Research Projects
1| Dust Impact on Solar Technologies and Mitigation Optimization
Center for Complex Engineering Systems, Nov 2014-present
Dust is one of Saudi Arabia's biggest obstacles to harnessing its vast solar power potential. I've created a framework for estimating the impact of dust on solar technologies, and subsequently developed a spatiotemporal optimization model for solar PV taking into account dust and evaluating potential for dust mitigation (using self-cleaning technologies such electrodynamic screens, nano-coatings, and air-blowing mechanisms). Currently modeling dust accumulation on solar panels theoretically and experimentally.
2| Strategic Solar Desalination Network (SSDN)
Center for Complex Engineering Systems, Nov 2014-present
Since desalination is the main source of water supply in desert Saudi Arabia, and given its potential for solar energy, the project studies the concept of solar-powered desalination in the Kingdom. We are coupling different desalination technologies (multiple-effect distillation, multi-stage flash distillation, and reverse osmosis) with different solar technologies (photovoltaics, concentrated photovoltaics, and concentrated solar thermal) to optimize performance. I've worked on building performance models and running simulations for solar PV and CSP plants, and coupling them with the desalination and dust mitigation models.
3| Sustainable Infrastructure Planning System (SIPS)
Center for Complex Engineering Systems, Nov 2014 - Aug 2015
To support its rapidly growing population and increasing demand for energy, water, and other infrastructures, Saudi Arabia needs to make challenging investment and planning decisions. The goal of SIPS is to build integrated decision-making tools for infrastructure planning and development. We've modeled energy, water, and air-quality systems and ran various scenarios of utilizing and optimizing Saudi natural, produced, and human capitals. I've worked mostly on air-quality and its connection to energy systems and water systems.
4| Surface Modification of TiO2 to Remove tBP from Perovskite Solar Cells
Center for Advanced Molecular Photovoltaics, Stanford University, Jun-Aug 2013
Perovskite is a new inexpensive photovoltaic material that could be easily produced in the lab. It is a promising new technology, but has the issue of thermal instability at high temperatures making it unviable for commercial applications. I worked on modifying perovskite solar cells material by replacing the thermally unstable chemical tBP with acid and base solutions, in order to stabilize them while maintaining high voltage and efficiency.
5| ZnO Thin Film Characterization Using AFM
Masdar Institute, UAE, Jun-Aug 2012
Extensive research is being conducted to study the semiconducting material zinc oxide due to its unique properties and various technological applications (thin film transistors, light emitting diodes, and solar cells). I characterized two silicon wafers coated with zinc oxide thin films with different growth temperatures using atomic force microscopy (AFM). I examined the samples' topography and electric properties, and evaluated applications in solid state devices.
6| Physical Experiential Technology Systems (PETS)
Stanford University, Jan-Mar 2011
Utilizing the inexpensive PETS platform and using wireless sensing and monitoring devices, I worked as part of a design team to brainstorm, ideate, prototype then build products to influence environmental behavioral change in households. The project won General Electric's People Power Challenge.
I've gotten my hands dirty with research across methods, disciplines and scales -- in my undergraduate years, and now that I'm a full-time researcher.
These are some of the research projects I've worked on. For more technical detail, visit the Publications tab.
Samar
Alqatari