Texas A&M at Qatar explores renewable energy for Qatar
Published Nov 02, 2011Texas A&M University at Qatar is welcoming over 100 international and local experts from academia and industry to the 2011 Workshop on Power Electronics in Industrial Applications and Renewable Energy on 3-4 Nov. at the Hamad bin Khalifa University Student Center. The workshop examines the role of power electronic converters in conversion and use of alternative, renewable energy sources in order to reduce energy waste and improve grid power quality. A key focus of the workshop is to explore potential use of this technology specifically in Qatar.
"Highly specialized experts in the field of power electronics, renewable energy and energy conversion are attending this workshop," said Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, Texas A&M at Qatar, and co-chair of the workshop. "We are hosting more than 14 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) fellows and life fellows, among other reputable attendees from over 20 countries."
Abu-Rub continued, "The schedule includes over 50 presentations and panel discussions, as well as presentation and publication of 37 scientific articles. This demonstrates the magnitude and importance of this topic to Qatar and within the power electronics field worldwide."
Power electronic converters are expected to play a major role in the conversion of alternative energy sources and the interface of this energy with power grids. Experts at the workshop see large potential for improving how these technologies are used and controlled in order to reduce energy waste. They will discuss at the workshop how these technologies could be applied directly to Qatar through creation of hybrid renewable electric power plants.
Abu-Rub commented on this, saying, "By bringing members of academia and industry together in one platform, we are able to discuss ideas and seek solutions to the energy problems that are directly affecting Qatar. This is enabling us to define existing challenges and begin developing plans for sustainable energy development in the short term and over an extended period of time through use of power electronic converters."
The workshop is co-organized by Texas A&M at Qatar and Qatar University and sponsored by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), the IEEE, the Industrial Electronics Society (IES), the Qatar University Wireless Innovations Center (QUWIC), The ABB Group, The Power Electronics and Motion Control Council (EPE-PEMC), RasGas and Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO).