Mohammad Katab , Issameddin Abdullah from University of Business & Technology, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Applied Science University, Amman 11931, Jordan

Abstract: In this work, an experimental study was conducted to In this work, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of PH on the hydrogen and oxygen production using photovoltaic power generation system. A testing rig was built, where the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen occurs when a DC current generated by a photovoltaic system is passed between two electrodes, immersed in water and separated by a non-electrical conducting material which is resistive Teflon. The results of experimentation indicate that within the range of PH from 3 to 13, the further PH levels gets from PH=7 gives better hydrogen and oxygen production. Alkaline region gave better production. In this work, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of PH on the hydrogen and oxygen production using photovoltaic power generation system. A testing rig was built, where the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen occurs when a DC current generated by a photovoltaic system is passed between two electrodes, immersed in water and separated by a non-electrical conducting material which is resistive Teflon. The results of experimentation indicate that within the range of PH from 3 to 13, the further PH levels gets from PH=7 gives better hydrogen and oxygen production. Alkaline region gave better production. investigate the effect of PH on the hydrogen and oxygen production using photovoltaic powergeneration system. A testing rig was built, where the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen occurs when a DC current generated by a photovoltaic system is passed between two electrodes, immersed in water and separated by a non-electrical conducting material which is resistive Teflon. The results of experimentation indicate that within the range of PH from 3 to 13, the further PH levels gets from PH=7 gives better hydrogen and oxygen production. Alkaline region gave better production. In this work, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of PH on the hydrogen and oxygen production using photovoltaic power generation system. A testing rig was built, where the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen occurs when aDC current generated by a photovoltaic system is passed between two electrodes, immersed in water and separated by a non-electrical conducting material which is resistiveTeflon. The results of experimentation indicate that within the range of PH from 3 to 13, the further PH levels gets from PH=7 gives better hydrogen and oxygen production. Alkaline region gave better production. read more... read less...

Keywords: Hydrogen and oxygen production, PH, photovoltaic

Condenser Designs for Greenhouse Desalination

SWES, volume-05 , Issue 1 (2013), PP 1 - 6

Published: 23 Jun 2013

DOI: 10.5383/swes.05.01.001

by A. Alkhalidi , Y. Zurigat , B. Dawoud , T. Aldoss , G. Theodoridis from Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, USA, Mechanical Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod, Oman, Technical ThermFlow Dynamics Hellas S.A. Simulation - Measurement - Optimization – Control, Thessaloniki, Greeceodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 8, D-52056 Aachen, Germany,Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Jordan for Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan,

Abstract: Innovative condenser designs were created in this study. The plate channelled condenser and the vibrating plastic surface condenser, first condenser design consisting of a cooled plate surface upon which water vapor, carried by saturated air, condenses at its outer surface. The plates are made of plastic and are constantly cooled by coolant flowing through internal passages within the plate. The second condenser design which is the vibrating plastic surface condenser consists of a very thin plastic sheet mounted on a frame. The plastic sheet vibrates by the impingements action of pressurized water sprayed from the rear side. Experimental tests were done to investigate condensate production rate per unit area. These results were then compared to conventional vertical fin-tube bank condenser designs used by other investigators. The comparison showed that a higher rate of condensate production (an increase of 16.4%) is achieved using the plate channelled which is simpler and less expensive condenser than other designs. On the other hand, the vibrating plastic surface condenser did not meet the expected performance. read more... read less...

Keywords: Condenser,plastic sheet,cooled plate surface