Keeling Curve

Primary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

CertiTurb, a project within the Control and Optimization Lab at AUB, consists of developing advanced tools for certifying and optimizing wind turbine control systems. Leveraging Integral Quadratic Constraints (IQC) theory, it enhances turbine performance, durability, and reliability, addressing Lebanon's renewable energy needs.
By optimizing control strategies for varying wind conditions, CertiTurb reduces mechanical loads, extends turbine lifespan, and minimizes the carbon footprint. Focused on building local expertise, it supports Lebanon and the MENA region in advancing cost-effective, sustainable wind energy solutions.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Replaces/avoids GHGs (e.g., projects that replace sources of GHGs, such as the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, transport, or other energy uses)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

a.	The postdoctoral researcher working on this project is a young woman who not only is benefiting from acquiring valuable technical skills, but also from leadership experience in academia and the renewable energy sector. She received her PhD in robotics and automatic control from University of Montpellier in France. The project enables her to further pursue research activities in the field of control and automation, while being in her home LMIC country, Lebanon.
b.	Implementing wind turbines in Lebanon supports clean and sustainable energy solutions for a country highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
c.	The project's first case study targets the Akkar region in northern Lebanon. This is a traditionally impoverished rural region that will greatly benefit from the wind farm projects.
d.	Finally, this project engages Arab youth and university students by providing them with educational opportunities and hands-on training experience related to renewable energy and climate change mitigation. For example, Omar Farhat is a Lebanese youth who worked on this project for his master thesis, which allowed him to continue his PhD studies at Northeastern University in Boston. Currently, the project is also engaging 5 undergraduate students at AUB through the undergraduate University Research Volunteering Program (URVP).

Website:

https://www.aub.edu.lb/

Mission Statement:

The American University of Beirut (AUB) is an institution of higher learning founded to provide excellence in education, participate in the advancement of knowledge through research, and serve the peoples of the Middle East and beyond. AUB is based on the American liberal arts model of higher education.

Link: Twitter:

https://x.com/AndOptimization?s=20

Link: LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dany-abou-jaoude-79857b141/