HCT-ETS made it to the DEWA Solar Decathlon Middle East

Higher Colleges of Technology Faculty of Engineering Technology & Science Newsletter

Issue #10 18 November, 2021 AY 21-22

The #SDME2021 has begun under the patronage of HH Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The competition is organized by DEWA and has 8 teams from 11 universities around the world who have started building their smart and sustainable houses in the SDME Village at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. A diverse team from four institutions, University of Louisville, Higher Colleges of Technology, American University in Dubai, and American University of Sharjah, participating in the 2021 Solar. HCT team has been key player in this competition.

The Solar Decathlon Middle East Competition (SDME 2021) is a prestigious competition in which international universities meet to design, build, and operate sustainable and high-energy efficiency grid-connected solar-powered houses. This competition has started at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, from October 24 to November 24, 2021 under the auspices of DEWA. SDME 2021 offers participating universities and their partners the best opportunity to be part of the most important global event of the year, EXPO 2020. The teams exhibit the unique houses they have designed and constructed at a time when sustainability, innovation, and green energy are in the minds of all people living in or visiting Dubai.

HCT is partnering with other universities in an international team, called "Desert Phoenix." Engineering and architectural students, faculty, and staff were involved in designing, building, and competing with a 1000 sq ft solar-powered home in the prestigious Solar Decathlon Middle East competition in Dubai.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, has inaugurated the 2nd Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) under the patronage of HH Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prof. Saud Aldajah, Executive Dean of Engineering Technology and Science, attended the opening ceremony. He visited HCT team house, and he listened to a brief about our house from a participating student. Dr. Ghazi Alsukkar, Dean of Academic Operations- DBM, Dr. Walid Zgallai, Associate Executive Dean-ETS, and Dr. Aziz Almahadin attended the opening ceremony and visited the house and other teams' houses.

The house has a smart system for lighting, air conditioning systems that can be accessed remotely using a special mobile application. The house is equipped with a Hydra loop system, one of the most efficient systems for water recycling, modular furniture, energy efficient appliances, and state of the art bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Prof. Aldajah acknowledged the great efforts of the team and HCT students and faculty, led by Dr. Mohanad Alata, MCE PTL at DBM and Dr. Yaser Qudaih, ELE PTL at DBM.

Faculty and staff are very proud of our HCT students for living up to this challenge. Amazing time management demonstrated by our students, participated in all tasks related to this competition, attended their classes and completed all required assignments.