PIONEERING INNOVATION
AT MASDAR CITY
RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
MASDAR CITY IS ON A JOURNEY TO BUILD THE WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT. DRIVEN BY
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES, PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF SMART DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AND BY
DEPLOYING PILOT PROJECTS, IT IS SHAPING A “GREENPRINT” FOR HOW CITIES CAN ACCOMMODATE DENSE POPULATIONS
AND REDUCE ENERGY, WATER AND WASTE. AT THE HEART OF MASDAR CITY IS THE MASDAR INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY, THE WORLD’S FIRST INDEPENDENT GRADUATE-LEVEL UNIVERSITY DEDICATED TO PROVIDING REALWORLD SOLUTIONS TO SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES. COMPANIES AT MASDAR CITY CAN CO-INNOVATE WITH THE
MASDAR INSTITUTE, WHICH ACTS AS AN INCUBATOR FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION, TO ACCELERATE BRINGING CLEAN
TECHNOLOGIES TO MARKET.
Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) for Masdar City Eco Villa
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is assessing the viability of a Smart Home Energy Management
System (SHEMS) to optimise energy use within homes. This research also seeks to determine how such a system
can be best integrated into buildings to enhance building occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption.
The system selected for the Masdar City Eco-Villa project will be tested and evaluated to make sure the SHEMS is
effectively integrated for the benefit of the building’s occupants and that intelligent control algorithms can yield actual
energy savings. Potential pilot or commercial projects include the adoption of one of more SHEMS for existing and
future buildings at Masdar City. Potential pilot or commercial projects include the adoption of one or more SHEMS for
existing and future buildings at Masdar City.
Assessment of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) for Indoor Comfort Control at Masdar City Eco-Villa
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) is a cooling and ventilation system that includes compressors and evaporators
connected to a single condenser. The aim of the technology is to provide highly energy-efficient cooling for villas with
high thermal comfort for occupants. To secure significant energy savings, Masdar and the Masdar Institute of Science
and Technology are modelling several VRF systems. The VRF system selected for the Masdar City Eco-Villa will be
modelled, tested and evaluated in order to provide insights into implementing highly efficient and comfort enhancing
cooling systems in villas.
Modelling of Microclimate in the Urban Environment and Mitigation of Heat Island Effect
Certain aspects of urban infrastructure such as building orientation and construction materials can cause a city’s temperature
to increase. This Urban Heat Island Effect can greatly increase energy consumption by requiring additional cooling, making it
a sustainability challenge. Masdar City, as a sustainable urban development, has been designed to reduce this effect, making
it an ideal site for modelling the local urban microclimate. Masdar and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology are
working together to study the impact of sustainable urban design on urban environments. The project has two main objectives:
to better understand the exact causes of the phenomenon, and to propose measures capable of reducing the effect. Through
better understanding the Urban Heat Island Effect, Masdar Institute researchers aim to quantify the costs and impact of possible
remedial measures designed to enhance outdoor comfort in cities. Current and future occupants of Masdar City are expected to
reap the benefits of these pilot initiatives that will help to realise longer outdoor seasons and a more temperate urban environment.
Modelling of Chilled Water Storage (CWS) for Effective Energy Control in Building at Masdar City
Masdar and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology are modelling scenarios to store cold water produced by existing
cooling systems within buildings. During peak usage, the cold water can be used to add more cooling power to a building.
This smart use of water can reduce peak-time electricity consumption and enable the use of smaller and lower cost cooling
systems. This in turn, can lead to significant cost-savings during high-usage periods, such as the hot summer months in Abu
Dhabi. The results of the project will support the final design and operation of the Masdar City district cooling plant. Future
reduced peak electricity consumption may yield additional cost savings for the City's occupants and building owners. From
June to September, Abu Dhabi charges higher peak electricity tariffs for industry between 10:00am and 10:00pm. With an
optimised design, Masdar City is preparing for a future of smart energy prices for all electricity consumers.
Feasibility of District Cooling Powered by Geothermal Energy for Masdar City
In district cooling chilled water is delivered and pumped through buildings to reduce environmental temperatures. This
makes it a fairly efficient method of supplying cooling to an urban environment. The vast majority of such systems, however,
use fossil fuel based electricity, which reduces their sustainability. To devise a more sustainable form of district cooling,
renewable energy, particularly geothermal energy, is being explored as an alternate power source. Masdar City has
developed geothermal wells at a depth of 2,500 metres to demonstrate geothermal applications. Masdar and the Masdar
Institute of Science and Technology are now investigating the technical feasibility and economic viability of using geothermal
energy for cooling purposes. Masdar City is considering a geothermal pilot project, which would be the first high profile
application of deep geothermal energy in the Middle East.
Research Centre for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment (ReCREMA)
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology’s ReCREMA is a one-of-a-kind real-time solar mapping tool producing
solar maps at 15 minute intervals. The generation of cost-effective solar power requires a deep understanding of the solar
resources locally available. Masdar Institute's Research Centre for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment (ReCREMA)
is providing this critical knowledge through specific and highly accurate solar assessments.
Advanced Cooling by Liquid Desiccant
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is currently developing advanced cooling solutions through separating
the cooling of the sensible and latent heat. The latter will be treated by a novel approach using liquid desiccants and the
integration with other innovatve components. The technology is expected to be piloted in Masdar City.
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TO ABU DHABI
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AND YAS ISLAND
11 10
5
7
3
1
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RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND PILOT
FACILITIES:
1
Masdar Solar Hub: Photovoltaic Test Centre
2
Masdar Solar Hub: CPV Testing Facility
3
Masdar Solar Hub: Masdar Institute Solar
Platform
4
Seawater Energy and Agriculture System
(SEAS) / Food and Biofuel
5
Electric Energy Storage Solutions Hub
6
Masdar City Eco-Villa Prototype
7
Smart Home Energy Management System
(SHEMS)
8
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) System
9
Masdar City Construction Waste Management
4
2
9
10 Masdar Institute for Science and Technology
Field Station
11 Feasibility of District Cooling powered by
Geothermal Energy for Masdar City
Masdar Institute
• Assessment of Variable Refrigerant
Flow (VRF) for Indoor Comfort Control at
Masdar City Eco Villa
• Modelling of Microclimate in the Urban
Environment and Mitigation of Heat
Island Effect
• Modelling of Chilled Water Storage (CWS)
for Effective Energy Control in Buildings
• Research Centre for Renewable Energy
Mapping and Assessment (ReCREMA)
• Advanced Cooling by Liquid Desiccant
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LIGHT RAIL
TRANSIT TO
DOWNTOWN
ABU DHABI
GROUP RAPID TRANSIT (GRT)
PERSONAL RAPID TRANSIT (PRT)
PERSONAL RAPID TRANSIT (PRT) EXTN
PUBLIC BUS ROUTES
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT
AND PILOT FACILITIES
Masdar Solar Hub
The Masdar Solar Hub aims to become a globally recognised centre of excellence in the areas of photovoltaic (PV) and
solar thermal energy technologies. The Masdar Solar Hub is jointly managed by Masdar and the Masdar Institute of
Science and Technology. It fills a crucial gap in the technological development and demonstration of innovative solar
energy systems.
Masdar Solar Hub: Photovoltaic Test Centre
The Photovoltaic Test Centre, operated by Masdar in collaboration with Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and
TÜV Rheinland, provides independent and accurate measurement of the performance, reliability and durability of PV
modules, the coatings of PV modules, and other PV related equipment. Activities include: energy yield testing, long-term
outdoor exposure testing, soiling analysis, coating evaluation, and the research, development and analysis of PV modules
and equipment. The Photovoltaic Test Centre opens its doors to industry partners seeking to use its knowledge base and
facilities.
Masdar Solar Hub: CPV Testing Facility
A joint initiative of Masdar and the Spanish research organisation Instituto de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos de Concentración
(ISFOC), the Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) test facility allows the testing of CPV systems in Abu Dhabi’s desert climate
conditions. Testing of these systems allows the study of the effects of dust, elevated ambient temperature and haze on
energy output. Data obtained from this facility will be relevant for the design of future CPV technology used in the UAE and
the deployment of CPV technology in the wider Middle East.
Masdar Solar Hub: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Solar Platform
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Solar Platform (MISP) seeks to position Abu Dhabi as a leader in innovative
solar energy solutions. It features a unique Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) test facility that uses a 'beamdown' tower to
reflect sunlight twice, once from the rings of heliostats to the central tower and once from the tower down to a collection
platform at the system's base. Scientists can focus the sunlight on a very small area and produce concentrated solar energy
with a temperature of up to 1,100 degrees Celsius. The 'beamdown' and other systems at MISP enable Masdar Institute
to research, develop, test and demonstrate solar thermal energy and storage solutions. In the coming years the Masdar
Institute Solar Platform will continue to pursue its primary objectives through collaborative projects to test and develop
concentrated solar power CSP technologies and thermal energy storage (TES) systems. The platform will be leveraged to
develop technologies that decrease the cost of CSP and TES in order to facilitate economic integration with local as well as
international energy systems.
Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS)
The Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) research facility is an initiative of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research
Consortium (SBRC). It aims to support the Middle East’s first commercially-viable domestic aviation biofuel industry and
contribute new and innovative ways for the UAE to boost its agricultural production while balancing its interlinked water,
food and energy needs. SEAS uses seawater to raise fish and shrimp for food, whose nutrient-rich wastewater is then used
to fertilise oil-rich and saltwater-tolerant salicornia plants. Salicornia is later harvested to produce aviation biofuel and
biochemicals. In the last step of the system, wastewater is diverted to a cultivated mangrove forest, which naturally filters
the water while removing carbon from the atmosphere before the naturally treated water is discharged back into the sea. The
SBRC was established by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, together with Etihad Airways, Boeing and Honeywell
UOP, as its founding members. Takreer - the Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company, Safran and GE Aviation have since joined the
research group.
Electric Energy Storage Solutions Hub
Most renewable energy sources are subject to natural phenomena that can disrupt electricity supply. Storing produced
electricity for seconds, minutes, hours or days enhances the effectiveness of renewable energy by offering flexibility and
continuity of power supply. Masdar has already started using electricity storage in some of its projects. In response to
global interest, Masdar and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology are now designing and developing an Electric
Energy Storage Hub in Masdar City to further advance energy storage technology and enable cost-effective energy storage
solutions. The Hub will combine an outdoor test stand with indoor laboratories to develop and refine research into electric
energy innovations in partnership with industry. The test stand will also enable the real-time simulation of various micro
grid scenarios, inviting industry and researchers to utilise it to optimise their inventions and ensure the feasibility of their
application to real-world usage.
Masdar City Eco-Villa Prototype
The Masdar City Eco-Villa project reflects the vision of the UAE's leadership to create sustainable Emirati housing projects to
suit the lifestyle options of the future. Masdar City will be the location for a prototype net zero energy villa using photovoltaic
(PV) energy. The 4 bedroom Emirati family villa with two outdoor areas will cover a total plot area of 900 sq m with a gross
floor area of 405 sq m. Various options for the external shell construction are being studied prior to final selection, and
thorough research is being carried out to identify the most suitable and sustainable interior design applications. The Masdar
City Eco-Villa will serve as a testing and demonstration prototype for advanced sustainable home appliances, technology,
and materials. It is hoped that the villa will achieve a minimum 3 pearl Estidama rating.
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) System
Masdar City’s unique Personal Raid Transit (PRT) system provides safe, clean, driverless transportation between the Northern
Car Park and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology campus. The system serves as a pilot for future urban transport
solutions and has been in operation since 2010. It has recorded steadily growing usage, including a 15% increase in passenger
traffic in 2015 alone. The system is to undergo an expansion to connect the Masdar Institute campus with the Masdar City
centre, including the International Renewable Energy Agency HQ, community mall, hotel and office complex.
Masdar City Construction Waste Management
Construction Waste Management at Masdar City continues to work towards minimising waste by reusing and recycling all
waste steel, concrete and wood. For this reason, the majority of Masdar City construction waste is taken by contractors to
the onsite Material Recycling Centre (MRC), where it is then separated. Wood is stockpiled for reuse or processed in a wood
chipper to supply landscaped areas. Steel, other metals and plastics are collected and sent offsite for recycling. Concrete
waste is ground down for reuse in construction. As Masdar continues to expand, the Construction Waste Management
programme will receive construction waste material from other construction projects.
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Field Station
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology Field Station is a stand-alone building with advanced cooling and daylighting systems, among other features. It will soon be fitted with building-integrated photovoltaic panels. The building's
cooling plan consists of a water chiller and a double enthalpy wheel air-handling system. It relies on radiant floor cooling
technology to address the sensible portion of the cooling load. The prototype day-lighting system is active and relies on two
sun-tracking daylight collectors on the roof for collecting daytime sunlight. The Field Station is scheduled to serve as a pilot
for microgrids, cool storage, ventilation air-conditioning by liquid desiccants, in-building direct current supply and a zero
ozone depleting chiller based on ammonia.
Masdar City’s Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system uses
solar-powered electromagnetics to enable driverless cars to
navigate the City and link to the future Metro station.
Masdar City
PO Box 54115, Abu Dhabi, UAE
800 MASDAR (627327)
[email protected]
www.masdar.ae