KAUST and GE have partnered to study the feasibility of using crude oils like Arabian Super Light (ASL) to power heavy-duty gas turbines. The collaboration aims to develop turbines capable of burning crude oil directly from the ground to meet Saudi Arabia's energy security needs. The research involves building a rig at KAUST's High Pressure Combustion Laboratory (HPCL) to conduct corrosion tests on turbine materials by burning ASL/AXL crude continuously for 2,000 hours. Why it matters: This partnership could reduce reliance on natural gas and offer an economically viable alternative fuel source, bolstering energy security in Saudi Arabia and potentially influencing turbine technology worldwide.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
KAUST and TU Munich researchers have published a paper on a novel carbon capture technique. The technique focuses on converting CO2 directly from flue gas using catalytic systems, addressing the challenge of CO2 conversion requiring purification, compression, and high temperatures. Catalysts are often seen as viable green technology options to increase the renewable rates of CO2. Why it matters: This research has the potential to advance sustainable energy solutions by improving the efficiency and reducing the environmental costs associated with carbon capture and utilization.
This paper introduces a longitudinal control system for autonomous racing vehicles with combustion engines, translating trajectory-tracking commands into low-level vehicle controls like throttle, brake pressure, and gear selection. The modular design facilitates integration with various trajectory-tracking algorithms and vehicles. Experimental validation on the EAV24 racecar during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League at Yas Marina Circuit demonstrated the system's effectiveness, achieving longitudinal accelerations up to 25 m/s². Why it matters: This research contributes to the advancement of autonomous racing technology in the region, showcasing practical applications in high-performance scenarios and fostering innovation in vehicle control systems.