Syed A.M. Said

Bio: Syed A.M. Said is an academic researcher from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The author has contributed to research in topics: Turbulence & Heat exchanger. The author has an hindex of 32, co-authored 100 publications receiving 2810 citations. Previous affiliations of Syed A.M. Said include King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

The effect of environmental factors and dust accumulation on photovoltaic modules and dust-accumulation mitigation strategies

Abstract: The mitigation of environmental effects on clean-energy technology is an area of increasing interest. Photovoltaic (PV) modules have been widely used in small and large-scale applications for many years. However, they are not yet competitive with other electrical energy-generation technologies, especially in environments that suffer from dust, airborne particles, humidity and high ambient temperatures. This paper presents a review of the effect of climatic conditions on PV module performance, in particular, the effect of dust fouling. Research to date indicates that dust deposition has a considerable effect on PV module performance as it reduces the light transmissivity of the PV module surface cover. Studies on the ways in which dust is deposited on PV module surfaces are reviewed, as understanding this process is essential to develop effective mitigation approaches. Module performance is also adversely affected by high ambient temperature, humidity and lack of rainfall. The current review summarizes the past, current and promising future approaches towards mitigating environmental effects, in particular dust fouling. Electrostatic cleaning methods and micro/nanoscale surface functionalization methods both have the potential to counteract the negative effects of dust deposition, with the combination of the two methods showing special efficacy, particularly in arid regions.

Metal-organic frameworks: functional luminescent and photonic materials for sensing applications.

Abstract: Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) or porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are open, crystalline supramolecular coordination architectures with porous facets. These chemically tailorable framework materials are the subject of intense and expansive research, and are particularly relevant in the fields of sensory materials and device engineering. As the subfield of MOF-based sensing has developed, many diverse chemical functionalities have been carefully and rationally implanted into the coordination nanospace of MOF materials. MOFs with widely varied fluorometric sensing properties have been developed using the design principles of crystal engineering and structure–property correlations, resulting in a large and rapidly growing body of literature. This work has led to advancements in a number of crucial sensing domains, including biomolecules, environmental toxins, explosives, ionic species, and many others. Furthermore, new classes of MOF sensory materials utilizing advanced signal transduction by devices based on MOF photonic crystals and thin films have been developed. This comprehensive review summarizes the topical developments in the field of luminescent MOF and MOF-based photonic crystals/thin film sensory materials.

Chemical, thermal and mechanical stabilities of metal–organic frameworks

Abstract: The construction of thousands of well-defined, porous, metal–organic framework (MOF) structures, spanning a broad range of topologies and an even broader range of pore sizes and chemical functionalities, has fuelled the exploration of many applications. Accompanying this applied focus has been a recognition of the need to engender MOFs with mechanical, thermal and/or chemical stability. Chemical stability in acidic, basic and neutral aqueous solutions is important. Advances over recent years have made it possible to design MOFs that possess different combinations of mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. Here, we review these advances and the associated design principles and synthesis strategies. We focus on how these advances may render MOFs effective as heterogeneous catalysts, both in chemically harsh condensed phases and in thermally challenging conditions relevant to gas-phase reactions. Finally, we briefly discuss future directions of study for the production of highly stable MOFs. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promise in a broad range of applications, including catalysis. In this Review, the chemical, thermal and mechanical stabilities of MOFs, in particular with catalytic uses in mind, are discussed.

Applications of water stable metal–organic frameworks

Abstract: The recent advancement of water stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) expands the application of this unique porous material. This review article aims at studying their applications in terms of five major areas: adsorption, membrane separation, sensing, catalysis, and proton conduction. These applications are either conducted in a water-containing environment or directly targeted on water treatment processes. The representative and significant studies in each area were comprehensively reviewed and discussed for perspectives, to serve as a reference for researchers working in related areas. At the end, a summary and future outlook on the applications of water stable MOFs are suggested as concluding remarks.

Impact of dust on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance: Research status, challenges and recommendations

Abstract: The peaking of most oil reserves and impending climate change are critically driving the adoption of solar photovoltaic's (PV) as a sustainable renewable and eco-friendly alternative. Ongoing material research has yet to find a breakthrough in significantly raising the conversion efficiency of commercial PV modules. The installation of PV systems for optimum yield is primarily dictated by its geographic location (latitude and available solar insolation) and installation design (tilt, orientation and altitude) to maximize solar exposure. However, once these parameters have been addressed appropriately, there are other depending factors that arise in determining the system performance (efficiency and output). Dust is the lesser acknowledged factor that significantly influences the performance of the PV installations. This paper provides an appraisal on the current status of research in studying the impact of dust on PV system performance and identifies challenges to further pertinent research. A framework to understand the various factors that govern the settling/assimilation of dust and likely mitigation measures have been discussed in this paper. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.