<abstract> <p>In the rural areas of Saudi Arabia, which are not connected to the national grid, electricity is supplied mainly from diesel generators. This is not just a non-renewable energy source, but it has also resulted in environmental damage and may be hazardous to human health. In order to mitigate the problem, integration with a solar photovoltaic system is proposed. A Photovoltaic-Diesel Hybrid System (PvDHS) was designed, analyzed, and optimized based on the climate data of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Measured local solar insolation and climate data were used in the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software with different system components and configurations in order to optimize the design that yields the best energy cost. A system consisting of a 3 kW photovoltaic system, a 2 kW diesel engine, a 1 kW converter, and 14 kWh batteries were identified to be the most cost-effective for the average daily electricity demand of 10.5 kWh. The total Net Present Cost (NPC) of this system is ＄17, 800, a reduction of 50% over the ＄35, 770 cost of the diesel-only system. The PvDHS useful electrical energy is found to be ＄0.36/kWh, while the Cost of Energy (COE) of the diesel-only system is ＄0.72/kWh. The system is expected to pay for itself in 2.8 years and reduce CO₂ emissions by 8110 kg per year.</p> </abstract>

Solar-based power generation is gaining attention worldwide as it is environment-friendly, and highly sustainable. Saudi Arabia is bestowed with vast solar energy availability. This should be the driving force for generating solar electricity to the optimal. However, the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) is not as widespread as expected. As purposed-built cities emerged from the Kingdom's new economic development and renewable energy initiatives, they should lead the way for solar energy utilization. This paper aims to investigate the public perception and acceptance towards rooftop solar electrification in such cities in Saudi Arabia. Survey questionnaires were distributed to a sample population of Yanbu Industrial City to measure the perception, and readiness towards installing rooftop solar systems and gauge the populace's concerns. The outcome shows a variation of awareness levels, positive perception, and mix-readiness towards installation. The main barriers are the relatively low cost of fossil fuel-based electricity and the lack of clear incentives from authorities. Homeowners are more willing to invest in solar electricity for long term gain. Household income also has significant effects on the willingness for investment. The scenario analysis indicated that less than six years of payback could be achieved with the PV system which can be an attraction.

Improving the design of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) is crucial but requires a deep understanding of the basic science surrounding the technology. In this study, the membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA), catalyst layers channels, and gas diffusion layers are modelled using the commercial PEMFC simulation package built into ANSYS FLUENT 12.1. With various mesh sizes of 20,40 and 80 cells, a mesh sensitivity study of a cross-section of the fuel cell membrane, anode, and cathode, was carried out while 16000 data iterations were collected. The simulation results showed that all data points of membrane and anode layers converged before or at 10,000 iterations, while varying cathode needs more time to converge. A study of iterations and convergence, resulting in the comparison of various meshes at different data points, is discussed while a comprehensive description of the simulation’s parameters is provided, and the emphasis is placed on determining the convergence criteria that are necessary for delivering consistent results. One of the purposes of this experiment is to demonstrate that high-quality computer modelling and simulation of fuel cells can accelerate the discovery of fuel cell components that are optimally designed. As a result, the study confirmed that computer modelling can contribute to a better understanding the mechanics and reactions occurring within the fuel cell and its layers in order to improve its performance and lifecycle in the future.