Jordanian postgrad makes his mark in renewable energy
Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:48:00 GMT
A passion for telecommunications technology moves Mahmoud Dhimish towards his PhD
MONITORING the efficiency of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, could achieve greater accuracy and usefulness thanks to the researches of high-achieving University of Huddersfield postgraduate student Mahmoud Dhimish (pictured right at his Graduation Ceremony).
He has been investigating the use of specialist software in conjunction with a wide range of technologies during a project that was a crucial element of his now-completed Master of Science degree in electronic and communication engineering. It was adjudged to be the best of its year in the University’s School of Computing and Engineering and Mahmoud’s exceptional marks earned him one of the coveted Chancellor’s Prizes that are awarded every year to the highest-scoring students throughout the University.
Mahmoud – now aged 24 – is from Jordan, where he studied for his Bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering. His Jordanian father is a mechanical engineer and his Russian mother a chemical engineer, but his passion for telecommunications technology meant that Mahmoud chose a different scientific route – and the University of Huddersfield had just the modules and the expert teaching staff he needed.
He was keen to investigate the use of wireless and wired technology for the transmission of data, and a key module in his MSc course enabled him to develop expertise in software named LabVIEW, which enables the user to build virtual control systems that link different forms of hardware.
He used LabVIEW, in conjunction with technologies such as Bluetooth and radio, to develop methods of monitoring solar panels and compile a statistical analysis of their performance.
Mahmoud is currently completing a journal article on his findings, authoring it with his supervisor, Dr Violeta Holmes, who is Subject Leader for Electronic and Electrical Engineering in the School. She now becomes Mahmoud’s PhD supervisor as he embarks on doctoral study that includes the development of monitoring systems for solar panels and wind turbines. He also aims to investigate the use of the Internet of Things as means of linking diverse technologies.
Delighted that he relocated to Huddersfield and the UK for his postgraduate study, Mahmoud aims for a future career in academic research and teaching. He has already done lab instruction work at the University.
Mahmoud attributes his consistently high marks to patience and the ability to focus closely on his teachers. He also thanks his parents for their support, and his wife Ghadeer, who herself has a degree in management and information systems. Still in Jordan, she too aims to come to the University of Huddersfield for Master’s study.
