2013 csem uae-m sc proposal to kth students

United Arab Emirates
CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929
www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE info@csem-uae.com
2013 Master Thesis proposals for KTH students
Background
CSEM-uae Innovation Center (www.csem-uae.com) is a nonprofit joint venture
company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss
Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, www.csem.ch) and RAKIA (Ras Al
Khaimah Investment Authority, www.rak-ia.com) operational in Ras Al Khaimah
(RAK) - United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2005. The applied research
and development bridging academic research to industrial development is the working
area of the company. The company is located in the industrial area of Al Jazeera Al
Hamra near RAK City.
Objective
CSEM-UAE is working for the development of innovative technologies in the field of
renewable energy and environment focusing on solar and clean technology like PV,
solar thermal, sea water desalination, solar assisted cooling, waste heat recovery and
energy efficiency with applied research approach. We bridge fundamental research
(University level) to users (Industry) smoothening the technology transfer to industry.
In this context, input from both academia and industry is a must. The overall objective
of the collaboration with KTH is to establish a common platform of research intended
to bridge the gap, so that technology at fundamental research is validated from
techno-economic standpoints and transferred to industries for application. Sharing the
mutual experience & expertise and opening up research facilities of CSEM-UAE to
KTH- students help strengthen the collaboration.
Continuation of the collaboration with KTH
After successful completion of 15 MSc thesis projects and the launching of a PhD
thesis during 2010-2012, CSEM- UAE is interested to continue its collaboration with
KTH at MSc and PhD thesis levels for the year 2013. The target group is students
enrolled at one of the MSc programs offered by the Department of Energy
Technology (SEE, ISEE, ME3, RENE, and SELECT). Some of the MSc thesis
projects can be extendable to industrial PhD projects, in or using CSEM-uae R&D
platforms, under the leadership of a KTH professor.
Master Thesis positions’ opening for 2013
7 projects have been prioritized for Master Thesis. Ensuing paragraphs presents a
brief introduction of those research projects.
Applications
Applications (CV + accreditations + motivation letter) are to be sent to CSEM-uae
(Dr. Hamid Kayal (hka@csem-uae.com)) with copy to KTH (Prof. Andrew Martin)
CSEM-uae financial support
Round-trip air ticket, medical insurance, working days lunch and a monthly salary for
accommodation and other living costs are offered to the selected MSc students.

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2013
Zero Energy House for UAE / MENA region
Background
As a part of the building energy efficiency research at CSEM-UAE, two master thesis
students from KTH worked on design of building material test facility and
performance evaluation of solar insulating materials. In this context, CSEM-UAE
envisions design of zero energy houses for UAE region. The major energy
requirement in buildings in UAE is for cooling / heating.
The proposed master thesis will theoretically design, simulate and propose a zero
energy house for the region. The design of zero energy house should focus on
building insulation to combat major energy need (cooling load reduction), solar hot
water systems for hot water/heating demand and building integrated PV for remaining
energy needs. The proposed design is envisaged to develop and implement Zero
Energy House for local region.
Purpose
Based on csem-uae research and previous studies, the proposed master thesis is to
investigate and identify energy efficient and cost competitive Green Building
elements such as building construction material and techniques, cooling systems for
AC, sanitary water heating, lighting etc. The thesis student should design/propose
renewable energy solutions for energy needs such as building integrated or roof top
PV panels, thermal collectors etc.
Objectives
 Conduct detailed literature review on different criteria in design of zero energy
houses, solar insulation materials, building integrated PV etc.
 Propose / Simulate a zero energy house using TRNSYS for energy needs
 Propose / Design solar hot water system for domestic hot water
 Estimate other energy needs, propose renewable energy solutions (PV, etc.)
 Estimate the cost of proposed solutions for a Zero Energy house
Method of attack
Make case study on design of Zero Energy House for a family. Estimate energy
needs. Propose / design energy saving building material and renewable systems for
energy demand. Make a feasibility study on implementation of a zero energy house.
Estimate the cost comparatively to a standard house.

Experimental analysis of integrated system of Membrane Distillation
(MD) for pure water with solar Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
Background
UAE consumes more bottled water per capita than any other country in the world.
This consumption is growing at unprecedented rate every year, requiring huge
amounts of energy for water production (desalination, purification, and disinfection),
bottling and delivery of the water to end users at home. The plastic bottles
manufacturing and waste have also a huge negative impact on the environment. In
2011, CSEM uae started a research project on sustainable production of drinking
water by solar energy to end user, from municipal waters distributed to urban
households. The research goal is to develop a cost effective drinkable water
production unit for houses. For minimizing solar field costs, the application under
consideration is a simultaneous production of hot water for domestic use and pure
water for drinking in a single family villa.
Purpose
Verify if standard solar DHW installation could meet, in UAE climate, the thermal
demands of DHW and MD integrated systems. If not, provide the theoretical and
practical estimation of the energy needed for such concept.
Objectives
 Installation and commissioning of integrated solar DHW and MD systems
 Design and conduction of experiments (control, monitoring, data acquisition)
 Measurement of different possible configurations of the integrated system
 Data analysis, evaluation of thermal and water production performances
Method of attack
Review literature on MD and Solar DHW systems, specifically to hot climate.
Identify the solar collectors suited for the application. Analyze the existing
equipment, components and instruments. Identify, if any, further requirements for
field installation. Request / procure to complete installation. Experiment on different
modes of integrated system over three months with continuous data collection and
analyze data. Determine the merits / demerits of different integration approaches
experimented. Recommend improvements of the concept.

(Extendable to PhD Thesis)
Assembly, test and optical characterization of mirrors for
Linear Fresnel Concentrator
Background
Linear Fresnel Concentrators (LFC) can be used to produce low temperature (150-
350ºC) steam. The system can be directly coupled to a steam turbine for electrical
power generation and/or to an absorption chiller for cooling and/or for process heating
and/or for thermal desalination. LFC use low or no curvature mirrors. Their low cost,
flat shape, easy cleaning and better land use than other Solar Concentrated Power
(CSP) systems, make them attractive especially for Direct steam generation (DSG)
system.
In 2010 csem-uae successfully achieved the construction and test of 5000 m² platform
tracking the sun azimuth angle with high precision (Solar Island prototype:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8). The platform can hold 68 LFC-
CSP-DSG modules. To characterize & optimize the modules, a high precision, Single
Module solar Tracker (SMT) was designed in 2011 and built in 2012 for modules
development and test. In parallel, the simulation, design and assembly process of
extra flat Linear Fresnel Mirrors (LFM) was achieved.
The SMT is a 64 m² of LFM to be assembled on a solar tracker of galvanized steel
structure having circular movement on a rail system. The system will be tracking the
sun very precisely, checking the position of the module and undergoing the correction
accordingly. The LFM has to be accurately aligned in order to focus the light on the
receiver 4 meter high from the ground.
Purpose
The proposed master thesis will evaluate, integrate, characterize and fine-tune the
precision components on the described Linear Fresnel Solar Concentrator module and
determine the reflected energy density and focal size on the receiver area.
Objectives
To integrate on solar tracker and characterize the optics of Linear Fresnel mirrors
 Develop / apply an effective method to assemble and align the Fresnel mirrors
 Characterize concentration performance of the mirrors; compare to simulation
 Characterize the sensitivity to mirrors ‘misalignment; compare to simulation
 Integrate and characterize a developed automatic mirrors cleaning system
Method of attack
Understand and validate the LFC Module design and construction. Develop mirrors
assembly and alignment method, assemble and align to concentrate the light on
receiver. Simulate the optical concentration and its sensitivity to mirrors’
misalignment; compare to measured data. Propose improvements to present design.
Integrate and test a developed automatics mirrors cleaning systems.

Thermal performance evaluation of receiver for Linear Fresnel
Concentrator (LFC) for CSP-DSG system – Part A
Thermo-hydraulic system design, implementation and test
Background
350ºC) steam. The system can be directly coupled to a steam turbine for electrical
power generation and/or to an absorption chiller for cooling and/or for process heating
and/or for thermal sea water desalination. LFC use low or no curvature mirrors. Their
low cost, flat shape, easy cleaning and better land use than other Concentrated Solar
Power (CSP) systems, make them attractive especially for Direct Steam Generation
(DSG) CSP system.
In LFC-DSG-CSP system, the central element is receiver/s, consisting of single or
multiple horizontal solar radiation absorption tube/s with or without secondary
focusing mirrors, in the focus line of the LFC.
DSG-CSP modules. To characterize & optimize the modules, a prototype with a high
precision solar tracker was designed in 2011 and built in 2012 for single module
development and test. In parallel the design of an LFC-DSG receiver for a module
started early 2012 and will be finalized at its end. The outcome can be a proposal of 1
to 3 designs alternatives to be evaluated in order to select the adequate one.
Purpose
Based on LFC-DSG selected receivers’ designs, the proposed master thesis will
design, procure and implement a Thermo-Hydraulic system to evaluate the
performance of receivers. The system should be used to measure and characterize the
receivers mounted on an extra flat LFC module designed for Solar Island. This part of
the work should be done in cooperation with the M.Sc. thesis student of Part B.
Objectives
Development of thermo - hydraulic receiver test system for LFC module
 Design a thermo - hydraulic test system; procure and assemble components
 Design, procure and assemble the measurement and data acquisition system
 Commission and insure reliable operation of the system with divers receivers
 Test at least one receiver from those described in proposal part B
Method of attack
Understand LFM module design & capabilities. Review existing commercial
components for testing DSG-CSP system. Design the system. Procure the component.
Install commission and evaluate the performance of a selected receiver.

Thermal performance evaluation of receiver for Linear Fresnel
Concentrator (LFC) for CSP-DSG system – Part B
Linear receivers design’s finalization, implementation & test
Background
350ºC) water/steam. The system can be directly coupled to a steam turbine for
electrical power generation and/or to an absorption chiller for cooling and/or for
process heating and/or for thermal sea water desalination. LFC use low or no
curvature mirrors. Their low cost, flat shape, easy cleaning and better land use than
other Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems, make them attractive especially for
Direct Steam Generation (DSG) CSP system.
In LFC-DSG-CSP system, the central element is receiver/s, consisting of single or
multiple horizontal solar radiation absorption tube/s with or without secondary
focusing mirrors, in the focus line of the LFC.
DSG-CSP modules. To characterize & optimize the modules, a prototype with a high
precision solar tracker was designed in 2011 and built in 2012 for single module
development and test. In parallel the design of an LFC-DSG receiver for a module
started early 2012 and will be finalized at its end. The outcome can be a proposal of 1
to 3 designs alternatives to be evaluated in order to select the adequate one.
Purpose
Based on LFC-DSG selected designs, the proposed master thesis will produce /
procure the receivers as proposed and test diverse LFC-DSG receivers for the extra
flat CSEM-uae Linear Fresnel Mirrors.
Objectives
Evaluate receiver manufacturers; procure assemble and evaluate designed receivers
 Identify the commercial vendors/fabricators for the proposed receivers
 Procure / fabricate the required receiver as per specification
 Design heat insolated hanging mechanism of receiver(s) to the LFC module
 Install & test receivers; evaluate /recommend the best for DSG-CSP application
Method of attack
Understand CSEM-uae LFM module design & capabilities. Review existing
commercial receivers ‘components and manufactures. Define / subcontract prototypes
‘manufacturing. Conceive stable hanging on LFC module. Evaluate the performance
and characteristics in cooperation with part A. Analyze and suggest the best receiver
for DSG-CSP application.

PV system integration in a mini-Grid
Background
Since 2009, CSEM UAE develops Solar R&D platforms in its Solar Laboratory
(SOLAB), an open air 87000 m² facility having, the Solar Island (SI) platform
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8) for CSP applications, a Solar
Calorimeter for the development and test of insulation material, a PV Performance
test center , a Solar Cooling center, a Solar Water Desalination unit and a solar tracker
for Linear Fresnel Modules’ development for solar Island (these 2 latest being under
construction). A 50 kW Diesel generator is used to power SOLAB facilities.
In 2012, the migration to renewable started by:
1. Installing a mini PV-plant of 20 kW peak to power 24/7 the Calorimeter
2. Updating the PV center to supply 4 kW peak
3. Designing 30 kW PV-plant to power 12/7 Solar cooling and desalination unit
4. Forecasting 50 kW PV-plant to power 12/7 the Solar Island platform as well
the Linear Fresnel Modules development platform
For 2013, the aim is to install the 30 kW and 50 kW mini PV power plants and to
connect them together with the 20 kW and 4 kW mini plants through a local stable
grid in SOLAB which will be linked later to the area network of Al Jazeera-RAK city.
Purpose
The proposed master’s thesis will be the implementation / optimization of load -
capacity of the PV plant on Solar Island to assure its autonomous Off Grid operation
and the integration of this plant to a Mini-Grid to be conceived for SOLAB.
Objectives
Maximize PV power production on SI. Conceive a mini-Grid for SOLAB. Link both.
 Maximize the PV power production from a limited available area on SI
 Optimize the placement / connections of inverters and cabling on SI
 Indentify and balance the load / capacity of the power produced on SI
 Understand the renewable energy load/capacity profile in all SOLAB
 Propose, design and implement a Mini-Grid in SOLAB
Method of attack
Understand the PV system and how it is designed. Review literature and market for
various PV systems implementer. Design / implement / characterize the PV system.
Understand the concept of mini grid considering the dependence of power production
and its flow in SOLAB as the function of Sun and Load respectively. Device a robust
design for balancing load with power production, taking into consideration the
dissipation of excess energy production; if required. Formalize a method to connect it
to the Grid.

Solar Cooling System performance evaluation & automation

Background
In United Arab and MENA region in general, due to intense solar radiation, the solar
cooling during summer time, is matching well with the need of cooling to maintain
the comfort in houses.
To identify the potential of solar cooling systems, CSEM-uae started developing a
solar cooling R&D facility since 2010. The facility was installed in 2011 in csem-uae
open air Solar Laboratory (SOLAB) with a cooling capacity of 10 TR (Ton of
Refrigeration). To have enough cooling load, CSEM-uae linked the solar cooling
facility to all closed working area/office in SOLAB in 2012.
The design and installation of a prototype security system for safety against stagnation
in solar field collector was achieved by a Master thesis in 2011. Furthermore the test
and characterization of this solar field was achieved through a second Master thesis in
2012. In parallel, a development of a mini-PV power plant has been foreseen to
operate the cooling center Off Grid.
The solar cooling system will be operated using PV power and automation of cooling
system is necessary for smooth operation. Performance characterization of solar
cooling system should be done under daily changing conditions.
Purpose
The proposed master thesis will experimentally measure the performance of the
installed solar cooling systems with single effect absorption chillers and compare it to
simulated prediction. By operating the system daily, a deep comprehension of the
functions should lead to a detailed proposal of operations ‘control and automation’.
Objectives
The overall objective is to evaluate the thermal performance and electrical load by
running the cooling system for at least one season and delivering a detailed proposal
for its automatic control and operation. Specific objectives are
 Evaluate the system electrical load and compare it to PV-plant characteristics
 Upscale and integrate the installed prototype of security system for stagnation
 By operating the system daily, measure its performance/compare to simulation
 Identify the control/ automation logics for stand-alone operation of the system
 Propose detail engineering design for the control and automation of the system
Method of attack
Review the previous work and documents. Understand the electrical component used,
calculate their electrical load, compare to installed PV capacity. Implement security
system for stagnation. Re-confirm the experimental data and predicted performance
previously done. Identify requirements for control and automation and detail-design
the automation part. Propose an automation process to run safely the cooling center
with a minimum of manual operation.

Design, assembly and test of an Automated Weather Station

Background
Automated weather station (AWS) is being increasingly used to complement and even
replace manual or partially automated observation as the primary mode of data
collection. However, the transition from partially automated to fully automated
observation needs to be carefully managed so that the existing long term climate
record is not compromised, but rather enhanced by the implementation of standards
and procedures.
AWS unattended by observers can provide frequent, regular and consistent
measurement and they have the flexibility to be located in any environment, including
extremely remote and harsh conditions like the desert.
In terms of transition to AWS, analysis requires observational records that are long,
free from gaps and errors. The primary focus for climate recording depends on
essential climate variables as Radiation, Temperature, Humidity, Wind and Rain.
CSEM UAE has existing weather stations at two locations that collect information
about major climatic variables. To streamline all the weather variables in a single
package, and to strictly follow the measurement procedure/practice in compliance
with the World Metrological Organization (WMO) standards and procedures, CSEM-
uae is planning to expand and relocate the weather station along with the transition to
an AWS.
Purpose
The purpose of the thesis work is to develop an AWS at Solar Laboratory (SOLAB)
following WMO standards and procedures ensuring data quality, reliability, storage,
accessibility and ease of data analysis
Objectives
 Review and evaluate existing weather station systems at CSEM-uae
 Identify the need of the measured climatic variables for research at CSEM-uae
 Identify and select the sensors that fulfills the need and standard
 Design an AWS along with data acquisition and communication system
 Prepare a location and placement drawing for sensors and its accessories
 Analyze cost of new and/or upgraded system
 Assemble and test comparing to existing weather stations of CSEM-uae
 Propose or implement a software for appropriate data analysis
Method of attack
Review commercial systems and suppliers. Review standards. Understand the
requirements. Use the available sensors. Procure required sensors. Assemble, calibrate
and install AWS. Test and compare collected data to other stations. Test the integrity
of data transmission. Propose an algorithm to eliminate noisy or flash data. Propose
software to display data in a friendly and useful way to end users.

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