Teaching & Research
KU courses around Environment and Climate education
Sustainable Energy Conversion Processes
Sustainable Desalination Processes
Electrochemical Engineering
Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources
Sustainable Building Construction
Environmental Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Cyber Physical Systems Security
Power System Analysis
Power Electronics
Distributed Generation
Power System Operation
Power System Modelling and Control
Embedded Generation Operation and Control
Analysis of Power Systems Over-voltages and Transients
Voltage Source Converters
The Physics of Solar Cells
Environmental Policy and Economics
Sustainable Development: Theory and Policy
Photovoltaic Technologies: Materials, Devices and Systems
Electrochemical Processes and Devices
Concentrated Solar Power and Thermal Energy Storage
High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells: Designs and Technologies
Thin-Film Solar Cells: From Design to Applications
Sustainable Energy
Advanced Energy Conversion
Solar Thermal Analysis, Design and Testing
Fuel Cell Systems
Urban Design for Sustainability: Theory and Practice
Sustainable Building Science: Fundamentals, Tools, and Applications
Earth’s Paleoclimate
Global Change, Natural Hazards and Disaster
Climate and Atmospheric Dynamics
Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
Environmental Geology
Atmospheric, Ocean and Climate Dynamics
KU research facilities and labs with emphasis on sustainability
Khalifa University hosts several research facilities with labs that focus on sustainability-related areas and addressing challenges across multiple disciplines. They include, the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), the Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC), Khalifa University’s Masdar Institute Solar Platform (MISP), the Masdar Institute Environmental Monitoring Platform (MIEMP), the Masdar Institute Field Station, the Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC), and the Center of Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS).
Virtual Research Institute for Sustainability (VRI-Sustainability)
The Advanced Power and Energy Research Center (APEC)
Center for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology (CMAT)
Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC)
The Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and Hydrogen (RICH)
Advanced Materials Chemistry Center (AMCC)
Center for Catalysis and Separations (CeCaS)
The Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS)
Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC)
List of KU patents
Appartums and Method for Taking Energy-Efficient and Environomentally-Friendly Recovery of Bitumen
System and Method for Continuous Transesterification of Oils
Fabrication of Enhanced Supercapacitors using Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxide on Nanostructure
CONTINUOUS SONO-CHEMICAL REACTORS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
CATALYTIC CONVERTER SUBSTRATES COMPRISING TRIPLY PERIODIC MINIMAL SURFACES
SUPERHYDROPHILIC AND ANTIFOGGING NON-POROUS TiO2 FILMS FOR GLASS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING THE SAME
TAPE-CASTING APPARATUSES FOR PREPARING CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE SHEETS AND CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE SHEETS PREPARED BY THE SAME
Apparatuses For Gasifying Glycerol Using Solar Energy, Systems Including The Apparatuses, and Methods of Using The Apparatuses
SPRAY-COATING METHOD WITH PARTICLE ALIGNMENT CONTROL
Nano metal particles based tunneling field effect transistor and nano-switch
Compositions Including Poly(Hydroxyalkanoates) and Graphene
DYNAMIC DIRECT POWER CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A GRID CONNECTED CONVERTER
Thermoplastic based sulfur nanocomposites
Liquid-Air Transpired Solar Collectors
Fault Handling System for Doubly Fed Induction Generator
Fault-Tolerant Wind Energy Conversion System
Apparatus and Method for Energy Harvesting
Elaboration of an Advanced Ceramic Made of Recycled Industrial Steel Waste
Vibrational energy harvesting system
Auto-Polarity in an Inductor Based Converter
Energy mixer
Two Dimensional Charge Pump
Method and Apparatus for Simultaneously Generating Multiple Output Voltage Levels Utilizing Switched Capacitor DC-DC Converter
MEASURING FLOW RATES OF MULTIPHASE FLUIDS
RADIOMETERS HAVING AN OPAQUE, ELONGATED MEMBER ROTATIONALLY OBSTRUCTING A LIGHT PATH TO A LIGHT DETECTOR FOR MEASURING CIRCUMSOLAR PROFILES
HIGH SALINITY TOLERANT MICROALGAE STRAINS, PRODUCTS DERIVED THEREFROM, AND METHODS OF PRODUCING THE SAME
Method for Conversion of Halophytic Biomass to Biogas via Thalassic Anaerobic Digestion
COATED CHLORIDE SALT PARTICLES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
CALCIUM ALGINATE ADSORBENTS
MERCURY CAPTURE FROM HYDROCARBON FLUIDS USING DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS
MoS2 foam
SELF-POWERED MICROSENSORS FOR IN-SITU SPATIAL AND TEMPORALMEASUREMENTS AND METHODS OF USING SAME IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
FIBROUS ZEOLITE CATALYST FOR HYDROCRACKING
Adsorbent Material For Removal Of Hydrogen Sulfide
Method and Apparatus for Estimating Down-Hole Process Variables of Gas Lift System
A Method For Removing Scholte Waves And Similar Ground Roll Type Waves From Seismic Sea Bottom Data In Shallow Waters
Online measurement of Black Powder In Gas and Oil Pipelines
Discovering Oil in Complex Geographies - Rise in Core Wettability Characterization Method
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME FLOW MEASUREMENT IN PIPELINES USING THZ IMAGING
REGENERABLE SYSTEM FOR THE REMOVAL OF SULFUR COMPOUNDS FROM A GAS STREAM
Method And Apparatus To Detect Contaminants In Pressurized Fluid Flows
PROCESS FOR HEAT STABLE SALTS REMOVAL FROM SOLVENTS
OPTICAL COUPLERS WITH NON-LINEAR TAPERING
PHOTONIC TRANSMITTER DRIVERS WITH LOGIC USING CASCADED DIFFERENTIAL TRANSISTOR PAIRS STEPPED BY SUPPLY VOLTAGE DIFFERENCES
OPTICAL FIBER SENSOR FOR SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
Fiber optic integrated-light diffusers for sensing applications - UOB Ref: ZSR1209
OPTICAL POWER SPLITTERS INCLUDING A NON-LINEAR WAVEGUIDE TAPER
Vacuum Membrane Distillation using Aspirator to Generate Vacuum Presence
Cellulose/ PEO Blends with Enhanced Water Retention and Their Use in Irrigation
Photo-Regenerable Filters Useful for the Removal of Organic Compounds
SOLAR HUMIDIFIER IN A HUMIDIFICATION-DEHUMIDIFICATION TYPE DESALINATION SYSTEM
MECHANICAL PRESSURE CONVERTER FOR WATER DESALINATION
Device For Water Collection From Atmospheric Moisture
ALGINATE-GRAPHENE OXIDE HYDROGEL
CHEG 653 Sustainable Energy Conversion Processes
The objective of this course is to understand Fischer-Tropsch chemistry and reaction engineering, as well as gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology and its applications in the area of energy systems engineering. Fuel cell technology and systems will be examined critically and analytically. Utilization and chemical engineering aspects of energy production from nonconventional hydrocarbons energy sources, such as coal, oil shale, oil sands, and synthetic gas and liquid fuel will be discussed. The course will also cover topics including chemistry and engineering aspects of improved/enhanced oil recovery, and applications of chemical engineering fundamentals in solar energy resources and technology.
CHEG 700 Sustainable Desalination Processes
The course introduces key issues related to promoting sustainable desalination operations in today’s desalination industry. The course analyzes developments in the desalination industry using the three elements of sustainability: cost, society, and the environment.
CHEG 735 Electrochemical Engineering
Fundamentals on energy storage devices and electrodes; Electrochemical energy conversion; Circuit analysis; Principles of thermodynamics relevant to electrochemical engineering; Governing equations and reactions; Description of fuel cells and lead acid/Li-ion batteries; Principles of polarization, conductivity, and transport (diffusion and convection) in cells; Electrostatics and electrokinetics. Phase conversions.
CHEM 665 Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources
This course provides an overview of the role of energy within the sustainable development paradigm. Following an introduction to the energy sector and sustainability indicators, the course divides into two main areas. The first area considers conventional (fossil) fuels along with methodologies, such as carbon capture and sequestration, to reduce environmental impacts associated with their use. In the second area the potential for various alternative energy technologies is presented within a sustainability context.
CIVE 651 Sustainable Building Construction
This course will provide students with knowledge of the principles and practices of sustainability in construction while exploring the cutting edge of sustainable construction. The course covers topics including: UAE green building rating systems (Estidama and Al Safat), proper site selection, energy and water efficiency, material reuse, indoor air quality and cutting-edge technologies and practices of sustainable construction. Each topic is introduced with a detailed explanation of the techniques and methods involved with hands on exercises.
CIVE 707 Environmental Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of technology and applications of satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in forecasting, mapping, and monitoring the natural environment. It covers a range of remote sensing and GIS tools and techniques used to address environmental issues at local, regional and global scales, with hands-on experience in satellite data analysis, digital image processing, generation of maps and manipulation of layers of spatial information, and analysis of field data and ground-based measurement. Technical topics include radiometric correction, geometric correction, atmospheric and ground effects, multispectral and multi-temporal analysis, supervised and unsupervised classification, and change detection. All topics are accompanied by lab assignments using various image processing software systems. In addition, students will have the opportunity to work on applied GIS projects where spatial data are used to address real world problem.
CSEC 601 Cyber Physical Systems Security
This course provides working knowledge of the security issues relating to various cyber-physical systems including industrial control systems and critical infrastructure systems. The course starts with the foundations of Cyber Physical System (CPS) Security, starting with Industrial network architectures, industrial control systems and operations. It deals with techniques for securing and protecting privacy in Cyber Physical Systems.
ECCE 660 Power System Analysis
Power system modelling; Advanced load flow techniques; Symmetric faults on generators; Single machine and Multi-Machine transient stability; Transmission line transient analysis and Power systems transients.
ECCE 661 Power Electronics
The objectives of this course are to teach the principles of power electronics devices; introduce students to different electronics devices and converters and design of converters. The ECCE661 course includes: the application of electronics to energy conversion and control. Modeling, analysis and control techniques. Design of power circuits including inverters, rectifiers, and dc-dc converters.
ECCE 664 Distributed Generation
The course provides up-to-date knowledge about the technical issues related to distributed generation. The course provides DG and their impacts on power system studies including load flow, short circuit and transient stability. The students will also learn how to perform studies, relevant to DG technology, which include protective device coordination and electricity market operation. By the end of the course, the students should have developed an understanding of some of the current challenges associated with the integration of DG in distribution systems and should be capable, through the tools presented in the course, of exploring new strategies to mitigate the impacts of DG in order to facilitate widespread integration of DG in distribution systems.
ECCE 669 Power System Operation
This course deals with modern power system operation and control issues and solution techniques. Topics covered include: Economic dispatch of thermal power generation units, Load frequency control, Unit commitment, Interchange of Power and Energy, Power System Security, Optimal Power Flow, and State Estimation in Power Systems.
ECCE 701 Power System Modelling and Control
This course gives depth learning for developing the transient model of power system equipment and FACTS devices. The course covers modeling issues for AC transient, fault, generation units, transformers, Transmission system (OHTL and Cables), FACTS devices, renewable energy systems, distributed generation, power system control as well as power system conceptual studies with practical example serving to illustrate the subject. Several cases will be applied in details to highlight the practical situation encountered in power system.
ECCE 703 Embedded Generation Operation and Control
The course provides an advanced outlook at the technical and economic issues related to distributed generation. A detailed description of the theory of operation of the most dominant renewable energy systems (PV and Wind) will be presented. The impact of DG on the distribution system planning and operation will be presented with emphasis on stochastic planning, Volt/Var control, islanding detection and power quality. A detailed DG connection impact assessment from the regulatory perspective will be presented. The course will focus on advanced techniques and methods used for microgrid operation and control. A detailed economical evaluation for DG integration will be presented.
ECCE 710 Analysis of Power Systems Over-voltages and Transients
This course presents key aspects in analysis of power system transients. It provides students with the theory of numerical simulation tools such as the EMTP and numerical electromagnetic analysis. Procedures and techniques for the determination of transient parameters for the main power components: synchronous machine, overhead line, underground cable, transformer, surge arrester, and circuit breaker. It also presents important aspects in creating an adequate and reliable transient model of each component, including transient and dynamic characteristics of renewable energy systems.
ECCE 762 Voltage Source Converters
Voltage source converters are widely used in modern power electronic systems such as grid- connected renewable energy sources, electric drives, gird integration of energy storage devices, V2G and G2V systems, standalone renewable energy sources, regenerative power converters, HVDC, High frequency AC link, FACTS devices etc. The course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the VSC. Various VSC topologies and their pulsewidth modulation algorithms are discussed. The modelling, design, simulation and hardware implementation of pulse-width modulation and application of VSC are discussed.
ECCE 781 The Physics of Solar Cells
The physics of solar cells: solar history, semiconductor fundamentals, p-n junction physics, mono- crystalline solar cells, thin film solar cells, managing light, new novel solar concepts, TCAD solar cells design and simulation, cleanroom fabrication of solar cells.
ESMA 608 Environmental Policy and Economics
This course tackles issues related to the impact of the economy on the environment, climate change challenges, and the appropriate way of regulating economic activity so that balance is achieved among environmental, economic, and other social goals. We discuss and measure the impact on the environment of producers’ behavior and consumers’ needs. We address the role of markets in determining the “right” amount of pollution and market failures in achieving the socially desirable amount of pollution. We analyze the development of GHG emissions policies and other environment related policies. In addition, we explore issues faced by different countries in the developed and developing world with regard to environmental policy.
ESMA 740 Sustainable Development: Theory and Policy
This course examines alternative conceptions and theoretical underpinnings of the notion of "sustainable development." It focuses on the sustainability problems of industrial countries (i.e., aging of populations, sustainable consumption, institutional adjustments, etc.); and of developing states and economies in transition (i.e., managing growth, sustainability of production patterns, pressures of population change, etc.). It also explores the sociology of knowledge around sustainability, the economic and technological dimensions and institutional imperatives along with implications for political constitution of economic performance.
MSEN 611 Photovoltaic Technologies: Materials, Devices and Systems
Photovoltaic technologies that enable the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity are presented from the science and engineering viewpoints. The materials and fundamental processes involved are emphasized first. The device level is then treated through design, modeling, simulation as well as implementation and testing perspectives. Thin-film, third-generation, novel and emerging PV technologies are also addressed.
MSEN 701 Electrochemical Processes and Devices
This course covers a variety of topics concerning electrochemical engineering, including thermodynamic and transport properties of aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, the electrode/electrolyte interface, and the kinetics of electrode processes. It also covers electrochemical characterization with regards to D.C. techniques (controlled potential, controlled current) and AC. techniques (voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy). Applications of the following will also be discussed: electrowinning, electrorefining, electroplating, and electrosynthesis, as well as electrochemical power sources (batteries and fuel cells).
MSEN/MEEN 745 Concentrated Solar Power and Thermal Energy Storage
This course covers principles of concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies (solar field optics theory, heat transfers, and production of electricity in the power block) and associated thermal energy storage (TES) systems at commercial and research level.
MSEN 750 High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells: Designs and Technologies
The course addresses the surface physics and chemistry of crystalline silicon including the critical phenomenon of surface passivation. It covers in depth the recombination mechanisms of charge carriers in crystalline silicon. A study of the different passivation approaches to the surface and their impact on the performance of solar cell technologies such as PERC, PERL and HIT, newer architectures will be explored.
MSEN 760 Thin-Film Solar Cells: From Design to Applications
Photovoltaic technologies that enable the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity are presented from the science and engineering viewpoints. The materials and fundamental processes involved are described. The device level is then treated through design, modeling, simulation as well as implementation and testing perspectives. Thin-film, third-generation, novel and emerging PV technologies are addressed. Case studies are presented including manufacturing, applications and deployment of diverse PV technologies.
MEEN 607 Sustainable Energy
Assessment of current and potential energy systems, covering extraction, conversion, and end-use, with emphasis on meeting regional and global energy needs in a sustainable manner. Examination of energy technologies and energy types: renewable (solar, biomass, wind, hydro, geothermal), fossil (oil, gas, synthetic), nuclear (fission and fusion), along with storage, transmission, and conservation issues. Focus on evaluation and analysis of energy technology systems in the context of social, economic, and environmental goals.
MEEN 614 Advanced Energy Conversion
This is a graduate level course designed to give students an overview of conventional and non- conventional energy conversion techniques. Basic background, terminology, and fundamentals of energy conversion are introduced. Current and emerging technologies for production of thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy are discussed; topics include fossil and nuclear fuels, solar energy, wind energy, fuel cells, and energy storage.
MEEN 616 Solar Thermal Analysis, Design and Testing
Course develops advanced heat transfer topics applied to collection, storage, conversion, and utilization solar thermal energy. Solar position, shading, atmospheric attenuation and sky models are covered. Optical properties of materials and reflector and receiver geometries are developed. Dynamic models and simulation are introduced. Low-temperature applications of desalination, water heating, and space-heating and cooling (SHAC) and high temperature applications of concentrating solar power (CSP) and advanced solar cooling are described. The course will include the following topic areas: fundamental engineering principles of solar energy collection, thermal energy storage, and thermodynamic cycles for power, cooling, and dehumidification. Students will be introduced to system modeling in TRNSYS, EES and/or MATLAB and will perform laboratory measurements and standard tests on typical flat-plate, line- and heliostat-concentrating collectors.
MEEN 617 Fuel Cell Systems
This course covers fundamentals of fuel cell systems for both mobile and distributed power applications. It includes detailed analyses of the principles and component designs of various types of fuel cells including proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC); discussions on water and thermal management, and balance of power plant; review of hydrogen storage and safety consideration; and challenges and future opportunities.
SCIN 602 Urban Design for Sustainability: Theory and Practice
This is a graduate theory and practice course focused on the body of knowledge and history that informs historical and modern theories in urban design. The course materials will address the major urban design debates, positions, theories, paradigmatic shifts, and unanswered questions. One important agenda will be stressing a series of major debates and models of urban form, its significance and impacts, and proposals to establish healthy and sustainable new communities. The course is ultimately structured to assess and synthesize the classical and contemporary urban design theories related to the intersection of urban form and sustainability.
SCIN 612 Sustainable Building Science: Fundamentals, Tools, and Applications
This course explores the multidisciplinary challenges and opportunities to make the built environment more sustainable, by covering building science fundamentals, tools, and applications. Various topics are covered including green building design principles, methods to assess building energy performance, life-cycle analysis, the relationship and interaction of buildings with their inhabitants, and finally, the study of buildings in respect to their urban environment and infrastructure. This course adopts a practical and holistic approach by introducing students to contemporary solutions and trends both in the industry and in academia. It also teaches them fundamental tools to assess and critique sustainability solutions from a life-cycle perspective, while accounting for how these solutions affect – and are affected by – building users. This is expected to prepare students to work on multi-disciplinary teams with professionals from various fields including engineers, urban planners, human factors and ergonomics experts, social scientists, and architects.
ERTH 750 Earth’s Paleoclimate
This course explores our understanding and the record of paleoclimatic change in Earth History. Students will examine the basic principles that govern climate and climatic change on Earth. They will analyze and discuss the tools used to reconstruct past climate (i.e. geochemical, sedimentological and numerical), and the role of past climate reconstruction as it relates to on-going anthropogenically drive climate change.
ERTH 757 Global Change, Natural Hazards and Disaster
This course explores the complex relationship between climate change as a driver of increased natural hazards and disasters. It examines the mechanisms, impact, and magnitude of the disaster in terrestrial and marine systems, the mitigation strategies for risk reduction as well as adaptation, economics and policy.
ERTH 756 Climate and Atmospheric Dynamics
This course covers the processes that drive weather patterns, the general circulation of the atmosphere and the climate on Earth. Topics include: the structure and composition of the atmosphere; sources of energy that drive atmospheric processes; weather forecasting and forces that create severe weather; the influence of humans on the atmosphere; and, factors that influence climate, climate variability and climate change.
ERTH 754 Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
This course covers geophysical techniques to image and investigate the near-surface for environmental and engineering applications. The course introduces the concepts microgravity, geomagnetic, electrical, ground penetrating and seismic methods, their acquisition techniques and applications in environmental and engineering studies.
EPSS 315 Environmental Geology
This course deals with how people interact with Earth’s natural systems. The course covers natural hazards, landscape and soil characteristics, groundwater, surface water, climate change, water and air pollution, and ethics of environmental issues, emphasizing the environment and environmental issues of the UAE. The course includes a one-day field trip.
EPSS 411 Atmospheric, Ocean and Climate Dynamics
This course covers the processes that drive weather patterns, the general circulation of the atmosphere, oceans, and climate on Earth. Topics include: the structure and composition of the atmosphere; sources of energy that drive atmospheric processes; weather forecasting, the hydrological cycle, and forces that create severe weather; the influence of humans on the atmosphere; and, factors that influence climate, climate variability and climate change.
