UAE students present innovative energy solutions in Dubai

The UAE’s brightest engineering students have showcased their talents to a global audience this week in Dubai, including a tidal power project by the first Emirati female engineers to come from the country’s Al Gharbia western region.

 The Future Generation competition, a new initiative launched at Middle East Electricity, encourages undergraduate students from UAE universities to develop and present innovative solutions focusing on alternative energy, energy efficiency or energy conservation.

 The project created by Anood Al Hamadi and Aisha Al Hamadi, who are currently studying at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Ruwais, was among eight shortlisted projects put forward to thousands of visitors, who will cast their votes to decide the winner.

 On a dedicated stand at the three-day event, which concluded today (13 February) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the pair presented their Tidal Power Generation prototype project, comprising an electricity generator, water pump and rotating turbines that simulate the energy created from the UAE’s ocean tides.

 The energy is then converted into 220 AC volts using a power distribution system, which is enough to power their model of a college building, featuring light fixtures and water fountains.

"The objective of this project is to understand the feasibility of a tidal power generation plant in the UAE," said Aisha Al Hamadi.

"Tidal power is an endless source of energy and doesn’t produce greenhouse gases. As 71 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered by oceans, there is scope to generate tidal energy on a large scale, and its efficiency is around 80 per cent, making it far more efficient than coal, solar, or wind energy."

Anita Mathews, Director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of Middle East Electricity, said: "The inaugural Future Generation competition has been very well received, and to see so many visitors interact with the students and speak to them about their alternative energy solutions, before ultimately deciding their favourite, reinforces the dedication in driving the industry forward."

"The projects on display are extremely creative, and it is encouraging to see so many innovative ideas coming out of the UAE’s higher education sector. The regional energy industry has a very bright future." added Mathews.

Also being showcased are several other inventive UAE student projects, including a performance model for one of the world’s largest solar power plants, Shams 1 in Abu Dhabi, by Sara Al-Hanaei and Sara Al-Shomali of Khalifa University.

Two projects from Ajman University of Science and Technology in Fujairah include a wind-powered water lifting system by Zulfa A. Rasheed, Amna Abdullah, and Muna Ali; and a solar powered water pump and storage system by Muna Dahir Ali and Mohammed Rehan.

The project which receives the maximum number of votes will be presented with a prestigious Middle East Electricity 2014 Award by the Chair of the Education Committee for the Energy Institute.

Middle East Electricity is the world’s leading power event, focusing on the power, lighting, renewable and nuclear sectors.

The 39th edition attracted more than 1,250 exhibitors covering 12 halls and 50,000 square metres of exhibition space. The exhibition is supported by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Green Building Council, Society of Engineers – UAE, Environmental Center for Arab Towns, Clean Energy Business Council and Energy Institute Middle East.

Middle East Electricity 2014 is partnered with Power Nigeria in Lagos andSaudi Energy in Riyadh. The 40th edition returns to Dubai next year from 2-4 March 2015.

 

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