Interview of Sarah Maston | Treasurer | ASHRAE | by Manzoor Shaikh.

on 11/10/2024

Manzoor Sheikh:

Assalamualaikum welcome to Engineering review. We are in a HVACR exhibition here in Karachi and we have with us Miss Sarah She is at the moment treasure of ASHRAE. But the future president of this organization thank you so much for talking to us. HVACR is a huge sector. Millions of companies, billions of engineers, billions of technicians are involved. The more huge is this sector, the more are the challenges in the background of climate change. When you think about that, what comes in your mind?

Miss Sarah:

There’s a lot of work for a lot of people. So dennis’s theme this year our current president is all about empowering our workforce. And I think what we’re seeing here in Pakistan and in all over the world is that there’s a lot of opportunity in this building industry for everyone.

Manzoor Sheikh:

Well, we talk about opportunities right. I mean there are a lot of commitments at a global level that we have to you know take drastic efforts so that we can mitigate the impacts of climate change. What do you think? What’s the Role of ASHRAE.

Miss Sarah:

So I think Mr Faruk maboo’s talk this morning really summed it up for me, particularly in the challenges that Pakistan faces, particularly with the textile industries in the United States where I’m from in the northeast area of the country. We don’t have a lot of textile manufacturing, but we do like to wear our denim and so in the conversation this morning I learned that you know that creating denim, making denim is a huge consumption for water and I had no idea in the fact that so much water pollution is is here in Pakistan and I think ashore has a role to play as far as our designers and our technicians to find more sustainable solutions for this industry and for the other industries in Pakistan. Because as we said over over the next you know 15 to 20 years, the number of HVAC systems that are going to be required is going to at least double. And so you know again the opportunities here to train people and to you know, educate them as far as how to design these systems more sustainably. To look at some of the new technologies here that we have today on the trade show just to see what that future looks like.

Manzoor Sheikh:

Okay. I mean whatever we are doing at the moment. Right training and designing new technologies that help you out. You know the bit, get the impacts of all that climate change. If you make a comparison, maybe the things which are not getting better too much and the designing and our work and the efforts we are doing anything that you see. These two things have synchronized.

I mean, the more whatever we are doing. Yes, if you think it’s enough.

Miss Sarah:

It’s never really enough. I think we’re on the right path, but I think these things are going to take a little time. So you know, we are already seeing changes to our climate and we know that across the world that buildings account for 40 percent of like, our greenhouse gas emissions. So looking at any opportunity that we can to go with greener technologies to reduce our fossil fuel burning, we’ll make that difference now. How fast is it going to change? I don’t really know the answer to that. You know, we just had a major flood in the United States and and it was in an area of the country that isn’t prone to flooding. It wasn’t a coastal community, it was 300 miles from the coast. And so you know, we’re seeing this all over. It’s not. It’s not just happening in one country right. It’s happening across the globe. And so I think it has taken some time to get to the forefront of understanding what the climate crisis really means. But to understand that it is a global issue. It’s not just like I said isolated to one particular country. So I think the fact that.

Buildings take you know into account like I said 40 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions, we have the opportunity to make a huge difference in seeing what you know. Reducing the temperature, the global temperature rise and hopefully know can bring some of our climate issues back into check.

Manzoor Sheikh:

Thank you So much.

Researchers develop model to project energy storage needs for renewable energy

on 09/10/2024

Researchers have developed a model that can be used to project what a nation’s energy storage needs would be if it were to shift entirely to renewable energy sources, moving away from fossil fuels for electric power generation. The model offers policymakers critical information for use when making near-term decisions and engaging in long-term energy system planning.
The paper, “Modeling energy storage in long-term capacity expansion energy planning: an analysis of the Italian system,” is published in the Journal of Energy Storage.
“We focused this study on Italy’s energy system because it has suffered significantly in recent years, due to difficulties obtaining affordable natural gas due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” says Anderson de Queiroz, co-author of a paper on the work and an associate professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at North Carolina State University.
“That has raised questions about how Italy can make its energy system more robust. Our goal here was to develop a model that would allow us to determine what Italy’s energy storage needs would be if it moved completely away from fossil fuels and met its electricity demands with renewable resources.”
Energy storage is a critical piece of this puzzle because renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, don’t produce energy at the same rate all the time. For example, you need to be able to store energy generated by solar power so that you can use that energy at night, when the sun is not shining.
To better understand an energy system’s energy storage needs, the researchers modified an existing optimization model called Temoa.
Specifically, the researchers modified the model to account for how renewable energy production would change during different times of day and different times of the year. For example, there would be greater solar power production during summer when days are longer, but solar power would still drop overnight.
The researchers also accounted for changes in energy consumption at different times of day and during different seasons. For example, energy consumption may go up during hot summer afternoons if people use air conditioners.
Capturing these daily and seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy production and energy consumption allowed the researchers to create a more detailed model of the energy system, which allowed them to better answer questions about the system’s energy storage needs. How much renewable energy could be redirected to storage? How much energy storage would be needed to meet demands?
“Our modified model makes clear that increasing energy storage capacity is critical for decarbonizing Italy’s power sector, but it also offers some detailed insights,” de Queiroz says. “For example, the model suggests that Italy needs to be able to store about 10% of its electricity generation in short-term energy storage devices.”
The term “short-term energy storage” is somewhat confusing. It does not refer to how long a storage device can store energy. Rather, it refers to how long the device can sustain its maximum power output. For example, a one-hour 2-kilowatt device could release two kilowatts of power for one hour, whereas a three-hour 2-kilowatt device could release two kilowatts of power for three hours. Energy storage systems that can release the maximum power output for four hours or less are typically considered short-term energy storage devices.
“Our projection related to short-term energy storage devices is driven both by the energy system’s energy storage needs and the fact that these devices are the most cost-effective way to meet those needs, based on recent cost projections and estimates,” de Queiroz says.
But while this paper focuses on Italy, the modified model the researchers developed for this work can be used to project energy storage needs for any energy system.
“As the world moves toward renewable power sources, we need to find ways to account for their variability,” says de Queiroz.
“Energy storage devices give us the flexibility to adjust to fluctuations in energy production while also giving us the reliability we need to meet energy demands. And models like the one we’ve demonstrated here provide critical insights for policymakers regarding their long-term energy storage needs.”

Meet Plantolin, the tree-planting robot pangolin built by student

on 09/10/2024

A robot pangolin designed to plant trees is the winner of the 2023 Natural Robotics Contest, which rewards robot designs inspired by nature. As the winning entry, the pangolin—dubbed “Plantolin”—has been brought to life by engineers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
Out of 184 entries, the winning design came from Dorothy, a high school student from California.
Dorothy said, “My entry was inspired by pangolins since they are fascinating creatures and have a very distinct armored and prehistoric appearance (like a walking pine cone). They’re not very fast or ferocious but have an adorable waddle walk.
“In my high school classes, we learned about how deforestation contributes to climate change. The restoration of forests through planting more trees is essential for the sustainable development of our planet. Pangolins spend a lot of their time digging in the ground, so I thought a planter robot inspired by the pangolin’s behavior would be very natural.”
After Dorothy’s design was chosen, a working version was built at the University of Surrey.
Plantolin roves on two wheels, with a long, movable tail for balance. Covered in plywood scales, it digs using its claws, depositing a yew “seed bomb” into the hole.
Dr. Rob Siddall, a roboticist at the University of Surrey who built Plantolin, said, “In the wild, large animals will cut paths through the overgrowth and move seeds. This doesn’t happen nearly as much in urban areas like the South East of England—so there’s definitely room for a robot to help fill that gap. Dorothy’s brilliant design reminds us how we can solve some of our biggest challenges by looking to nature for inspiration.” — TP

Al-Ghazi Launches New Variant of 85-hp Tractors in Pakistan

on 09/10/2024

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited has unveiled its latest product, the New Holland NH-850, an 85-horsepower tractor designed to enhance modern farming practices in Pakistan. The launch event took place at the Pearl Continental in Lahore and featured Maj General Shahid Nazir, Director General of Strategic Projects at Green Initiatives (Pvt) Limited, as the chief guest. He praised Al-Ghazi for the new tractor, stating it will likely see high demand as it facilitates land development.
The event attracted government officials, corporate clients, dealers, and Al-Ghazi personnel, including CEO Sakib Eltaff and Chairman Robert McAllister. In his remarks, Eltaff highlighted Al-Ghazi’s commitment to advancing agriculture in Pakistan over the past four decades. He described the NH-850 as a tractor that combines performance, efficiency, and durability, aimed at empowering local farmers.
The NH-850 boasts impressive fuel economy and sustained power for various farming tasks such as plowing, planting, and harvesting. Its lift-o-matic hydraulic system enhances its lifting capacity, making it ideal for intensive farming. Designed for comfort during long working hours, the tractor is versatile and suitable for multiple farming activities across different crops.
Vincent De Lassagne, Vice President for CNH Agriculture Africa, Middle East & Central Asia, emphasized that the NH-850 was developed in collaboration with Al-Ghazi’s engineering team, tailored specifically for Pakistani farmers. He expressed confidence that the tractor would positively impact the agricultural landscape, boosting productivity and growth.
In closing, Robert McAllister remarked that the NH-850 is not just a new product but a significant advancement for Al-Ghazi and the industry. He reiterated the company’s commitment to bringing efficiency and reliability to farmers, marking the NH-850 as the beginning of a new chapter for agricultural innovation in Pakistan.
About Al-Ghazi Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited, in partnership with Case New Holland, has been a leader in Pakistan’s agricultural machinery sector since its establishment in 1983. Part of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group, the company is dedicated to providing farmers with reliable and durable equipment tailored to the diverse agricultural needs of the country.

Innovating Through Collaboration: Five Pakistani Universities Organize Global Moot in UMA, Spain Pakistan Ambassador to Spain HE Zahoor Ahmed participates as Chief Guest

on 09/10/2024

The 7th edition of the esteemed Global Conference on Wireless & Optical Technologies (GCWOT24) took place at the Telecommunication Engineering School of the University of Malaga, Spain. Prof Pablo Otero and Prof. BS Chowdhry, General Chairs of GCWOT24, underscored the conference’s significance, describing it as a crucial international platform for researchers to exchange information on novel aspects of technology, application, and service development within the multidisciplinary framework of communication technologies.
The conference, jointly organized by the University of Malaga, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET) in Jamshoro, Pakistan, and Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) in Karachi, Pakistan, aims to foster a stimulating environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Moreover, GCWOT24 benefits from solid technical cooperation and support from the European Union’s KA107 International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects and the EU KA2 Capacity Building ACTIVE Project, further enhancing its global scope and impact.
This year marks a pivotal moment for GCWOT, as the conference welcomes three new sponsoring universities: the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) in Karachi, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIK) in Topi, and Quaid-E-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology (QUEST) in Nawabshah, Pakistan. These institutions added to the intellectual diversity and expertise displayed during the conference. Prof Dr Mohammad Aamir, and Prof Enrique Nava, Chairs technical program committee mentioned that with the goal of fostering collaboration and promoting knowledge transfer, GCWOT24 promised to deliver groundbreaking insights into wireless, optical, and underwater communication technologies, and inspire innovative solutions that address the challenges of the digital age.
Ambassador to Pakistan in Spain, His Excellency Zahoor Ahmed, Chief Guest at the “Innovating Through Collaboration: GCWOT’24 and the ACTIVE Project” appreciated the highly anticipated international event that has brought together leading researchers and experts from around the world to exchange ideas, showcase breakthroughs, and foster collaboration in the fields of Wireless, Optical, and Underwater Communication Technologies. In his presidential address, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed highlighted the valuable contributions of Pakistani HEIs in fostering global linkages and collaboration to enhance excellence in emerging technologies and human resource development. He emphasized the importance of identifying follow-up actions from the conference and seeking advice on potential collaborators. Dr. Zahoor Ahmed also mentioned plans to request appointments with the rector mayor, the Andalusian assembly, and the technology park to further these initiatives.