MERG

Projects

Solar Chimney Power plant: We are currently focused on renewable energy projects, specifically, a solar chimney power plant (SCPP) project. Our aim in this project is to enhance the performance and technology of SCPP. We intent to enhance the performance through creative engineering designs, advanced use of construction material and through advanced computing techniques such as Artificial Intelligence. Our first publication addressed the economic feasibility of building and operating a SCPP in Aqaba, Jordan. Analysis showed that the localized cost of energy (LCOE) is a lot higher than that of conventional power generating plants. Hence, more improvements are needed in order to compete with conventional power plants. Although the SCPP does not necessarily need to compete with conventional power plants, as it could be an extension, especially in the remote areas where power service is not available. In the 2nd publication we proposed a novel design of a hybrid solar chimney power plant (HSCPP) that combines the traditional SCPP with cooling tower technologies. The results showed that excellent enhancement of power production with minimal cost increase, while reducing the overall LCOE can be achieved with the HSCPP. We are actively working on the next ideas of integrating other forms of renewable energies into the SCPP, as well as new and improved designs. Future work will also include Artificial Intelligence to enhance the performance of the SCPP.

DRONA: DRONA project has been established to design and develop a smart drone to assist the firefighter crew for civil defense applications. It’s intended to support the firefighters in their day-to-day rescue missions such as surveying fires in buildings. This will allow them to identify and locate entrances and exits of the buildings to plan the rescue route. DRONA will also be equipped with many capabilities and sensors such as GPS, camera, microphone, vital signs sensors, emergency kit and much more. DRONA is also intended to help locate and guide people trapped in buildings. DRONA will also be able assess vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and oxygen level of patients and people injured and/or trapped in fires, fluids and earthquakes to mention a few. DRONA will allow two-way video and audio communication with rescue teams remotely through its detected wireless connection and using cellular data. Additionally, rescue teams will also be able to communicate with the injured remotely and prompt them and guide them to safety. The firefighter crew will be able to dispatch DRONA remotely to a predefined GPS co-ordinate immediately after receiving a distress call. DRONA will be able to fly and navigate automatically (auto pilot) to the assigned GPS location. DRONA will also be equipped with advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence for facial, body and object recognition. This will allow DRONA to assist in search-and-rescue operations to find lost or missing people. DRONA will be able to send vital signs data, locations, video and audio information in real time to a remote laptop that is located at the civil defense center, the emergency vehicle, and the fire engine. We believe DRONA will be a great asset to rescue teams to do their job quickly and efficiently. DRONA will not only be able to save time, but it will also save lives -save time, save lives.
Link to the DRONA website

SmartCure project: SmartCure project aims to produce a multi-layer blanket to save water during concrete curing process. The product is designed to absorb water easily and give it back gradually while placed on top of the concrete surface. It is reusable, and consists of two distinct layers and has a super absorption polymer inside. Curing process has a strong influence on the durability and properties of the concrete. To properly cure concrete, it should be kept moist during the first seven days of the curing period. Failing to keep the concrete moist can reduce the strength and, thereby, lead to cracking. This method need a lot of water, time, labor work, monitoring and continuous following in order to guarantee complete curing process. SmartCure has multiple value proposition: it saves 80% of water needed in concrete curing process, saves time and efforts of labor work, brings consultant and owner satisfaction. SmartCure received many grants and prizes during its journey. Lately, the project won Shoman’s Innovation Prize with 40,000 USD grant. The grant main objective is to finalize the proof of concept and build a production line in Jordan.
Link to the SmartCure project Presentation