W.E. Alnaser

New model to estimate the solar global irradiation using astronomical and meteorological parameters

We introduce a new model to estimate the monthly mean solar global irradiation, H, consisting of six parameters (astronomical and meteorological). We are able to obtain accurate values of solar global irradiation for Bahrain to within 7% on average. Also, this paper discusses the relation between the number of parameters used in a correlation and the accuracy of the estimation of the solar global irradiation.

Assessment of the possibility of using three types of wind turbine in Bahrain

A technical and economic assessment has been made of the generation of electricity by assuming instillation wind generators. Data of two sites in Bahrain: System Control Distribution station (SCD) and Bahrain International Airport (BIA), were used for the assessment. The assessment was made for three different systems: (a) 100 kW wind machine; (b) 22 kW wind machine; and (c) 4 kW wind farm machine (25 units). The power output of each system at each site was estimated, and the electricity-generating costs in each case were calculated and compared with the generating costs of generating electricity using steam or gas turbines. Energy production and capacity factor for each wind machine was studied.

Experimental study on thermosyphon solar water heater in Bahrain

The thermal performance of the thermosyphon water heater unit was analyzed to show its applicability in Bahrain, using data of several sunny, cloudy and hazy days in winter. The performance of this unit was studied under various maximum daily solar intensities, ranging from 1, 2 and 3 on a cloudy day, upto 695 W/m2 on a sunny day, with the daily outside temperature ranges between 25–19°C. The results show that the system has an average efficiency of 38% with storage tank temperature above 50°C. These results show that this system is quite suitable for application in Bahrain weather conditions.

Wind availability and its power utility for electricity production in Bahrain

The long term wind speed and direction available at Bahrain (1978–1998) have been analyzed and studied. The average annual wind speed was found to be equal to 4.7 m s−1, which indicates the suitability—to a certain extent—of using only small size wind parks (blade diameter of not more than 2 m) to produce electricity to fulfill the deficient electrical power at day and night during summer season in Bahrain. The wind direction was found so variant which makes it unique for installation of wind parks due to limited spaces; this meets the requirement for Bahrain (area of 700 km2). These wind parks can be installed near the sea shores or off-shores. The extractable power was found to vary from 36 to 160 W m−2.

Estimation of energy from tide, wave and sea water currents in Bahrain

The energy that could be extracted from tidal ranges, wave and sea current in the state of Bahrain is estimated. Three methods were used for estimation of the tidal energy. The highest monthly average energy density obtained was for method 3 and had a value of 0.335 W m−2, followed by method 2 which was 0.299 W m−2, and then by method 1 which gave a value of 0.233 W m−2. The daily energy that could be extracted from the waves was 0.67 kW m−1, i.e. 5.90 MWh annually. Sea water currents could give a daily energy equal to 552 W m−2.

Simple models for estimating the total, diffuse, direct and normal solar irradiation in Bahrain

Abstract Very simple models have been made to estimate the monthly and daily average total, diffuse and beam solar irradiation on a horizontal surface in Bahrain. The direct normal solar irradiation has also been measured and modeled using the rotating shadow band pyrometer. The monthly average estimation was found to be more accurate than the daily average, and modeling the direct solar irradiation is the most inaccurate followed by the diffuse; since these two are very susceptible to atmospheric pollution and weather conditions. The highest actually measured monthly average total for direct, diffuse and direct normal solar irradiation was found to be 585, 383, 343 and 716 W m −2 , respectively, while the lowest actually measured monthly average values were 373, 242, 96 and 342 W m −2 , respectively. The results of the total solar irradiation in four different sites in Bahrain were found to have similar values (the maximum hourly values ranged from 820 to 1000 W m −2 at mid-day in June) which is expected since the area of Bahrain is nearly 700 km 2 .

Global B.Sc. programme in renewable energy

A newly proposed Bachelor degree in renewable energy has been reported herein. The programme is aimed to be international. It consists of 140 credit hours and is an interdisciplinary programme run by the College of Science and Engineering. This programme has been already disseminated by the Islamic Scientific Educational and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and Islamic Conference Organization (ICO), Morocco, which was designed by the present author for ISESCO.

The efforts of the Arab League Education, Culture and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in the field of renewable energy

The activities and efforts organized and sponsored by the Arab League Education, Culture and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) in the field of renewable energy for the sake of promoting this technology in the Arab world are presented and discussed in detail. The outcome from the Arab ministers meetings and the permanent Arab committee for renewable energy (established in 1976) are included. Surveys, training, applied research sponsorship, unified specifications and standardization and publications in the field of renewable energy achieved by ALECSO are highlighted in this paper. Arab-Arab and Arab-international cooperation is also presented.

The available wind power in Bahrain

The available wind power in Bahrain has been estimated using four methods. The power density was found to be 60.0, 63.5, 54.5 and 167.0 W m−2, respectively. The power obtained from a wind generator module (1 m in diameter) was reported and compared with the estimated results. Comparison between the available wind and solar power in an urban area in the State of Bahrain is also discussed in this paper.

Training package in new energy sources and technology for the Arab world

A training package in renewable energy sources and technology, suitable for the Arab world is reported in this work. This package contains several programs starting from a Diploma to the M.Sc. level. Special short courses and workshops for decision-makers, engineers and the general public are also presented. The 1-year diploma program consists of 31 credit hours (27 theoretical credit hours and 12 laboratory hours, counted as 4 credit hours), while the 3-year diploma program consists of 93 credit hours (81 theoretical credit hours and 36 laboratory hours, counted as 12 credit hours). The B.Sc. program in energy engineering is also proposed at the undergraduate level. The 4 year B.Sc. program consists of 152 credit hours (142 theoretical credit hours, 30 laboratory hours, counted as 10 credit hours) including a project. The M.Sc. level program lasts for 18 to 24 months and this includes a total of 32 credit hours (24 theoretical credit hours composed of 8 courses, and 6 laboratory hours, counted as 2 credit hours and a 6 credit hours thesis). Recommendations to encourage public awareness for the widespread use of renewable energy sources are also stated.