King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

About: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is a education organization based out in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Adsorption. The organization has 7603 authors who have published 24030 publications receiving 443803 citations. The organization is also known as: College of Petroleum and Minerals.

Explaining consumers’ willingness to be environmentally friendly

Abstract: Theoretical and empirical evidence from the environmental psychology and related literatures are used to develop a model for explaining consumers’ willingness to perform environmentally friendly behaviour. Environmental concern and perceived psychological consequences of environmentally friendly behaviour are posited as key determinants of willingness. Hypothesized antecedents of these are also included in the model, which is tested using structural equation modelling on data from a sample of 232 consumers collected in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the key determinant of willingness is perceived psychological consequences, which in turn is significantly determined by past behaviour. A hypothesized effect of environmental concern on willingness is not significant, although concern is itself significantly determined by perceived psychological consequences. Other positive determinants of concern are environmental knowledge and perceived seriousness of threats to the global environment. Substantive and methodological implications of the findings are outlined and discussed.

Recent advances in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract: Solar energy is an abundant and accessible source of renewable energy available on earth, and many types of photovoltaic (PV) devices like organic, inorganic, and hybrid cells have been developed to harness the energy. PV cells directly convert solar radiation into electricity without affecting the environment. Although silicon based solar cells (inorganic cells) are widely used because of their high efficiency, they are rigid and manufacturing costs are high. Researchers have focused on organic solar cells to overcome these disadvantages. DSSCs comprise a sensitized semiconductor (photoelectrode) and a catalytic electrode (counter electrode) with an electrolyte sandwiched between them and their efficiency depends on many factors. The maximum electrical conversion efficiency of DSSCs attained so far is 11.1%, which is still low for commercial applications. This review examines the working principle, factors affecting the efficiency, and key challenges facing DSSCs.

Coordinating Vehicle-to-Grid Services With Energy Trading

Abstract: Energy trading in day-ahead electricity markets can be highly risky, especially for entities with considerable stochastic energy penetration. This is because of the uncertain energy prices, balancing prices, stochastic energy availability, and demand. In this work, coordinating unidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services with energy trading is proposed to mitigate these trading risks. This coordination is possible due to the recent advances in smart grid technologies. The case of a load-serving entity (LSE) that owns thermal and wind plants, and is obligated to serve a load with a significant number of electric vehicles (EVs) is investigated. The problem of energy trading in coordination with V2G services is formulated as a mixed-integer stochastic linear program. The objective is to maximize the LSE's profits while maintaining its risks within acceptable levels. The conditional value at risk is used as a risk control measure. A case study that compares coordinated vs. uncoordinated EV charging is presented. The simulation results demonstrate the benefits of coordinating V2G services with other generation assets for the LSE and the EV owners as well as the impact of this coordination on the environment.