ICNTSE'21 Keynote Speakers and Invited Speakers

ICNTSE’21 Keynote Speakers and Invited Speakers

Keynote Speakers
Invited Papers

Keynote Speakers

Dr Björn Palm

Dr Björn Palm is professor in Energy Technology at the Department of Energy Technology, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Since 1999 he has been the head of the Division of Applied Thermodynamics and Refrigeration. The research at the division is related to energy in buildings and cities, including topics as the energy system of cities and neighborhoods, smart buildings, heating and cooling systems, thermal energy storage, heat pumps and refrigeration systems. More fundamental research concerning heat exchange, in particular in compact heat exchangers, with nanofluids, in two-phase flow is also performed at the division.

Abstract

Climate change and worldwide actions to limit the effects

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their latest report released this summer once again pointed out human activities as the cause of global warming and the connected climate change. During the last year there has been in the news a steady flow of reports of disasters caused by these changes. The changes are obvious for anyone to see, and the connection to the release of greenhouse gases cannot be disputed. But the realization of the severeness of the situation is spreading, and the willingness to adapt to a lifestyle resulting in less release of greenhouse gases is increasing. A younger generation, whose future will be affected, is gaining influence in society, both as voters, as employees, as entrepreneurs and as decision-makers in different positions. Even commercial companies and professional investors are turning away from old polluting technologies, for purely economic reasons. In this keynote, some conclusions from worldwide research on climate change will be presented, including some of the main conclusions from the latest IPCC report. The presentation will also include a review of the causes of the effects, together with some proposed technical as well as social and economic solutions to mitigate the global warming.

Prof. Reda R. Mankbadi

Dr. Mankbadi has served as the Founding Dean of the Embry-Riddle College of Engineering and as the Research Director (2002-2007). Prior to moving to Embry-Riddle, Dr. Mankbadi has served as a Senior Scientist & Fellow at NASA, and as a Professor at Rutgers and Cairo Universities. He has published several books and over one hundred refereed technical articles. He has contributed significantly to the advancement of science in the areas of Propulsion, Aeroacoustics, Turbulence, and Energy. His research has been funded by the NSF, NASA, AFOSR, and other agencies and industries. He has co-founded the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP) with nearly $15 Million in State funding.
Dr. Mankbadi has received several honors and awards in recognition of his scientific contributions. This includes selection as one of only six Fellows of the NASA Lewis Research Academy, and as an Ohio Board of Regents Professor. He received the Federal Service/ NASA Sustained Superior Performance Award; Fellow of the German National Scholarship Foundation; U.S. Fulbright Scholar, and is elected ASME Fellow.

Abstract

Applications Of Aerospace Techologies To Renewable Energy Harevsting

Several new technologies have been developed with focus on addressing aerospace-related problems. We review here some of these technologies that seems to benefit renewable energy harvesting. Some specific topics will include:
Wind-Airfoil Based Harvesting of Low- Altitude Energy Via Oscillatory Motion Caused by Vortex Shedding: Low-altitude wind energy can be extracted using a suspended airfoil subjected to incoming wind. Due to vortex shedding an oscillatory and plunging motion is set in place. Though mechanical or piezo- electric devices, energy can be generated from this periodic motion. However, the efficiency is low as the oscillations donot last for long. The same phenomena are observed in aircrafts and is known as wing flutter. Closed-loop Active Flow Controllers (AFC) has been developed to dampen flutter. We have sown that this same AFC can be used to sustain the oscillator motion, hence allowing more energy extraction.
Drones For Harvesting High-Altitude Wind Energy: Drones are now widely used for various applications. Their use at high-altitudes gusty wind causes instability problems. We have developed a computational technology to predict the unsteady aerodynamics of multi-rotors drones when subjected to gust. Also, an AFC is being developed to stabilize them. This will enable us to use solar-powered drones to remain at high altitude harvesting wind energy and converting it into electricity that is sent through cables to the ground. Stirling Engines as Solar-Mechanical Engines: Several developments have been made focused on improving the Stirling engines for space applications, which have now rendered them very efficient solar energy converter. We will review the possibility of using sitting engines to pump underground water to plant the desert areas.

Prof. Hany Al-Ansary

Hany Al-Ansary is a professor of mechanical engineering at King Saud University (KSU) and a Certified Energy Manager®. He received his Ph.D. degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004. His research interests include solar thermal power, solar process heat, solar desalination, thermal energy storage, and energy efficiency. Prof. Al-Ansary leads a research group at KSU which is involved in CSP research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Aramco, and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. He published more than 70 publications and holds 23 patents.

Abstract

Overview of Worldwide Research Efforts on Developing Particle-Based Concentrating Solar Power Systems

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a family of solar energy technologies that have been used for decades to produce power. In these systems, mirrors concentrate sunlight on a focal line or point, through which a fluid flows and gets heated. The hot fluid then exchanges heat with water to generate steam, and the steam is fed to a turbine to generate electricity. These technologies have a unique advantage, which is the ability to store thermal energy in the hot fluid for prolonged periods of time such that stable and dispatchable energy can be provided to the electricity grid. The most cost-effective type of CSP systems is central receiver systems, where mirrors concentrate sunlight on a focal point on the top of a central tower. There are a number of operating power plants around the world using this technology, and a number of others being built. However, concentrating solar power has been recently losing market share to photovoltaic technology due to the former’s significantly higher initial cost and operating cost. One of the main issues with current central receiver system design is the use of molten salt as the working fluid. The cost of molten salt as a working fluid and a storage medium is reasonable, but it is highly corrosive. It also freezes at a certain temperature. Therefore, the operation and maintenance cost is high. Furthermore, molten salt decomposes if its temperature exceeds 565°C, thereby limiting the thermal efficiency of the system.
Particle-based CSP systems are a relatively new type of concept, where solid particles (instead of molten salt) are heated by concentrated sunlight. These systems aim to overcome the current limitations of molten salt systems. First, the operating temperature is well beyond that of molten salt; it can theoretically exceed 1000°C. Particles also do not have corrosion and freezing issues, and they are generally much cheaper than molten salt.
This presentation highlights the numerous worldwide efforts to develop innovative particle-based CSP system solutions, some of which have become close enough to maturity to become commercially available. Particular emphasis will be placed on one of those innovative solutions that has been designed, developed, and tested at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia.

Prof. Mohamed E. Ali

Mohamed E. Ali is a professor of mechanical engineering at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1988. His research interests include natural and forced convection heat transfer, nanofluid heat transfer, thermal natural insulation materials. He has published about 150 articles in well-recognized journals and conference proceedings. He has written a chapter on Free Convection Heat Transfer from Different Objects. He is currently on the editorial boards of three journals. He was awarded the Distinguished Research and Publication Award for the years 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2017 by the College of Engineering at King Saud University. He served as a plenary, keynote, and invited speakers at national and international conferences. He registered in REPRISE (the Register of Scientific Experts set up at the MIUR) for Fundamental research and Applied research, Roma, Italy. He is a referee for most international journals in his field. His new invention of natural insulating material has been recognized by the Asia Research News 2012 and by Physics Today Magazine, July 2014 Daily edition, Enterprise. This invention was awarded a gold medal at the British Invention Show 2011 and at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2012. It was also awarded the TechConnect Innovation Award at the World Innovation Summit & Showcase, in 2014, Washington, DC., USA.

Abstract

Thermal and Acoustic Characteristics of New Materials extracted from Agro Wasted Materials as New Thermal Insulation Materials for Buildings

The international trend nowadays is to use natural insulating materials in buildings to be safe for human beings and to lower the environmental impact. Fibers extracted from the pods of the Calotropis procera or Apple of Sodom (AOS) plant are confirmed to have a lower thermal conductivity compared to those extracted from synthetic fibers and close to the ASME standard. The native range of this plant covers south west of Asia and Africa. It occurs also on the Caribbean islands, in Central and South America. Calotropis procera is assumed to be an environmental invasive and it is commonly harvested for its medicinal properties. Calotropis is considered as a weed and it usually controlled by several herbicides to be effective as foliar spray, cut stump, or basal bark methods of control. This presentation shows the other promising good side of such plant, since the fiber extracted from its seed pods can be used as a thermal insulating and absorbing sound materials in building. In this presentation; thermal analysis and acoustic characteristics of Apple of Sodom fibers will be presented with other thermal analyses and microstructure of the fiber. Figure 1 shows a sample specimen of the developed thermal insulating material using cornstarch as a binder for the fibers. Other specimens are made as hybrid between the Apple of Sodom fibers and other wasted materials such as palm tree surface fibers (PTSF) (as seen in Fig. 2) to make the specimens more rigid. Infrared (FT- IR) Fourier transformation spectra of all fibers will be presented showing ranges of wavenumber functional groups for both AOS and PTSF. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTGA) are also obtained showing the stability of both the fibers. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis is also reported for all fibers and shows a broad endothermic transition indicating the melting point of the fibers. Sound absorption coefficients are obtained for the hybrid samples and indicate the potential of using these samples for sound absorption.

Fig. 1. Apple of Sodom fibers as a new thermal insulating material for buildings

Fig. 2. Hybrid specimen made of Apple of Sodom and palm tree surface fibers

Dr. Alaa E. El-Sharkawy

Dr. Alaa El-Sharkawy, earned his Master of Science and PhD. degree in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University, in 1990Dr. El-Sharkawy is also a certified. professional engineer (PE in Michigan), and holds DFSS black belt certificate. He currently holds the position of “Manager and Technical Fellow” for vehicle Thermal Systems. His activities include establishing technical guidelines and best practices for development, integration and validation of automotive thermal systems. He is leading the virtual thermal simulation activities for vehicle thermal management. He has been teaching 6 technical training classes in the areas of “Thermal Protection of Automotive Components”, “Thermal degradation of synthetic materials” and “Fundamentals of Heat Transfer and Applications to Vehicle Thermal management”. Previously he was employed by EDS/General Motors Research as Senior Applications Specialist, where he received the “GM Special Achievement Award” for the work accomplished in the area of Under-hood Thermal Management. He has also served adjunct faculty member at Wayne State University for 15 years where he taught several classes in the areas of environmental and chemical engineering and received the “Excellence in Teaching Award”. Dr. El-Sharkawy has published and presented over 40 technical papers in the area of thermal management, simulation, chemical engineering, environmental engineering and sensitivity analysis.

Abstract

Thermal Management and Development of Electric Vehicles for Improved Environmental Quality

Due to the stringent environmental regulations and strict emission requirements, vehicle electrification has emerged as a potentially viable alternative to conventional vehicles with internal combustion engine(ICE). Conventional vehicles produce direct emissions through the tailpipe, as well as through evaporation from the vehicle's fuel system and during the fueling process. Electric vehicles therefore are considered as an alternative in order to reduce air pollutants and improve the overall environmental quality. Types of eclectic vehicles include battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and range extended electric vehicles (REEV). For each of these electric vehicles, an efficient vehicle thermal management strategy is required to enhance vehicle driving range, improve battery life, enhance vehicle safety, reduce or eliminate emissions of CO2 and greenhouse gasses (GHG). Efficient thermal managements strategies are therefore considered as critical enabler for improving electric vehicles performance, durability and enhancement of battery life. Battery life estimates are evaluated through transient thermal analysis combined with battery thermal degradation models and customer duty cycles. In this presentation, recent advances in battery thermal analysis and thermal management are discussed and the impact of electric vehicles on overall emission reduction and environmental quality improvements are addressed.

Dr. Anhar Ibrahim Hegazi

Dr. Hegazi has more than 49 years of national, regional and international experience in the field of energy and sustainable development and has collaborated with several national, regional and international organizations such as the LAS, IRENA, WB, ADB, UN. She has deep hands-on knowledge and experience on the status of the energy and environment sectors in Egypt and the Arab region including long term Energy planning and policy development, institutional/ legislative and regulatory landscape, development, managing and leading multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project teams on energy and related environmental issues in an international context. She is also experienced in sustainable energy institutional development, assessment studies, policy reports, and technical assistance activities on relevant fields. Dr Hegazi also has 14 years of experience with the UN Economic and Social Commission of Western Asia UNESCWA on energy and sustainable development issues at regional level, ended at the position of the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission. In Egypt during the last decade Dr. Hegazi has served as the director of the Central Energy Efficiency Unit, Egyptian Cabinet of Ministers, “2013 - 2015”and in 2015 she acted as an Advisor to H.E. the Egyptian Minister of Environment on African energy issues. During the Period January 2013 to July 2015, Dr Hegazi has contributed to the EU funded “Energy Sector Policy Support Program” for Egypt, the development of the Energy Pillar of the “Sustainable Development Strategy “Egypt’s Vision 2030. As well she initiated and implemented the “Shamsk Ya Masr initiative” for disseminating the application of distributed “Combined Efficient Lighting and PV Systems in Buildings”, which was implemented is 14 Egyptian Governorates - During the period July 2016 to Present, Dr Hegazi had several consultancy contracts on energy and sustainable development issues with The International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA” , “Tetra-Tech India” and provided support to the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy “MERE” on the development of “A National plan for Solar Energy Sector Development (2017/2018 to 2021/2022) In addition, Dr Hegazi during her carrier had issued and published more than 70 papers in national, regional and international forums.

Abstract

Energy Transformation Technologies for Foreseeing Egypt’s Sustainable Development

By 2013 & 2014 Egypt has experienced a crucial energy crisis causing increased pressure on national economy. In response, the Government has directed dedicated efforts for the development of policies and strategies to overcome the crisis and ensure the security for reliable energy supplies to satisfy the national sustainable development needs. Fruitful results have been achieved and the sectors performance was moved from crisis to breakthrough.
In 2015 the worlds leaders have endorsed the “Paris Agreement”, requiring that average global temperatures at the end of the century are no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels and consequently reducing the worlds GHG emissions to the maximum possible. Several concerned international agencies have agreed that there is an urgent need to embark upon a comprehensive energy transformation system that encompasses three interrelated elements: renewable energy, steady improvements to energy efficiency and increased electrification of end-use sectors.
In view of the above and taking into account the status of progress achieved by the sector as well as realizing the importance of keeping pace with the transformation of the global energy system, this paper identifies and presents:
1) The strategies adopted and implemented creating the achieved breakthrough in the sector development status and relevant indicators.
2) The frameworks for the sector transformation during next decade, and the motives that encourage keeping pace with the transformation in the global energy system as suits the national circumstances.
3) The basic directives for sector transformation, which enable foreseeing the future of the sector to 2030,
4) A selected set of emerging technologies that have gained technical and application development globally, but not yet in Egypt. As well a preliminary evaluation for adopting such technologies in Egypt and the expected economic, social and environmental impacts.
5) Recommended policies, regulatory frameworks for enabling an appropriate sector transformation.

Prof. Amr Elbanhawy

Amr Elbanhawy is Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Ain Shams University (ASU). He is the Principal Investigator of the Energy Technology and Climate Change Laboratory, and the coordinator of the ASU Wind Engineering Centre. His research spans across smart energy technology, asset reliability/safety, energy efficiency and energy-driven water security. He has expertise in computational mechanics and is a passionate communicator of science and engineering. He also acts as an independent consultant based in Cairo, Egypt, where he authoritatively supports the growth and innovation of the local and regional industrial ecosystems in the energy and manufacturing industrial sectors. Dr Elbanhawy had served as the Middle East and Africa region Chairman Elect of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. His professional work over 17 years had covered investment due diligence; feasibility studies; risk assessments; conceptual/detailed cross-disciplinary engineering design; and life cycle integrity and safety assessments/management in the petrochemical, and conventional/renewable energy generation and storage plants.

Abstract

While the global action on the climate intensifies, developing nations are facing more difficult decarbonisation targets that threaten their growth. In this talk, we explore a number of technological solutions that can help Egypt decarbonise faster and deeper. We look at solutions that are innovative, yet inclusive, in the fields of energy storage; lignocellulosic biomass; wind power and resource-efficient agriculture. We look at how national polices; innovative applied science; and the private sector can work together in order to revitalise and maintain a green and clean future for Egypt, and indeed, our planet. We distil some recommendations that can support further concerted actions for Egypt.

Invited Papers

Dr. Mahmoud M Abdel daiem

Dr. Mahmoud M Abdel daiem is an associate professor at Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia and he is on a leave of absence from Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Egypt. He received his Ph.D. at 2012 in the field of Environmental Engineering from Granada University, Spain. His research interests are related to the preparation and application of carbon materials for treatment of water and wastewater, treatment of polluted water via physical, biological, chemical, advanced oxidation processes and integrated technologies between the different processes, solid waste management and treatment, biogas production via anaerobic digester or safe combustion, generation of electric power via solar and wind energy systems, climate change, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He participated in different EU project such as: TEMPUS JEP-31007-2003 programs with Germany and Italy with title “E-learning system for Water and Environmental Studies” (from December 2005 to August 2007), and in a staff mobility for teaching from partner counties in the framework of the Erasmus + programme KAI –Agreement Number: 2017-1-RO01-KA107-036041 (2017). He speaks Arabic, English and Spanish languages that help him to be in collaboration with different institutional worldwide.

Abstract

Power Generation from Residual Biomass in Saudi Arabia

The utilization of biomass energy is important from both an energetic and environmental point of view. Saudi Arabia has a considerable amount of biomass waste that can be converted to renewable energy using different technologies. The quantity and energy potential of biomass waste, Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and cost estimation of power generation using different conversion techniques have been studied. The results showed that the annual biomass waste in Saudi Arabia could reach approximately 31.50 million tons, which can generate 15 TWh of electricity. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is the largest contribution to the total waste and total power generation potential, which is approximately 70% and 74% of the total, respectively. Although incineration of MSW has the highest cost requirements, it has the highest power generation potential compared with the other studied techniques. However, the anaerobic digestion of other biomass types has the advantages of low costs and GHG emissions and generates a considerable energy. The findings can support decision-makers in developing sustainability strategies using eco-friendly and economical technologies for efficient power generation from biomass wastes.

Keywords: Biomass energy, Environment, Economic, Sustainable development, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Noha Said

Dr. Noha Said is an assistant professor at Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University, Egypt. She received her Ph.D. and MSc at 2015 and 2010 in the field of Environmental Engineering from Granada University, Spain and Zagazig University, Egypt, respectively. Her research interests are related to sustainable waste management, renewable biomass energy, bioenergy generation using different technologies, energy generation of residual biomass of rice straw, GHG emissions and climate change, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Abstract

Sustainable use of rice straw for energy production in Egypt

Keywords: Biomass, Sustainable Energy, Rice straw, Environmental impacts, Egypt.

Although using fossil fuels in energy sector have been led to economic growth in different fields, it caused an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions , in consequence, global warming, and climate change. The biomass use is essential for energy production and environment protection. Potential of biomass residues, biomass energy, and energy and GHG emissions of rice straw to the energy chain using two scenarios (power plant and anaerobic digestion plant) in Egypt has been studied. The results showed that a significant amount of biomass wastes from the main biomass sources including agricultural, municipal solid wastes, animal and sewage sludge wastes has an annual potential energy of 416.9 PJ. The annual amount of biomass wastes from crop residues is about 12.33 million tons, and 63.75% of these residues are generated from rice straw. Direct combustion recorded the highest technique for energy recovery from rice straw. Water washing of rice straw as a pretreatment method resulted in a reduction of undesirable inorganic compounds related to ash problems, in consequence, improving the combustion behavior. On the other hand, anaerobic co-digestion of rice straw with sewage sludge showed a significant increase in biogas (six times) comparing with solo sludge digestion. Moreover, the paddy production and transportation stage represented the highest contribution of the total energy consumption and GHG emissions for the two studied scenarios for energy generation, respectively. The energy potential was estimated with 4193 GWh electricity and 25,647 × 106 MJ of biogas energy. It was also found that use of rice straw as an energy source could reduce the use of fossil fuel and mitigate air pollution from direct burning of rice straw by 3 Mt CO2-eq of GHG emissions.

Saman Nimali Gunasekara

(Dr. Ms.) Saman Nimali Gunasekara is a researcher at the department of Energy Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. She holds a PhD in Energy Technology (2017), within the doctoral program Energy and Environmental Systems from KTH and a master’s in Sustainable Technology (2011) from Industrial Ecology at KTH. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Process Engineering (2007) from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Saman’s main research foci encompass Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and its role in energy systems, evolving around all the three spheres: materials, components and systems, concerning both experimental and numerical aspects. Her PhD thesis was on “Phase Equilibrium-aided design of Phase Change Materials from Blends- for Thermal Energy Storage”. She has a number of publications along these research areas, links to which can be found here. Saman is also a guest editor currently for the special issue Crystals for Thermal Energy Storage in the MDPI journal Crystals. Saman is, and has been, an active participant at various Annexes and Tasks within IEA ES TCP (Energy Storage Technology Collaboration Programs) concerning energy storage and energy systems.

Abstract

Thermal Energy Storage Materials (TESMs): How can we truly make them fly?

Thermal Energy Storage Materials (TESMs) could be the missing piece in the puzzle on realizing a “carbon neutral future”. Despite many heating, cooling and thermal management application successes, TESMs still experience numerous challenges for their large-scale commercial deployment. Here we present a bibliometric analysis to map the current trends and context, coupled with concise fundamentals on their proper comprehension and selection. Backed by this background, and combining our experience and expertise on TESMs with literature findings we investigate and discuss the drivers, barriers and missing links from lab to market for TESMs to realize their true potential. In conclusion we suggest research directions and tasks to realize the true potential of TESMs, i.e., to truly make these materials fly to enable a carbon neutral future.

Dr. Muhammed A. Hassan

Dr. Muhammed A. Hassan is an assistant professor of Mechanical Power Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University. He has been awarded the best Ph.D. thesis in Mechanical Engineering (Cairo University) and the Fulbright’s visiting scholar grant (2018), hosted by Texas A&M University. Dr. Hassan is leading the Sustainable Energy Research Group (SERG) at Cairo University, with 50+ current and alumni students. His research is mostly focused on sustainable energy systems and resources. He holds around 28 indexed journal articles and 10 peer-reviewed articles in international conferences, and he is a distinguished reviewer for 30+ international journals. Dr. Hassan is an expert and consultant of renewable energy and energy efficiency. He participated in several funded research projects on concentrating solar power systems and high-performance buildings. He is also a member of several international associations such as the International Solar Energy Society and the World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies.

Abstract

Hydronic radiant cooling is one of the most promising technologies for thermally activated buildings in hot arid desert climate zones, where the cooling loads are immense. However, the technology is still undergoing a research phase in such regions, where the commonly adopted control methods have to be adjusted for enhanced energy savings and indoor thermal comfort. In this study, the characteristic curves of supply chilled water temperature are optimized for a typical thermally activated office building space using a gradient-free optimizer (NSGA-II), multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and a building energy simulation engine (TRNSYS). The results show that the optimized curve outperforms all reference control methods in terms of the two target criteria of higher energy savings and thermal comfort. The proposed curves reduce the total energy consumption by up to 25.63 %, reduce the peak power consumption by up to 34.06 %, and increase the percentage of comfortable occupied hours by up to 132.47 %. Throughout the entire cooling season (including unoccupied hours), no signs of undercooling or condensation risks have been noticed for the proposed curves.

Dr. Nelson Sommerfeldt

Nelson Sommerfeldt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology’s Energy Systems Engineering, Economics, and Data Analytics (ENSEED) research group. His work centers around the techno-economic integration of solar photovoltaics in building energy systems, covering individual component development, systems level control and management, and the perceptions of value from prosumer investors.

Abstract

Solar Energy: Historical trends and pathways forward

Solar photovoltaics (PV) have experienced rapid growth of installations during the past decade, consistently outperforming forecasts, scenarios, and predictions from analysts using bottom up energy system models. A top-down statistical method based on logistic curve regressions, also known as the S-curve of technology diffusion, has also been used to track progress and create forecasts. This study updates previous work on logistic curve fitting for the European market to find the method’s limited predictive ability at an early developmental phase. Curves are also fit for the global level to find that the best fit provides the most pessimistic prediction, resulting a 2050 installation rate of PV 90% lower than the IEA’s latest Net-Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario. Using the logistic curves as potential scenarios, an analysis of the future cost developments and barriers to long-term growth are presented with a qualitative analysis. It is concluded that PV’s dominance of the electricity system is not guaranteed given the need for integration that will challenge PV’s economic competitiveness in the coming decade

Fig. 1. Apple of Sodom fibers as a new thermal insulating material for buildings

Fig. 2. Hybrid specimen made of Apple of Sodom and palm tree surface fibers

Dr. Otto During

Otto During, Researcher at RISE/ Infrastructure and concrete. Master of Science in Engineering, Research area: Environmental System analysis and development of sustainable concrete.

Abstract

Using Rice Husk Ash as Supplementary Cementitious Material to produce Concrete with Low CO2 Emissions

Silicon dioxide is the most common element in minerals and is also essential for strength in concrete. In the form of micro silica, it is used for doing ultra-high-performance concrete. It could also be used for reducing cement content and remaining same durability. Micro silica can be produced from rice husk ash by complete decarbonation in an oven for more than 6 hours. We have produced high quality concrete with low CO2 emissions by using rice husk ash as supplementary material in the concrete. The concrete we produced are self-compacting and have good durability. We use the material for concrete elements in a building. We also have developed a new process for fast and effective production of micro silica from husk or husk ash.

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