AUS student research team wins Sharjah Sustainability Award for greener fuel for transportation

A prototype that uses solar panels mounted on a vehicle to harvest hydrogen as an alternative fuel source has won a team of American University of Sharjah students the Sharjah Sustainability Award (Universities category) from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah.

The research, which is also the team’s graduation project, consisted of designing and building a water electrolysis system that is powered by photovoltaic panels installed on the surface of a vehicle’s trunk, hood and roof. The electrical power collected from the solar panels will be used to break the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, which will be used to boost the current natural gas engine as a supplementary fuel, improving the engine’s efficiency, decreasing fuel consumption and reducing emissions. AUS is currently pursuing a patent for the prototype.

“The transportation sector, in particular, plays a substantial role in contributing to harmful emissions, accounting for up to 30 percent of total emissions. To effectively address this issue and achieve a sustainable future, it is imperative that we prioritize the adoption of renewable energy alternatives in transportation. This innovative approach aims to significantly reduce both emissions and fuel consumption by approximately 25 percent. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it will also lead to a substantial 25 percent reduction in fuel costs for individuals, making it an economically advantageous solution. By utilizing the immense solar resources in the region, we can promote sustainability, enhance energy efficiency and create a positive impact on both the environment and individuals' financial well-being,” explained Kareem Morsi, a mechanical engineering major set to graduate in Spring 2023 and spokesperson of the student research team.

He added, “Our project is driven by a strong motivation to align with the UAE's commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources and creating a cleaner environment. The UAE has been at the forefront of embracing renewable energy technologies and has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. With the upcoming COP28 conference hosted in the UAE, there is a heightened sense of urgency and determination to showcase the country's dedication to combating climate change and fostering a sustainable future.”

The team is currently looking at improving the performance of the water electrolysis system and optimizing the hydrogen production process. They also plan to build a more efficient and advanced prototype by utilizing better and more suitable materials and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Once a final prototype is produced, the team plans to publish their results while simultaneously marketing their prototype to potential stakeholders and industry partners who share the vision of sustainable energy solutions in the transportation sector.

Morsi and research team members Hadj Babouhoun Kerrouchi, Murtaza Hasan and Abdeali Kapadia saw the Sharjah Sustainability Award as a platform to amplify their voice and reach a wider audience.

“From the outset, our primary objective was to actively participate in various competitions and showcase our ability to create a truly ground-breaking product. We were driven by the desire to demonstrate our innovative thinking, technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities. During our research journey, participating in competitions became an integral part of our project, spurring our enthusiasm and driving us towards creating something truly exceptional. The win is a testament to the collective efforts of our team, who worked tirelessly to overcome challenges, think outside the box and deliver outstanding results,” said Morsi.

Roles within the research team were well defined, with each student working in their area of expertise while collaborating together as a team. Kapadia was responsible for creating the engineering and mathematical simulations and drawings. Hasan worked on the equipment and materials required for building the prototype. Kerrouchi organized the data and results. Morsi was responsible for validating the results and performing theoretical modifications, which were converted to drawings by Kapadia and then applied practically on the product by Hasan.

“We used to meet thrice a week to share our findings from the literature review, assemble the prototypes, test the prototypes and get the results required. We have learned that innovation often stems from building upon existing ideas and models by developing innovative simulations and models that could be effectively applied to real-world scenarios for the benefit of society. Throughout this journey, we have also encountered numerous setbacks. Unfortunately, our initial prototypes did not meet our expectations and ultimately failed to deliver the desired results. However, each failure presented us with valuable learning opportunities until we developed the successful design. This experience instilled in us the resilience and determination required to continue pushing forward. Most importantly, working on this project reinforced the importance of effective teamwork and collaboration. The power of collective effort taught us the value of collaboration in achieving success,” said Morsi.

The team members credited their rigorous and comprehensive AUS education for helping them produce the project and win the award.

“AUS equipped us with a strong foundation in technical knowledge and skills relevant to our project and our professors always emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, which played a significant role in the development and execution of our project. We were provided with numerous opportunities to work in diverse teams, enhancing our ability to communicate effectively, delegate tasks and leverage individual talents to achieve shared goals. I would particularly like to highlight the mentorship of our advisor Dr. Mohammad Hamdan, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, which was invaluable in shaping our project and refining our ideas,” he said.

Dr. Hamdan highlighted the significance of the research and caliber of students. “The importance of this subject stems from its impact on sustainable transportation. The students were active, self-motivated and professional throughout the process truly embodying the principles we seek to instill in our engineering students,” he said.

The AUS Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a bachelor’s degree program and a master’s degree program in mechanical engineering. The department’s 15 state-of-the art labs in a variety of specializations offer students hands-on experience and practical knowledge. AUS is ranked among the top two (tied) in the UAE and top ​300 universities globally in the category of ​mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing ​engineering, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (202​3​).

For more information about these programs, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/departments/department-of-mechanical-engineering.