Fouad Kamel

Perspectives on grid-connected photovoltaic solar generators

A basic study on the possibilities of the contribution of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity to provide power in an existing electrical grid in Egypt is presented. The consideration includes local and national grids. An economic evaluation of this kind of sharing of electrical energy production and its feasibility is presented. Different kinds of electrical utility and geographical location are considered. A model facilitating the evaluation is described and presented.

A small locally produced windmill for electric power generation as a model for small industry

A 3-bladed 7 kW windmill has been designed and implemented. This project is serving as a model for the local production of such technology in small industry. Electrical and mechanical design descriptions and considerations are presented.

Work in progress — Assessment of how engaging in teaching may enhance the learning journey of engineering and education students

This paper will examine the initial stages of a research project which seeks to evaluate the teaching potential of engineering and education students in the higher education setting. This analysis was conducted independently by three academics from engineering and education based on an initial neophyte teaching performance of an engineering student. The academics utilized both discipline-specific and pedagogical expertise in order to compare and contrast their findings and in the process were able to identify areas in which the student demonstrated lack of knowledge and/or skills during their teaching episode. The results of this pilot study provides important information in relation to enhancing the tertiary experience of students studying engineering, in areas such as including teaching and presentation skills which are increasingly becoming necessary for engineers; determining how to implement a range of these type of performance skills in a crowded engineering curriculum and devising ways to integrate pedagogical skills within authentic assessment tasks, such as through peer review of engineering students by pre-service education students which provides mutual benefits to both cohorts.

The distribution of currents and voltages in a short ring transmission system

This paper presents a study for the ring transmission systems on the basis of equivalent circuit. The mathematical analysis for voltage, current and power including the effect of variations of the load is deduced. The change of a load has been classified according to either value or angle. The group of mathematical equations is programmed and processed. The effect of ring impedance type on currents through and voltages at terminals of both first and second circuits of the studied ring system is considered. The dependence of the distribution of currents through the three (first, ring, second) circuits of the proposed system is investigated. The type of a load is firstly included according to the dependence on its angle. This load is simulated as a symmetrical impedance for all phases during the research. Its variations relative to power factor angle should be calculated. The transmitted power due to the change of the load is computed and the results are discussed. Both active and reactive powers are considered and then the deduced results are given and analyzed. The effect of the ring impedances as capacitive is also included. The transmission efficiency is driven and the advantages of the suggested system are discussed. Also, the higher voltages produced at some points in the capacitive ring type leads us to propose a commutative capacitive and inductive impedances for the ring part of the studied system, where this condition is taken into consideration. This work and the results herein are a great development and a good improvement on the performance of the ring transmission system. The appeared ring system in a symmetrical sequence has been encouraged. Also, the effect of place of connection of the proposed ring bank is investigated for different locations along the line such as 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 of the line length and finally at the receiving end. The effect of load power factor on the distribution of node voltages and branch currents as well as on both active and reactive powers along the proposed new bank ring system have been worked out and analyzed. The voltage ratio is computed and given.

END‐USER’S TOOLS TOWARDS AN EFFICIENT ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION: THE DYNAMIC SMART GRID

Growing uncontrolled electrical demands have caused increased supply requirements. The market is presently characterized by regular daily peak demand conditions associated with high electricity prices. A demand-side response system can limit peak demands to an acceptable level. The proposed scheme is based on energy demand and price information which is available online. An online server is used to communicate the information of electricity suppliers to users, who are able to use the information to manage and control their own demand. A configurable, intelligent switching system is used to control local loads during peak events and mange the loads at other times as necessary. The aim is to shift end user loads towards periods where energy demand and therefore also prices are at the lowest. As a result, this will flatten the load profile and avoiding load peeks which are costly for suppliers. The scheme is an endeavour towards achieving a dynamic smart grid demand-side-response environment using information-based communication and computer-controlled switching. Diffusing the scheme shall lead to improved electrical supply services and controlled energy consumption and prices.

Test facility in Port Said-Egypt for photovoltaic solar generators

In framework of an applied research project a test facility for evaluating the performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar generators has been implemented at the Faculty of Engineering in Port Said-Egypt. The goals of the project is to perform the different required tests on photovoltaic (PV) solar generators in order to verify the fulfillment of the international standard specifications and to verify the characteristics given by the manufacturer. This will be achieved determining the electrical, the thermal and the mechanical characteristics of the module. This test can be considered to be a preparation for Egyptian PV market helping for propagation and harmonisation of standards. The developed test facility is including the main tests of PV systems, e.g. the electrical output under normal operating conditions and the influence of different environmental factors.

Photovoltaic long-term test

A monitoring process on a 1.5 kWp PV plant in Port Said as a long-term test activity has been performed. The monitoring activity was carried out in accordance with the Standard Test Specifications 101 and the guidelines for photovoltaic system monitoring of the Commission of the European Communities. The test was extended over the full period of 24 months. The monitoring procedure is briefly presented and data for the performance of the PV plant are illustrated and discussed. The tested PV plant showed good performance characteristics near to the design values. The long-term test did not show any notable deterioration of its initial performance data after two years.

Electro-Osmotic Subsoil Irrigation Using PV Electricity

The use of the electro-osmosis for a subsoil irrigation in agriculture is proposed. The employed physical principle is described and demonstrated by laboratory tests. The use of the PV solar electricity to supply the needed power is considered.