Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
Browse
16 results
Search Results
Item Restricted Computational Fluid Dynamics study of fixed bed adsorbers informed by 3D X-ray Computed Tomography(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alalwyat, Ahmed; Ronny, PiniA resolved 3D CFD transient multi-component solver was created, solving the 3D Navier-Stokes equations for the fluid phase and containing adsorption physics as boundary conditions within the surface of spherical particles. The geometry was reconstructed by X-ray computed tomography to be a 3D spherically packed bed and reduced to a packed cube with 11 mm long sides for a more reasonable computational cost. The mesh was created by background meshing initially with (64, 64, 60) cells in the 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 directions, respectively. The mesh of spherical particles was removed to retain the fluid mesh only and implement extra refinement levels around the spherical particles. Further smoothness was applied at the edges of the packed cube and at the distorted cells due to the imperfect removal of the mesh of the spherical particles. The steady-steady solver was used to generate a maximum air velocity magnitude of 4.5 mm/s. The transient solver was used to generate CO2 mass composition maps depicting how CO2 flow replaces N2 gradually in porous media. The adsorption physics was implemented based on Henry’s and dual-site Langmuir’s equilibrium isotherms. A linear relationship between the rate of CO2 loading was confirmed for the Henry’s isotherm, while non-linear adsorption/desorption behaviour was noticed for the dual-site Langmuir’s equilibrium isotherms. The transient simulation with the dual-site Langmuir’s equilibrium implementation was computationally convergent by a grid convergence index study and validated to have 3% error from the analytical solution.10 0Item Restricted Strategic Analysis of a Low-Carbon and Cost-Effective Power System in Saudi Arabia by 2030(University of Cambridge, 2025) Albanmi, Faisal; Smail, FionaSaudi Arabia is undergoing transformative changes in its power sector as part of its broader Vision 2030 agenda, presenting a unique opportunity to reshape its energy landscape. With a national target of achieving 50% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, the Kingdom is not only rethinking its energy mix but also actively investing in innovations that support decarbonization and long-term cost-effectiveness. These shifts open up strategic opportunities to design a modern power system that aligns with both national ambitions and global climate responsibilities. This dissertation presents a comprehensive strategic analysis of Saudi Arabia’s pathway to a low-carbon and economically viable power grid by 2030. It begins with an in-depth review of the Kingdom’s power sector development, historical emissions, and policy targets under Vision 2030. The study then explores the country’s renewable energy potential, focusing on solar and wind resources, while also assessing the role of emerging low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and large-scale energy storage systems. To evaluate system performance and identify the most viable future grid configurations, the project employs PyPSA (Python for Power System Analysis), an open-source modelling framework, to simulate generation scenarios, optimize the energy mix, and analyse trade-offs between cost and emissions. Through this modelling effort, the study estimates the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) across technologies and assesses the overall system’s carbon impact, offering insights into the most strategic and practical pathways forward. Ultimately, this work aims to provide actionable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders on how to structure Saudi Arabia’s future power system in a way that balances energy security, affordability, and sustainability.29 0Item Restricted ADOPTING PASSIVHAUS PRINCIPLES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE EXTREMELY HOT-DRY CLIMATE OF SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-06-30) Khan, Ebaa; Sharples, Steve; Haniyeh MohammadpourkarbasiThe high demand for cooling in Saudi Arabia due to the severe hot climate contributes to high energy consumption per capita, which is three times higher than the global average. More than 50% of the energy consumption in Saudi Arabia comes from the residential sector. This study evaluates energy-efficient measures that can be employed in Saudi Arabia to reduce the heavy consumption of energy in the residential sector. The study focused on the city of Makkah, which experiences a hot climate throughout the year. And assessed the extent to which this city strictly meets energy efficiency standards, specifically the German Passivhaus concept, which evaluates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in residential buildings. Through this concept, this study focused on improving the building envelope and utilising high-performance windows in two residential buildings, which is a popular type of residential in Makkah. The first building was compliant with the Saudi Building Code (SBC), and the other was not compliant with SBC (non-SBC). The assessment was conducted by DesignBuilder, a dynamic thermal simulation software, to compare the two buildings' energy performance with the Passivhaus requirements standards in current and future (2050 and 2080) climate scenarios. Further studies were carried out using the OneClick LCA software to evaluate the two villas’ lifecycles and the impact of applying the Passivhaus standard principles on carbon emissions. The study compared the actual thermal performance for both buildings with the simulated models employing two validation techniques. The first, conducted when the buildings were free-running, involved assessing the hourly temperature calibrations by comparing the indoor and outdoor temperatures derived from the DesignBuilder model with the real temperature values recorded by data loggers. The second is calculating and comparing the simulated energy consumption for both buildings with their utility bills over three months. The accuracy of the simulations was enhanced by generating the weather data files for the current and future scenarios (2050s and 2080s) using the RCP 4.5 GHG emission scenario for Makkah City from Meteonorm, a climate generator software. The results of this investigation indicated that Passivhaus principles have an encouraging environmental impact. They show that a building envelope that meets Passivhaus Standard target can reduce significant cooling demand by 57% in SBC-compliant and 60% in non-SBC buildings. In addition, the Passivhaus models were around 20% more effective in addressing climate change challenges under future climate scenarios than the SBC and non-SBC models. Lastly, comprehensive lifecycle carbon analyses of the case studies demonstrated that following the Passivhaus standard principles significantly reduced cumulative carbon emissions over the estimated 40-year lifespan of both models. This finding underlines the potential of Passivhaus standard to substantially contribute to reducing carbon emissions, with savings of more than 50%.17 0Item Restricted Development and Characterization of Gypsum Plaster Composite Incorporated with Sheep Wool(University of Strathclyde, 2025-05) Gah, Saleh; Sillars, FionaThis study aimed to develop and characterize a sustainable gypsum plaster composite incorporating sheep wool fibers to enhance thermal insulation properties while maintaining adequate mechanical performance. Samples with varying sheep wool concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3% by weight) were prepared using a layering technique. Thermal properties were evaluated using a heat flow meter method following BS EN 12667:2001, while mechanical performance was assessed through three-point bending tests according to BS EN 13279-2:2014. Results demonstrated significant improvements in thermal insulation, with thermal conductivity reduced by up to 51% in the 2% wool composite (0.122 W/m·K) compared to the reference sample (0.246 W/m·K). However, flexural strength decreased with wool fiber addition, with reductions ranging from 45-54% across reinforced samples, though all maintained values above the minimum requirement of 1.0 MPa for building applications. Microstructural analysis revealed that 2% wool content represented an optimal balance between thermal and mechanical properties, as higher concentrations led to fiber agglomeration and clustering that negatively affected performance. This research contributes to sustainable construction by demonstrating that sheep wool, a renewable material, can effectively enhance the thermal insulation of gypsum plaster while maintaining structural integrity for building applications.15 0Item Restricted Sociotechnical Imaginaries and Developing a Secure Energy System for Gaza Abdullah(University of Oxford, 2024) Alkattan, Abdullah; Malcolm, McCullochAs one of the key challenges that need addressing when designing an energy system, energy security has gained global attention in recent years as nations aim to provide affordable, uninterrupted availability of energy sources. Since the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7th, 2023, sparked a war, the fuel and electricity blockade imposed by Israel has left Gaza with largely no access to electricity, bringing their lack of energy security into focus. With the war ongoing, the damage inflicted on infrastructure, and the forcible displacement of people, the energy system needs to be rebuilt in a secure, affordable, and credible way. As energy planning is challenging amidst this uncertainty, the concept of sociotechnical imaginaries was deployed to define and develop the collective visions of the energy future of Gaza. Drawing from interviews with Gaza energy and humanitarian experts, analysis of the region’s energy sources, and drivers of development in Gaza, the three developed imaginaries are Information, Motion, and Heat. Going beyond defining the imaginaries, a framework for achieving each one is outlined through a whole-system approach. Motion captures the need for an affordable, mobile form of energy access to enable recovery in the region, with swarm electrification the recommended methodology to achieve this vision. The limited energy access afforded by swarm electrification drives the development of Motion, which aims to rebuild a gas-centred centralised grid to replace previous diesel-dependence due to its lower cost and carbon footprint. While restoring the grid to depend on gas imports does not immediately address Gaza’s energy security, it allows for the exploration and utilization of the natural gas sources available in the Gaza Marine, the basis of the third imaginary, Heat. Enabling Gaza to explore this gas field will ultimately prove tricky amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties around the identity of Gaza’s future governance structure. Nevertheless, the importance of gas in the east of the Mediterranean provides a platform for Gaza to build on and secure the necessary resources and agreements to enable its exploration. Gas from the Gaza Marine can help deliver diplomatic breakthroughs, unlock economic and social development, and achieve energy security in Gaza. This thesis thus creates a potential long-term pathway for Gaza to rebuild their energy system based on the developed sociotechnical imaginaries.16 0Item Restricted .INTEGRATING SOLAR PONDS INTO URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT : A CASE STUDY OF NEOM(University of Sheffield, 2024) Alshehri, Maram; Campbel, AlasdairThis comprehensive analysis of an integrated system for upper convective zone (UCZ) thermal energy extraction, turbo-vapor axial compressor, low-pressure steam turbine, and Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) desalination unit reveals significant implications for system operation and efficiency throughout the year. The study highlights the importance of temperature distribution in the UCZ, with temperatures consistently below 70°C from January to March, posing a challenge for system operation during these months. Conversely, temperatures rise above 70°C from April to December, providing a favorable environment for efficient system operation in NEOM. The design parameters of the pond are well-defined, with minimum dimensions of 202 x 202 meters and a depth of 0.7 meters being sufficient to extract 1 kg/s of thermal energy over an 8-hour daily operational period. The specifications of the turbo-vapor axial compressor, including a hub diameter of 0.27 meters, a tip diameter of 0.549 meters, and an operational speed of 3000 RPM, enable efficient compression and transfer of thermal energy. The low-pressure steam turbine is designed with three stages, achieving a net power output of 181.5 kW, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy to support system operations. The MSF desalination unit is capable of producing 28,800 liters of freshwater per day during an 8-hour working period, meeting water demands and demonstrating the system's effectiveness in desalinating seawater. Overall, the integration of these components within the described temperature and operational parameters provides a robust framework for efficient energy conversion and freshwater production throughout most of the year. Addressing the operational challenges during colder months and leveraging the system's design strengths during warmer periods will be crucial to maximizing overall performance and sustainability.30 0Item Restricted Energy Transition Policies and Their Impact on Saudi Arabia(University of Oxford, 2024) Awshan, Nawaf; Imsirovic, Adi; Sen, AnupamaThis dissertation answers how Saudi Arabia, an oil-dependent economy, is tackling the energy transition. Given Saudi Arabia’s economy and its position in the global energy markets, it is crucial to analyse its status in the energy transition. Specifically, this research addresses three research sub-questions concerning: the external and internal drivers that have pushed Saudi Arabia to transform, the leading entity driving the energy transition in Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia’s progression in the energy transition relative to other oil-producing economies, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Norway. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used: a Multi-Level Perspective framework is analysed, six interviews with energy stakeholders are conducted, and an Energy Transition Advancement Index (ETAI) is developed, in which two main sub-indexes are created with 39 dimensions. The research results show that eight drivers have pushed Saudi Arabia to transition: oil price volatility, global political and environmental pressure, advancement of renewable energy manufacturing, additional fiscal revenue derived from maximising oil exports, growth of domestic energy demand, the fiscal impact of fossil fuel subsidies, successful pilot renewable energy projects, and extensive minerals exploration. Second, the Saudi Ministry of Energy leads the energy transition. Furthermore, the results reveal that the government adopted a state-led energy transition approach where the government sets the policy instruments and initiatives. Lastly, Saudi Arabia lags behind the UAE and Norway in the ETAI. In 2023, Saudi Arabia scored 49.66 out of 100, while the UAE and Norway scored 64.33 and 70.57, respectively. The ETAI reveals that Saudi Arabia has the competence to transition, as indicated by the continuous improvement in the capability sub-index, which increased from 39.75 in 1990 to 57.33 in 2023. However, not enough steps have been taken to transition, as the performance sub-index declined from 48.84 in 1990 to 38.54 in 2023. The study recommends gradually phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, establishing Public-Private Partnerships in all low-carbon investments, enhancing private sector participation, and extending the value chain of the petrochemical industries.43 0Item Restricted Investigation of New Renewable Energy-based Multigeneration Systems for Saudi Arabia(Ontario Tech University, 2024-05-08) Altayib, Khalid; Dincer, IbrahimThis thesis explores three hybridized, large-scale solar thermal energy multigeneration systems: System 1 combines solar thermal energy with biomass, System 2 with geothermal, and System 3 with a petroleum coke and biomass blend. Each system provides power, heating, desalination, and other commodities. The thesis aims to develop energy system flowsheets integrating multiple technologies and assess their exergetic and economic benefits through case studies in KSA. Although the systems are of different kinds and scales, their economic parameters are found to be similar in terms of payback periods. System 1 achieves energy and exergy efficiencies of 50.4% and 45%, respectively. It generates annually 1040 GWh of electric power, 860 GWh of cogenerated heat, 80 GWh of refrigeration, 1100 tons of hydrogen, 26000 tons of chlorine gas, 11,600 tons of concentrated aqueous sodium hydroxide, 11,300 tons of ammonia, 1740 tons of aqueous urea, 905,000 m3 of fresh water. System 2 generates 700 GWh/year of power, 1200 GWh/year of heating, 27,100 tons/year of methanol, 130 million m3/year of fresh water, 42,500 tons/year of oxygen with efficiencies of 22% energy and 30% exergy. System 3 generates 1200 GWh/year of power, 690 GWh/year of heating, 12,700 tons/year of hydrogen, 19,300 tons/year of dried dates, 290,000 m3/year of fresh water and 80 GWh/year of cooling. The energy and exergy efficiencies of System 3 are 83.2% and 64%, respectively. For all systems, the chemical reactors are modelled using the Aspen Plus, which helps determine the best oxygen-to-biomass fraction in the gasifier as 15% at the turbine inlet temperature of 1500°C for System 1, the optimum methanol synthesis temperature in the range of 250°C-300°C for System 2, and results in 1.5 H2/C as the best molar ratio in hydro-gasifier to enhance the synthetic methane production rate for System 3. The thesis study underscores the potential of multigeneration and hybridization in improving the economics and ecology of renewable energy systems and offering insights applicable beyond the case studies explored.26 0Item Restricted Operational Energy, Cost and Carbon Optimisation Pathways for a Newly Constructed Off Grid City in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of Southampton, 2024-02-01) Alsulamy, Sager; Bahaj, Abubakr; James, PatrickSaudi Arabia has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is a newly built port city comprising residential, retail, leisure and industrial sectors. The long term aim is for the city to reach 1 million residents from its current population of 10,000. It has the potential to serve as a leading model for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This research was aimed at investigating low-carbon pathways for KAEC to mitigate its current carbon emissions, focusing on energy supply and energy efficiency to reduce consumption and hence emissions. A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches to assess the transition pathway towards net-zero emissions was undertaken. The top-down approach involved analysing the city's (25MW) electrical supply and (114 GWh per annum) electrical consumption profiles. The bottom-up approach involved using simulation to model the interaction of different building elements, such as HVAC systems, insulation, appliances, and occupancy to assess energy efficiency approaches needed to support the research aim. It was found that actions such as upgrading the coefficient of performance (CoP) of the HVAC system from 2.5 CoP to 5 CoP , increasing AC set temperature (by 3Co) and occupancy change behaviour were predicted to reduce the electrical consumption in buildings by 44%, 8% and 13% respectively. In the absence of a local energy benchmark, the research also developed a building energy benchmarking scheme to evaluate and rank KAEC electrical consumption in relation to other global cities with similar climates. The benchmarking results showed that there is a substantial variation in buildings electrical consumption within KAEC. That is, the city's electrical usage in buildings is notably higher than that of global cities with similar climates, despite being recently constructed. II Commercial sector buildings in the KAEC were found to be around 16% higher on average than in Dubai, Singapore, Orlando and Los Angeles. Residential and education sectors are 57% and 50% higher than the average consumption in the benchmark cities. This contrast prompted an investigation of the identified performance gap and the COVID-19 lockdown provided a natural experiment to identify the reasons for this. The results showed that the operational strategy is occupancy-independent in many sectors in the city (i.e. similar consumption to non-lockdown periods) with the exception of the education sector, where a significant reduction in electricity consumption (80%) was observed during the lockdown. In terms of carbon emissions, the main driver of carbon emissions in KAEC is use of diesel for electricity generation with 90,503 tonne per year. The research analysed a set of scenarios to replace the diesel supplied electricity and identified that a 76.3 MW PV system connected to the national grid (when this connection becomes available) with option to export electricity at (USD 1.8c/kWh) as the most economical and emissions efficient solution for replacing the current diesel generation. This scenario in addition to upgrading HVAC system from 2.5 CoP to 5 CoP , increasing AC set temperature by 3Co and occupancy change in behaviour( to achieve 10% reduction) were found to be the optimum path towards net-zero emissions in KAEC.13 0Item Restricted DUAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY SAVING MODEL FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) USING SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTING (SEH)(University of Arizona, 2024-01-10) Albalawi, Nasser; Rozenblit, Jerzy WThe Internet of Things (IoT) is a fast-growing internet technology and has been incorporated into a wide range of fields. The optimal design of IoT systems has several challenges. The energy consumption of the devices is one of these IoT challenges, particularly for open-air IoT applications. The major energy consumption takes place due to inefficient medium access and routing, which can be addressed by the energy-efficient clustering method. In addition, the energy harvesting method can also play a major role in increasing the overall lifetime of the network. Therefore, in the proposed work, a novel energy-efficient dual energy management and saving model is proposed to manage the energy consumption of IoT networks. This model is based on dual technologies, i.e., energy-efficient clustering and solar energy harvesting (SEH). The proposed method is implemented for high-density sensor network applications. The dual elbow method is used for efficient clustering and guaranteed QoS. The model is able to manage energy consumption and increase the IoT network’s overall lifetime by optimizing IoT devices’ energy consumption. The protocol was simulated in MATLAB and compared to Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) and Time Division Multiple Access scheduling (TDMA) based Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocols based on network lifetime35 0