DOHA, Qatar - Thursday, November 29th 2012 [ME NewsWire]
Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the authority for knowledge on sustainability in the MENA region unveiled an innovative low-emission, and lower fuel consumption of 20%hybrid car-concept on 28 November 2012. The concept was officially launched during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP18) at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Designed and developed in Qatar, the engine captures thermal waste energy that is utilized to generate electric energy to run hydrogen fuel cellsusing the potable water as a source for the gas.
The fuel cell is powered primarily by a thermoelectric generator which recovers heat from exhaust-gases and is aided by a thin film photo-voltaic on the sunroof. Preliminary studies have demonstrated decreased vehicle pollutant emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) & nitrous oxide (NOX) by more than 50 %.
Dr. Yousef Al Horr, Chairman, GORD commented, “The hybrid concept that is fully designed, built and installed in Qatar, is a landmark achievement and testament to GORD’s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This indigenous product demonstrates Qatar’s capability to reduce environmental impact and to make a contribution to sustainable development. Through Qatar hosting the COP18 conference, we now have a global platform to communicate the practical benefits that GORD’s research and innovation is bringing to the national strategy in terms of improved quality of life and as a key driver of a knowledge-based economy.”
Any car can be adapted to accommodate the system as it doesn’t alter any electro-mechanical systems. As per initial test results, fuel consumption was reduced by more than 20 %. Design improvements are underway to further reduce the fuel consumption.
Commenting on the differences between GORD’s eco-hybrid concept and other hydrogen-powered cars by leading automobile manufacturers, Dr Al Horr added, “Our car produces electricity at no cost by capturing thermal waste energy, reducing costs and eliminating the need for an external source of electricity. Also, bulky compressed-hydrogen cylinders are a thing of the past, as our concept accomplishes the production of hydrogen by using water through fuel cells integrated within the car.”
Led by one of GORD’S centres of excellence, GORD Institute, the concept has been designed by a team of experts led by Dr Esam Elsarrag, Director for Research & Development. The project is part of a series of scientific research programs developed through established-partnerships with local and international organisations, from both academic and applied research perspectives.
Dr Esam Elsarrag, Director for Research & Development said, “The project will be a definitive milestone in reducing carbon emissions. Using a high-energy and zero-emission fuel such as hydrogen is an effective way for improving the performance of spark-ignited (SI) and compression- ignited (CI) engines. Produced by a unique electrolysis process, hydroxyl gas was tested as a supplementary fuel in a gasoline car, where spark timing influences the SI engine performance, without need for storage tanks.”
The system can be used with gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) based engines.
End
Notes to the Editor
About GORD Institute:
GORD Institute – a division of GORD
Pushing the boundaries of possibility
GORD Institute is the research hub of the organisation, established to advance human knowledge and investigate new approaches to achieve enhanced sustainability in the built environment. The centre runs scientific research programs unilaterally as well as in partnerships with local and international organisations.
The institute promotes collaborative interdisciplinary research across various interconnected fields of study such as architecture, civil engineering and construction, electrical engineering, material science, interior design, environmental psychology and behavioural science.
Dozens of new research projects are in the pipeline at GORD Institute. The research spans both academic and applied realms and is being funded by the government, Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar National Research Funds (QNRF) as well as through joint ventures with other institutes. In 2011, the total budget of the institute was in excess of USD 15 million.
About the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development
www.gord.qa
Gulf Organisation for Research & Development - not for profit subsidiary of QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company) - is a fully governmental Organisation located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP); whose purpose is to promote healthy, energy & resource efficient, and environmentally responsible building practices in Qatar and the entire Gulf region.
GORD aims to build and strengthen a strong and vibrant local, regional and global consortium and network of respected research institutions, consulting and technology companies, real estate and construction companies, governmental and professional organizations that have genuine interest and commitment to support the strategic objectives of the Organization to address the environmental challenges and empower the construction society to apply sustainable applications and practices.
Our vision is for Qatar to be a leader in the field of sustainable development, design and construction, and for the Gulf Organisation for R&D to be one of the driving forces behind this transformation.
GORD, the authority for knowledge on sustainability in the MENA region, has announced the launch of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) as the standard for excellence on sustainability in the MENA region. Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) formerly known as Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) is the most comprehensive sustainability rating system for the built environment in the world. The all-inclusive offerings of the system supports in assessing all types of developments starting from macro level such as master plans for cities to micro level such as single buildings. GSAS aims to promote sustainable practices within the framework of a globalized society.
GORD has developed four centres of excellence: GSAS Trust, GORD Academy, GORD Institute, and GORD Consult. The four centres of excellence aim to support the GORD’s mission to create a sustainable, smart and healthy environment for living.
The centres of excellence are:
· GSAS Trust
The centre is responsible for the development of sustainable building standards, and certifications for developments during the design, construction, operation phases, and all other future certification schemes.
· GORD Academy
The centre is responsible for offering memberships, training and development programs, which are designed to meet the educational needs of the professionals and practitioners working in the construction industry.
· GORD Institute
The centre runs scientific research programs in partnerships with local and international organisations, from both academic and applied research perspectives. The aim is to advance knowledge and investigate new approaches to enhance the sustainable built environment.
· GORD Consult
GORD Consult provides comprehensive support and consulting services in issues related to designing innovative sustainable developments that successfully meet developers, operators and regulatory needs.
List of activities:
1. Training workshop for engineers CGPs
2. Corporate & Individual memberships
3. CPD programs
4. GSAS consultancy
5. Building certification schemes
6. Various Scientific Research Projects with collaborating institutions around the globe
www.gord.qa
Contacts
Salah Al Ayoubi - Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications
Tel: +974 4404 9007
Email: s.alayoubi@gord.qa
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