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Towards Energy Sustainability in University Campuses: A Case Study of Beirut Arab University

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamad Tarnini

    (ECE Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon)

  • Mohammad Alsayed

    (ECE Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon)

  • Abdallah El Ghaly

    (ECE Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon)

  • Khaled Chahine

    (College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait)

Abstract

Lebanon has been suffering from severe challenges in its electric sector for decades owing to chronic supply shortages and faults in its aging power grid infrastructure. The deplorable situation of the Lebanese electric sector has been made worse by the economic meltdown that started in 2019, which eventually led to total power blackouts across the country. In this paper, we present a case study on the design and implementation of a solar microgrid system for Beirut Arab University, Lebanon. As a first step, simulation software for a microgrid and a distributed generation power system is used to compare different design scenarios. Considering the available installation area and the fact that the greatest demand occurs during the daytime, when both the educational and managerial facilities are running, it is found that a 500-kW photovoltaic system tied to the university’s already present diesel generators is the optimal solution in terms of return on investment. The second step details the actual implementation of the system in the Beirut campus and the evaluation of the system’s performance in terms of diesel cost savings and emissions reduction. We expect that the results of this case study will encourage other institutions and communities to adopt sustainable and renewable energy sources.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamad Tarnini & Mohammad Alsayed & Abdallah El Ghaly & Khaled Chahine, 2023. "Towards Energy Sustainability in University Campuses: A Case Study of Beirut Arab University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7695-:d:1141672
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tully, Stephen, 2006. "The Human Right to Access Electricity," The Electricity Journal, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 30-39, April.
    2. Tae Yong Jung & Donghun Kim & Jongwoo Moon & SeoKyung Lim, 2018. "A Scenario Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic Grid Parity in the Maldives: The Case of Malahini Resort," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-14, November.
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