The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy, and sustainable technologies, is displaying key research projects in waste conversion, solar cells, and thermal energy storage and systems at the Water, Energy Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2016 in Dubai.
The 18th edition of WETEX is to be held from 4-6 October at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, and President of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
Masdar Institute is showcasing key research projects and presenting two seminars as part of the conference’s Innovation Platform. The projects will include a novel biodiesel reactor that converts waste cooking oil into high-grade biodiesel at a much lower cost than conventional reactors, an innovative multi-junction solar cell that leverages a unique “step-cell” design to harness more sunlight, which in turn, can produce more energy, and a novel thermal energy storage system developed by researchers at Masdar Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to absorb and store thermal energy using molten salt in a single tank system.
Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “Sustainable solutions have become essential in today’s world as the global community seeks to overcome climate change. Our participation in WETEX 2016 will not only highlight our research outcomes but will also offer an opportunity for industry stakeholders to learn about the collaborative R&D expertise we offer to local industries. We believe the resulting knowledge exchange will benefit those in the UAE’s strategic sectors exploring sustainable solutions.”
Dr. Ammar Nayfeh, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is presenting present a seminar on ‘Ultimate Multi-Junction Solar Step-Cell,’ while Dr. Isam Janajreh, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, will be speaking on ‘Waste Cooking Oil to Biodiesel in Al-Raha Community: Social, Technical & Economics’. Dr. Nicolas Calvet, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Chair of the Masdar Institute Solar Platform, and his team are showcasing two projects at the Innovation Hall. Master’s student Mohammed Hussain and Post-Doctoral researcher Dr. Sabina Abdul Hadi will be present with Dr. Ammar and Dr. Janajreh, respectively.
As a sustainability and research-oriented institution, Masdar Institute continues to pioneer research of relevance to the UAE and the region. As of September 2016 the research-based institution has filed 73 patent applications and been issued 14 patents from the outcomes of its research projects.
In line with the UAE’s focus on developing strategically important sectors, Masdar Institute drives its research in strategic areas including clean energy production, sustainable energy and water desalination, climate and the environment, microelectronics and advanced materials.
WETEX brings together solutions providers, investors, decision makers in government departments, consumers, and business partners from private and public sectors, providing a platform to discuss and review all topics relevant to sustainability, environment and natural resources preservation.
