2014 Collaboration Researchs and Innovation Projects

TIMELINE

 

FUNDED PROPOSALS

Theme: Climate Change and Environment

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 337

  • Title: Alexandria: a City Survey AL-CS part 1: El Montazah and Eastern Districts

  • Abstract: 

    Sustainability is an important element of design that doesn't only impact Sustainability is an important element of design that doesn't only impact resources, but also leads to improved citizens quality of life, yet the question remains whether the metropolitan city of Alexandria -Egypt- has full information maps about its urban characteristics? Information maps that should be the base for all planning decisions in the city and the backbone for all developments and sustainable-planning research about Alexandria. Currently Alexandria has a very poor map sets about its urban characteristics such as urban density gradients, how mixed are the uses of the city? what is the potential of 'Transit Oriented Development' in the city, etc... The objective of AL-CS is to create a digital database of maps for the environmental characteristics of the city of Alexandria. To achieve this the strategy is to conduct a wide scale survey of the city's urban and environmental characteristics, and utilise GIS analysis to produce high quality visual maps of the city. Successfully achieving this result would help the AAST to provide reliable academic environmental consultations to the decision makers in the city, and the city planners, while providing a full picture about the potentials and weaknesses of the city to the AAST under and postgraduates for sustainable research and community support. AL-CS is a multiphase project with this part being the first of three in which the urban characteristics of 'El Montazah' and 'Eastern' districts are surveyed and analysed. The project has the potential to be expanded in the future for collaboration with international organisations in which the whole city of Alexandria and eventually the entire regions of Egypt are surveyed, recorded and analysed.

  • Team: PI - Dr. Bakr Mohamed Gomaa - AASTMT - Engineering and Technology College - Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Departmant

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 362

  • Title: Innovative Sustainable Model of an Egyptian Village Prototype in Hot Regions to Adapt to Climate Change Risks

  • Abstract: 

    Are Egyptian villages classified sustainable and meeting sustainability measures? With the current and futuristic challenges coupled with high rate of population increase, including high demand in water and energy supply, security and creating balancing between consumption against production, as well as inefficient irrigation system, none-use of agriculture waste and high unemployment rate, these villages proven to be unsustainable. This research addresses these challenges, analyse the problem in a attempt to find a vehicle to achieve a green economy by creating economic base for growth and creating green jobs. The project will carry out a situation analysis and assess a set of sub-villages (Ezbas) in (El-Beheira) to innovatively transfer these villages to be sustainable through green economy. The approach is that we will identify the gap and why such a set of villages are not meeting sustainability measures then adopt best practices. The anticipated results are to furnish a new master plan and a prototype that is exemplary and to be used as a prototype for Egypt and similar context to support efforts in reducing skyrocketing high energy consumption the country is encountering now and on the long term. Also expected outcomes will contribute to the reduction of Egypts primary energy use below the grown of annual rate of 4.6% and reduce the 7% of its GDP exacerbate problems in Egypts energy sector when applied to most of similar villages. The research goal is to adopt a rational and innovative approach in transforming current existing village (a group of Ezab) to be sustainable and support sustainable development and green growth, yet affordable green housing to the low-income and creating green jobs - transforming village from business as usual into sustainable model as a pilot project. Greening rural communities and making their buildings green is the solution to lower high energy consumption and water use, manage resources and minimise wastes and improve efficiency of villages as well as buildings, yet create green jobs that contribute to the economic growth. Additionally, lessen GHGs emissions, mainly CO2 to support Climate Change adaptation. Objectives and research activities are include 4 folds: 1.Protect the environment through: a) Efficient use of the village's land and resources to meet the needs of the village to the greatest extent possible, and b) Maximizing the re-use and recycle of Agricultural waste, human wastes and provide economic activities to support green economy and making it resources efficient and creating green jobs to enhance sustainability. 2.Promote economic growth through: a) Applying advanced technologies to smarting the villages infrastructure (buildings, energy, water, roads and transport, and communications), b) Adopting 100% renewables (solar, wind and waste) to make the village electrical energy free from the grid (Zero-energy village), c) Creating a site plan for affordable homes for low-income and shops/Social centres that promotes economic and social interaction, d) Strengthening the physical infrastructure of traditional agriculture, and e) Creating new and green industries in the village. 3.Foster sustainable communities through: a) Establishing a "community centre" as a vocal point of the village, centre of the village, to radiate knowledge on sustainability and green economy to promote personal interaction of residents, b) Propose effective solutions to curb climate change impacts through adopting sustainable energy (Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency) and using sustainable materials, c) Taking into account the village's cultural heritage in developing the villages components, and d) Using smart broadband and advanced communication technologies to promote the village's cultural heritage and support sustainability. 4.Improve the quality of life through: a) Promoting the creation of new business enterprises, thus lead to more economic and environmentally friendly opportunities for the village residents, b) Creating more green jobs to improve the quality of life Providing access to telephones, televisions, Internet to improve medical services, c) Reducing the exposure of residents to emissions from coal and straw used in cooking, and d) Public awareness for resident, especially youth and women. This research addresses one of Egypts strategic current and future challenges mainly in energy and water and waste. It is focusing on a large cross-cutting sector villages since nearly 57% of Egypts population is living in rural areas, mainly villages and azebas, the poorest areas in the country this model will be utilities to these rural areas, besides Egypt is one of the nations that will be heavily affected by the impact of Climate Change phenomenon" [IPCCC, 1]. It will defiantly reduce Egypts, electricity consumption in the residential sector, which represents the highest share among other sectors around 42% and has increased to 52% in 2014 [2, MoERE]. Thus, improving these villages will have a tremendous impact on the countrys economy, growth, recourses efficiency and footprint.

  • Team: PI - Prof. Mohsen Mohamed Aboulnaga - Cairo Univeristy - Faculty of Engineering - Architectural Engineering

    Theme: Education and E-learning

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 308

  • Title: Entrepreneurial Universities as a developer of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) being a crucial Booster of National Economy

  • Abstract: 

    As a transparent start and on an informative basis , our project has initially been caring about the conceptual models definition of the expressions entrepreneurship and entrepreneur. According the "global Entrepreneurship Monitor" (GEM) entrepreneurship is any attempt at new business or new venture creation, such as self-employment, a new business organization, or the expansion of an existing business by an individual, a team of individuals, or an established business. By adopting this definition, GEM stresses on the importance of new and small businesses to the economy of any country, whereas the primary measure of entrepreneurship used is the Total Early Stage entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) Index, which determines the percentage of a county's adult population (i.e. individuals aged 18-64 years) who are actively trying to start a new business (nascent entrepreneurs) and those who at least partially own and manage a business's less than 3.5 years old ( a new business). Accordingly, the entrepreneur is viewed as either someone who is just starting a venture and trying to succeed in a very competitive market or as an established business owner who has been in business for quite a number of years and still be innovative, competitive, and growth-minded. Entrepreneurship generates growth because it serves as a vehicle for innovation and change, and therefore as a conduit for knowledge spillovers, for the development of SMEs national wide leading to economic growth, creation of employment and poverty alleviation. So, entrepreneurship is a main driver for economic promotion. By giving evidence to this fact, the research transferred to the next main topic, the basic equation "entrepreneurial education and training = economy growth and business creation". It has been necessary to adopt the Slogan " to start from where others have begun and to follow the saying of the European Commission, Investing in entrepreneurship education is one of the highest return investments Europe can make. To follow though the EU issued the Entrepreneurship Action Plan 2020 as a blueprint for decisive education action to unleash Europe's entrepreneurial potential, to remove existing obstacles and to revolutionize the culture of entrepreneurship in Europe, as a rewarding career towards SMEs. A good factual example which gives good awareness in this field is the Scottish experience as summarized : in response to a real shortcoming in the Scottish economy during the nineties of the last century. The Government economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, undertook in 1994 to sponsor the development of entrepreneurship teaching within the Scottish Higher Education sector, through the establishment of a number of Centers for Entrepreneurial Studies at ed institutions. Specifically, It was recognized that this initiative, as a Scottish Business Birthrate Strategy, would address the need to create an entrepreneurial mindset in Scotland's student population. It was then seen as vital that, within Higher Education, students will come to regard the option of self-employment and new SMEs creating as a realistic career alternative. Evidently, entrepreneurial Universities can change our lives by developing new ideas, creating opportunities and bringing exciting innovations into the nation. Entrepreneurial universities can create a vast range of employment opportunities for graduates through SME's hence, they play an absolutely central role in both rebuilding and rebalancing local economy across the country. Then the study moved to the third main topic in the research project namely the concept of Small and Medium Enterprises and its impact on the national economy. According to the World Bank, "Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the biggest contributors to employment and poverty alleviation across countries. Similarly, the European Commission, published on 26 November, 2013 its annual Report which provides that (SMEs) form the backbone of the EU economy and constitute one of the main drivers of wealth creation. Also, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), has announced that SMEs can develop into high growth firms which make important contribution to job creation, higher employment rate, raise competence and realize economic growth. So, the vital advantages of the SMEs to the national economies are Cristal clear. Accordingly, one of the most important strategies needed to achieve national development targets, is to promote SMEs, as being capable of generating employment, alleviating poverty, increasing competition, developing innovation and entrepreneurship, boosting economic vitality at the community level and creating sustainable livelihood. This is the reason why more and more, policy makers in countries around the world are very keen to introduce and foster entrepreneurship into the educational system as an effective method to create entrepreneurial culture, attitudes, skills, behavior and mind-sets, moreover to improve young people's employability overall. The ultimate goals are job creation, building an innovative workforce as a strategy for promoting economic prosperity and sustainable fulfilling life for the society. Regretfully, the SMEs sector in Egypt is far beyond maturity. Successive governments in Egypt have failed to find reform ways to support the SMEs sector which, according to experts, is the main one capable of extricating the Egyptian economy from its current bottleneck and addressing the problem of rising youth unemployment. Egyptian national experts survey on the entrepreneurial Framework Conditions 2012 entrepreneurship in the country. The two main recommendations focused on reforming the education system and introducing and supporting unconventional financial means tailored to it the needs of new and growing firms. The entrepreneurship education has been largely ignored in almost all Egyptian education institutions. As a result, new graduates generally lack the recourses, skills, vision, creativity, not mentioning the uncertain capability to convert a new idea or invention into a successful innovation. This critical situation have had serious repercussions on the economical side and the Egyptian Balance of Payment. Those of us who are involved in the educational sector must appreciate the great responsibilities we now have in preparing young people for the inherent uncertainties which will face them as they reach adulthood and go forward to build a worthy life, for themselves, for those who depend on them, and for society as a whole. In the conclusion, the research project is expected to invite AASTMT, The University of Alexandria  as pioneers  and all other universities to take the holly mission of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and to provide a set of rigorous entrepreneurial experiences, educate, and engage the graduates to empower them to pursue innovative solutions to community SMEs and to act on their devotion to manage successful outcomes in order to create, deliver and capture value from entrepreneurship for the sake of our nation and our people's prosperity.

  • Team: PI - Prof. Farouk Mohamed Malash - AASTMT - Institute of International Transport and Logistics

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 341

  • Title: A comprehensive model for planning the educational process in higher education (EEPlanner)

  • Abstract: 

    Planning is an essential part of any business organization. In this project, we consider planning for the educational process in higher education. There are different activities that need careful planning for a smooth operation within any educational institute. Examples of such activities include planning for the schedule of the mid-term and final examinations, assigning examination halls, assigning proctors, providing academic opinion on courses to register, and forecasting books orders. Among the challenges that face students within any credit system is to determine which courses to register in the coming semesters. Colleges usually provide some sort of academic advising system that mainly rely on human beings. These systems, despite being fine for some students, lack some of the most important skills that such system should have, mainly it lacks consistency. It makes a difference to take an opinion from one advisor and then asking another advisor. Moreover, due to the limitation of the human being, it is likely that the advisor may overlook a factor on behalf of another factor. One of the objectives of our project is to design an automated advising system that not only provides consistent advising, but also, adapts to the student capability and progress in his academic life. The system should be able to not only courses based on the student progress, but only the courses and plans where the student should perform well. Moreover, if the student chooses to switch colleges, the system should provide optimal alternatives based on his/her performance. The next challenge considered in our project is the examination scheduling. As the credit system is prone to having a lot of students with courses with similar schedules, it is almost impossible to construct an examination schedule without having students with more than one exam scheduled to be conducted at the same time, not to include those who have more than one exam in the same day. In addition, the system should design the examination scheduling as fair as possible for all students. The system should perform all the tasks associated with the exams including room assignment for students and proctors, printing attendance sheets, and printing control paper work. As the automatic advising system performs advising for each student, a precise forecast of the number of students expected to enroll in each class can be constructed. These numbers are adjusted based on the records of satisfaction of the students with the advising system.

  • Team: PI - Dr. Khaled Seif ElMolook Abdallah - AASTMT - College of International Transport and Logistics - Supply Chain Management Department - Cairo

    Theme: Energy

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 322

  • Title: High Reliability Partial-Shading-Tolerant Photovoltaic Arrays Adopting Novel Cell-level Based Maximum Power Point Tracking

  • Abstract: 

    Renewable energy source deployment is growing rapidly as it reduces CO2 emissions and increases diversity and supply security. Photovoltaic (PV) based renewable energy sources are attracting increasing attention around the world, especially in the Mediterranean area. Cloud-less clear sunny weather pushes Mediterranean countries towards investing in PV industries. Also from a strategic point of view, fossil based fuel resources are heavily utilized sooner or later they will disappear. High temperatures and sandy/dusty weather like in Egypt creates a challenge in building high efficiency partial shading tolerant PV installations. The partial shadow effect on the PV cells is severe, especially in reverse bias operation. A single cell totally shaded, forming a part of conventional 36 cell module, degrades the output power by 32.5%. Often, PV installations get shadowed by passing clouds, neighboring buildings, and utility/telephone poles. The partial shadow effect in large installations is mainly the creation of multiple peaks that makes maximum power point tracking (MPPT) difficult and inaccurate even with complex analytical modelling. In this proposal, the partial shading phenomena will be studied in detail. Two promising PV array constructions are to be investigated, namely All-parallel-cells array and All-separate-cells array. These topologies will be compared with the conventional 2-strings 36 cell with 2 bypass diodes array from a partial shading tolerance point of view. Following this task, module integrated converters (MICs) will be addressed in detail with emphasis on low-input-voltage high-gain DC/DC converters. Two converter topologies that suit the two proposed PV arrays will be investigated, namely single low-input-voltage high-current converter and multiple interconnected low-input-voltage low-current converters. Based upon efficiency, reliability, and cost considerations, an optimum PV array configuration will be chosen. An industrial type system will be presented at the end of the proposed research period.

  • Team: PI - Dr. Ahmed kadry Abdelsalam - AASTMT - College of Engineering & Technology - Electrical and Control Engineering Department

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 363

  • Title: Design and Manufacturing of a Small Wind Turbine

  • Abstract: 

    The sustainable development of Sinai is of true national interest. This call for proposals and the recent Sinai for New Egypt conference are examples of initiatives aimed at putting forth the general views regarding different means of socioeconomic development in Sinai. Initiatives such as DESERTEC have highlighted the substantial wind and solar energy resources of Sinai. Exploiting these resources can stimulate the economy, provide new job opportunities, as well as preserve Sinais environment. Sinai s strategic location as a link between the European Union, Middle East and North Africa makes it a strategic partner in any initiative between these regions, such as an interconnected electrical grid. Wind power is now the world s fastest growing renewable energy source and has also become one of the most rapidly expanding industries. High power wind generators may soon be the most economical way to produce renewable energy on a large scale. Among the different types of wind generators, direct-drive permanent magnet (PM) generators are emerging as an effective means of wind energy conversion in medium and large power ratings as they not only provide higher efficiency and annual energy production but also reduce the operational and maintenance cost. These gearless generators are characterized by their large dimensions and weight, which makes their modular construction of significant interest. Additionally, two of the main metrics in the design of such generators are torque quality and cost. High magnitude torque ripples due to cogging torque and the stator windings MMF reaction yield serious vibration and acoustic noise which, in turn, affect the lifetime of the drive train. Moreover, at low turbine speeds, the corresponding developed torque is very low hence, cogging torque can consequently lead to complete failure of the PM generator start-up. Thus, minimizing torque ripples is an important aspect in designing PM generators. Recent work by the PI, although lacking experimental validation due to funding constraints, has resulted in a novel PM generator architecture using a non-overlap single layer winding resulting in a cost-effective modular design with numerous merits, including ease of manufacturing, reduced torque ripples, high voltage quality, and high fault tolerant capability [3]. The objective of this proposal is to develop a complete wind energy conversion system based on a direct-drive configuration using an improved performance generator and generator-friendly current waveform front-end converter. Torque ripples due to both cogging torque and air-gap spatial harmonics are significantly reduced compared with existing architectures. A generator-friendly current waveform front-end converter based on a current source converter (CSC) topology is also proposed. The CSC has shown superior performance to its voltage source counterpart in medium and high power applications. It not only provides a generator-friendly current waveform but also offers reliable short-circuit protection. The proposed system topology is expected to maximize energy harvesting by improving the generator power density and efficiency reduce maintenance by improving the torque quality simplify generator construction by employing a single layer non-overlap winding layout and finally, improve system dynamic response under healthy and fault conditions by optimizing the converters controllers.

  • Team: PI - Dr. Ali Ismail Shehata - AASTMT - College of Engineering & Technology - Mechanical Engineering Department

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 325

  • Title: Innovative hybrid controlled solar tree

  • Abstract: 

    Proposal significance: The field of renewable energy is featuring a booming progress as fossil fuel resources are to deplete sooner or later. Photovoltaic (PV) energy offers minimal maintenance and proposes clean energy for nearly zero running cost despite its high initial cost. Requirements for utilizing PV in outdoor applications increased in the last 5 years, accordingly fashion and stylish related products became available in the market in a way that drives research and applications in such direction. The present proposal introduces an innovative renewable energy based product named solar tree, as a combination of artistic and technological effort in the form of solar artwork. The main target is to achieve public stylish designed source of energy that suits universities, clubs, hospitals, etc. The solar tree enables relaxed sit, green source of electricity for laptops / iPads as well as night street lighting. This relatively new concept attempts to merge new technology, relating to the absorption and use of solar power, and artistic vision. Although the instrumental aspects of the Solar Tree differ depending on its application, the general form of an organic tree shaped figure that utilizes solar panels remains consistent and also acceptable. In addition to the innovative idea, the authors propose a modified control algorithm including hybrid maximum point tracking (mechanical and electrical). A two - axis mechanical MPPT rotates PV plates tracking the slowly moving sun while the electrical MPPT tracks the available energy incident on arrays by fetching the optimum operating point. Power electronics converters are designed for PV MPPT and AC power conversion. Proposal deliverables and outcomes: Renewable energy market witness rapid interest especially due to the increase in the load demand. Moreover, the need to have affordable national made energy solutions/products becomes mandatory. Handling such process from graduation projects and scaling up in Masters and PhDs level creates a rich environment for Egyptian researchers generally, and AASTMT researchers in particular. The present proposal provides a unique feature that discriminate it from other proposals the authors aim to achieve an ARAB ACADEMY designed solution, an innovative solar tree for outdoor applications, featuring AASTMT designed power electronic converters and control strategies. In parallel, feasibility study aided with cost analysis is carried out. The final research outcome targets a renewable energy application of use and need in AASTMT main campus in particular, and in streets all over Egypt in general. Brief information on the type of activities foreseen and related outputs and results: The present proposal aims at designing an innovative solar tree seven main tasks are to be performed: 1. Survey and analysis: literature survey on current shapes, topologies and available technologies. 2. Tree structure construction: Simulation, design and implementation of developed tree structure including PV panels' supporters, seats, electricity plugs, etccapable of holding a dual axis sun tracker. 3. Electrical MPPT construction: Simulation, design and implementation of PV electrical maximum power point tracking system and the associated power converter 4. Mechanical MPPT construction: Simulation, design and implementation of PV mechanical maximum power point tracking system 5. DC/AC inverter design: Simulation, design and implementation of DC/AC inverter with required protection / power quality capabilities 6. Hybrid control system: Simulation, design and implementation of a hybrid control system energy management operation for optimum utilization 7. Publication: IEEE/IET conference/journal paper writing and submission. Broad timeframe for the proposal activities: Proposed missions are expected to be accomplished in a period of twelve months: Survey and analysis (2 months), Tree structure construction (3 months), Electrical MPPT implementation (1 month), Mechanical MPPT construction (2 months), DC/AC inverter design (2 month), Hybrid control system (1 month), and journal / conference paper preparation (1 month).

  • Team: PI - Prof. Ahmed Ahmed Lotfy- AASTMT - College of Engineering & Technology - Electrical and Control Department Engineering Department

    Theme: Health

  • Proposal: AASTMT2014 - 360

  • Title: Smart Environment for Elderly and Disabled Users SEED

  • Abstract: 

    According to the study done by Ethar ElKatatney in 2050, a fifth of Egyptians will be age 60 and older. How will the country accommodate its aging population. Such environments are needed for Hospitals and Home Shelters. A small survey has been done among some of the commercial hospitals in Alexandria and it was found that two big hospitals like Andalusia need such system in their hospitals. The project is motivated by the research cooperation with Heidelberg University (Germany) to develop such a Smart Environment for elderly and disabled. The main idea of the project is to have a wheeled chair which is may be operated with joystick or Voice commands. This wheel chair will maneuver and navigate in the Handicap environment such as House. The house will be intelligently operated to execute the users commands using voice or eye gazing. For example, to be alerted with the vital activates of the user (waking up, Heart Attack), be aware with the hazard situations (Gas leakage, fire.) and to execute the proper solution and inform the local authority (GSM commands). In addition to, the wheelchair, which is a part of the environment it will be able to navigate in the house without colliding with any obstacle. The work will be divided into four phases: Firstly, develop a Rehabilitation Powered WheeledChair, which has the following properties: 1) flexible in maneuvering, 2) controlled by Voice and eye, 3) avoids colliding with any object and 4) assist user in navigation through his/her home. Secondly, use the sensor fusion and image processing to analyze the state of the environment like user command, humidity, gas leakage, eye commands, etc... Then the house will execute the proper action to fulfill the users intention. Thirdly, using eye gazing to detect the user commands like turning right, left, switching on or off, estimating the intention of the user. Fourthly, developing a Graphical user Operating System, this helps in adjusting and maintaining such system.

  • Team: PI - Dr. Ahmed Khamies ElShenawy- AASTMT - College of Engineering & Technology - Electrical and Control Engineering Department