By ; Mohamed Shawky

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s Research and Development Centre (DEWA’s R&D Centre) produced 11 conference papers and 4 journal articles that are all Scopus Indexed in 2020. This increases the number of papers published in international scientific conferences and journals to 55.

In 2020, the R&D Centre’s research was diverse including: a long-term analysis of bifacial PV modules aging under desert conditions; the first working definition of near-Zero Energy Buildings for arid climates; an automatic panel detection and inspection algorithm that is globally unique and has been recognised as the ‘Outstanding Idea of 2020’ by Ideas America Awards; and a detailed optimisation of the design of green ammonia production plants using solar energy at large-scale.

The centre hosted 24 technical sessions and 2 seminars on ‘Application of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition’ and ‘Novel Solar PV Technologies’. The centre also held an annual conference with Siemens on Blockchain.

The Al Baheth programme hosted 26 students who gained valuable work experience that gives them an edge in the job market. The centre funded eight capstone projects from local universities with undergraduate students working with DEWA researchers as part of the Al Baheth programme; including internships, capstone projects, visiting researchers, seminars and workshops.

The R&D centre has submitted seven invention disclosures and has a patent application for a universal electric vehicle (EV) charging system that uses a single cable and plug, irrespective of AC or DC voltage for charging EV vehicles.

“Through the R&D Centre, DEWA anticipates the future and develops proactive, long-term plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It also develops disruptive technologies that provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai.

The centre aligns with the national plans and strategies, and the Dubai 10X initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which mandates the Government of Dubai to be a global leader that is 10 years ahead of all other cities,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“DEWA’s R&D Centre aims to become a global platform for promising technologies to ensure that DEWA remains at the forefront of utilities around the world. The centre contributes to Dubai, UAE and the global scientific community by disseminating knowledge and developing Emirati research talents and abilities,” said Dr. Saif Almheiri, Vice President – Research and Development at DEWA.

The R&D Centre is one of the key projects at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The centre focuses on four research areas, including producing electricity from solar power and other clean energy technologies; the integration of smart grids; energy efficiency, and water.

The centre brings together 39 researchers, including 24 PhD and master degree holders comprising 61% of the team.