euec 2016 presentation, sand diego, ca, feb 3-5, 2016

Architectural Implementation of Solar Energy in Hot, Humid, and Dusty Climate: The Case of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Prof. Hisham Mortada & Mohamed KurdiDept. of Architecture, King Abdul Aziz University

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


• Hypothesis: Solar energy is widely used in various parts of the world, but its implementation in Saudi Arabia (i.e. Jeddah) is unclear/unknown

Reference: EU, Infrastructure, 2014

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• Ultimate Objective: Investigating the possibility of utilization of Solar Energy in dwellings of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where severe climatic restrictions exist.

• Secondary Objectives:• Studying the impact of natural conditions (high humidity rate, speedy dusty wind, extreme high temperature)

on solar panels in Jeddah• Identifying residents’ stand on solar energy• Evaluating the suitability of building regulations to solar energy utilizations• Specifying the economic aspects that affect the utilization of solar energy in Jeddah


• Methodology:

• Identifying economic and technical aspects of solar energy• Identifying climatic and other constrains for utilization of solar energy in Jeddah’s dwellings (based on

similar case studies)• Identifying opportunities and obstacles of utilization of solar energy in Jeddah’s dwellings


• History of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia

• Unclear. Some references claim that 1970 witnessed the first attempt to use solar energy in a water declination plant, while other sources indicate that KAUST (King Abdulla University for Science and Technology), constructed in 20111, represents the real beginning of utilization of solar energy in power water pumps and refrigerators. Still, the use is limited to large scale projects.


• History of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia

• King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, Riyadh, 2013.


• Importance of Solar Energy to Saudi Arabia

• Meeting the growing demand for electricity (5% annually) while exporting oil at international prices, thus increasing financial revenues

• Reducing CO2• Reducing reliance of oil which will finish in future• Reducing cost of power provision (oil vs. solar)• Transforming Saudi Arabia into an electricity producing or solar energy exporting country


• Potentials of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia

• Availability of large desert areas that are sunny most time of the year (each meter could produce 7000 watt of power for 12 h/d)



• Orientation of Saudi Arabia East-West instead of North-South means means more exposure to solar rays for longer periods. This also means more solar energy production



• Absence of forests, mountains or seasonal rains that may reduce the efficiency of utilization of solar energy • Visibility studies proved that capital invested in solar energy would return in 3-5 years• The presence of thousands of small villages and settlements scattered throughout the country could be

powered with solar energy instead of costly electrical public networks


• Obstacles of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia: The Dust

• Studies have warned of large dust quantities that exist in the air for long period and would affect solar energy projects (i.e. desalination and electricity plants)

• When exposed to dusty winds and not cleaned every month at least, solar pales lose 50% of their efficiency• For better effectiveness, solar panels must be cleaned at least every 3 days.• Desert particles reduces the efficiency of solar panels by 60%. • In the absence of advanced technology, researchers claim that more efforts are needed if the Saudi

government plans to produce 20% of its power from solar source by 2030


• NOMADD, a robotic mechanism to clean solar panels without using a drop of water: • Expensive and complicated technology for small scale buildings such as dwellings



Tiny cracks or microfractures in solar cells can affect both performance and system lifetime



• Studies reveled that publicity of solar energy in Saudi Arabia if limited if not absent. This is due to:• Hesitancy to use or operate• Absence of parts and warranty• Cheap electricity

• Obstacles of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia: Public Stand


• Solar Energy in Jeddah

Jeddah

• A city of 4 million inhabitants


• Jeddah Climatic Conditions: Temperature


• Jeddah Climatic Conditions: Humidity


• Jeddah Climatic Conditions: Rainfall


• Jeddah Climatic Conditions: Wind

Dusty hot wind

Fresh cool wind


• Jeddah Climatic Conditions: Wind


• Jeddah Built Environment

• 80% of buildings are apartments


• Jeddah Built Environment


• Solar Energy in Jeddah: Al-Manar Company

• It is the only company in Jeddah that sells solar energy products (LED lighting units), Chicness & Korean mare, French or German design.


• Solar Energy in Jeddah: Kano Co. Parking

• Kano Co Parking Roof (20 cars)• Produces 300-400 kw/day• Korean manufactured• Linked with electric network of buildings


• Solar Energy in Jeddah: Kano Co. Parking


• Solar Energy in Jeddah: Private Villa

• 30 panels on roof producing 1200 kw/h, covering 60% of power needed for lighting

• Must be cleaned for 20 minutes once a week


• Solar Energy in Jeddah: Private Villa


• Recommendations:

• Importance to increase public awareness of the necessity and benefits of utilization of solar energy• Incentives must be provided by local authority to encourage inhabitants to utilize solar energy• Inviting and encouraging international companies specialized in solar energy to exhibit and promote their

technologies and products in Saudi Arabia


Thank you for listening!

[email protected]

euec 2016 presentation, sand diego, ca, feb 3-5, 2016

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