Administrative Divisions Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research Center
As part of its ongoing efforts to support applied research and student-led initiatives, Al-mustaqbal Energy Research Center at Al-Mustaqbal University is actively supervising a graduation project for fourth-year students from the Power Mechanics Department, under the guidance of Mr. Hamid Baqir. The project, entitled: “Assessment of Bifacial Solar Panel Performance in Urban Environment”, focuses on evaluating the performance of bifacial solar panels when installed in urban settings, analyzing the factors that affect their efficiency compared to conventional single-sided panels. The study examines the impact of reflective surfaces such as buildings, roads, and open areas on the energy yield of bifacial panels, as well as the influence of installation angles, mounting height, and surface properties. The project combines both experimental measurements and numerical simulations to assess power output and conversion efficiency under varying operating conditions. Almustaqbal Energy Research Center provided the students with comprehensive support, including access to laboratories, measurement systems, and research tools, as well as continuous academic guidance on design, data collection, and analysis. Students are also encouraged to apply the findings to real-world urban solar energy applications, enhancing the practical relevance of their work. Mr. Hamid Baqir highlighted the significance of this project in expanding the use of bifacial solar technologies in cities, noting that these panels offer a promising solution for maximizing energy generation without requiring additional space—a crucial factor for densely populated urban areas. This project supervision aligns with the mission of the Center for Renewable Energy Research to foster innovation, promote applied student research, and prepare qualified engineering graduates capable of contributing to sustainable energy solutions, in line with Al-Mustaqbal University’s vision for scientific advancement and community development.
As part of its continuous support for applied scientific research and the development of engineering education outcomes, AL-mustaqbal Energy Research Centerat Al-Mustaqbal University is actively monitoring and supervising graduation projects of fourth-year students from the Power Mechanics Department, under the supervision of Mr. Hamid Baqir. In this context, the center is overseeing a graduation project entitled: “Enhancing Performance: Savonius Wind Turbine with Instantaneous Blades Flipping”, which focuses on improving the performance of Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbines through the application of an instantaneous blade-flipping technique, aiming to enhance efficiency and maximize energy extraction, particularly under low wind speed conditions. The project seeks to analyze the dynamic behavior of the turbine before and after implementing the blade-flipping mechanism, and to evaluate its impact on torque, power output, and overall efficiency. It also involves the design and development of engineering models, performance simulations using advanced analytical tools, and experimental testing to validate the obtained results against conventional turbine designs. The Center has provided comprehensive scientific and technical support to the students by granting access to laboratories, experimental equipment, and research facilities, in addition to continuous academic guidance in the areas of design, analysis, and performance evaluation. This support aims to elevate the scientific quality of the project and ensure meaningful research outcomes with practical relevance. Mr. Hamid Baqir, the project supervisor, emphasized that this study represents an important step toward the development of vertical axis wind turbine technologies, especially for regions characterized by low and variable wind speeds. He also highlighted the role of such graduation projects in strengthening students’ research skills, fostering innovation, and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. This follow-up reflects the commitment of the Future Center for Renewable Energy Research to supporting student-led research initiatives, promoting innovation in renewable energy technologies, and preparing qualified engineering graduates capable of contributing to sustainable energy solutions, in line with the vision of Al-Mustaqbal University.
Under the patronage of the University President and the supervision of the Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies, Dr. Azhar Mohsen, the Power Mechanics Department – Renewable Energy Branch, in cooperation with the Energy Research Center, organized a scientific field visit to Al Bilal Solar Energy Company in the holy province of Karbala as part of the academic activities for third-stage students. A group of students, accompanied by the teaching staff, participated in the visit with the aim of enhancing their practical skills by observing real large-scale solar projects connected to the national grid. Al Bilal Company welcomed the university delegation and guided them on a field tour through the project sites, where students learned about the design, installation, and operation mechanisms of utility-scale solar systems, as well as the technologies used for productivity analysis, power regulation, and grid integration. Al Bilal Solar Energy Company is considered one of the leading firms in renewable energy projects in Iraq and is part of Al Bilal Group, specialized in infrastructure and energy projects. The company is currently supervising one of the largest solar power projects in the country, with a total design capacity of 525 MW, distributed over two phases: 300 MW in Karbala and 225 MW in Babil. The first phase included the installation of approximately 39,000 solar panels over an area exceeding 4,000 dunams. The project aims to support the national grid, reduce fossil fuel consumption during peak hours, lower harmful emissions, and reinforce Iraq’s direction toward clean energy investment. It is the first major solar power plant to feed electricity directly into the national grid, with an approved feed-in tariff of 3.95 cents per kilowatt-hour. This visit comes as part of the department’s plan to strengthen practical training and link academic knowledge to real-world applications, helping prepare engineers capable of contributing to future clean energy projects and providing students with direct interaction with technical expertise in this vital sector.
Launch of the Practical Training Course on Industrial Control Using PLC and HMI Systems at Al-Mustaqbal Energy Researchc Center Today marked the official launch of the specialized training course on Modern Industrial Control using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems, held at the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research. The course brings together engineers, researchers, postgraduate students, and professionals interested in industrial automation and intelligent control technologies. The program aims to equip participants with the essential skills required to work with PLC units, program them, and diagnose system faults within industrial automation projects. The course also focuses on enhancing participants’ capabilities to apply these technologies effectively in the labor market, supporting their professional development in engineering and industrial fields. The training features an integrated theoretical and practical curriculum, specially designed to match the advanced level of participants and provide a deep understanding of modern control systems, industrial applications, and real-world automation solutions. The course is delivered by a distinguished group of experts and academic lecturers, including: Dr. Eng. Hassan Muwaffaq Ghani – Al-Mustaqbal University, College of Engineering Technologies, Electrical Engineering Dr. Eng. Hilal Abdul Hussein Aboud, University of Babylon, College of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering Dr. Eng. Alaa Omran Moussa – University of Babylon, Department of Biomedical Engineering The training will continue for one week and includes hands-on sessions inside the center’s specialized laboratories, allowing participants to work on real industrial systems, implement mini-projects, and practice fault diagnosis and system analysis to improve overall control performance. Upon completion, participants who meet the course requirements will receive an accredited certificate issued by: Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research College of Engineering Technologies – Al-Mustaqbal University Center for Continuing Education – Al-Mustaqbal University This course reflects the center’s ongoing commitment to enhancing technical training, supporting engineering competencies, and preparing specialists to meet the growing demands of the labor market and the rapid advancements in modern industrial control technologies.
The Department of Power Mechanics Engineering Technologies at the College of Engineering Technologies – Al-Mustaqbal University, and under the supervision of the Almustaqbal Energy Research center Center organized an extensive practical training session for third- and fourth-year students focusing on the real-world implementation of solar energy systems. As part of the hands-on training, students were taken to the rooftop installation site of an under-construction building, where instructors provided a detailed explanation of how to determine the optimal tilt angle and proper orientation of solar panels to achieve maximum efficiency. The session also addressed essential site-assessment techniques, including evaluating shading, tilt adjustments, azimuth selection, spacing between modules, and all environmental factors that affect system performance. The training further covered step-by-step procedures for the mechanical and electrical installation of photovoltaic systems, including mounting structures, panel alignment, safety requirements, system configuration, performance calculations, and best practices for field implementation. This activity is part of the department’s training strategy to strengthen students’ practical skills, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, and prepare qualified engineering graduates capable of working professionally in the growing renewable energy sector.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic communication and scientific cooperation, a delegation of faculty members from Al-Musayyib College of Engineering visited the College of Engineering Technologies at Al-Mustaqbal University on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The delegation—which included professors from the Department of Energy and Renewable Energies along with a group of postgraduate students—was welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies, Prof. Dr. Salwan Ubaid Waheed, Director of the Energy Research Center, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Ammar Kazem Fathi, Head of the Department of Fuel and Energy. Discussions between the two parties focused on mechanisms for establishing mutual academic cooperation aimed at serving both academic institutions. The dialogue covered potential support that the College of Engineering Technologies and the Energy Research Center at Al-Mustaqbal University could offer to postgraduate students from Al-Musayyib College of Engineering, in addition to organizing and hosting joint workshops, seminars, scientific conferences, and exhibitions for student projects. The visit also included an inspection tour of several laboratories within the college as well as the Energy Research Center. During the tour, the delegation observed the modern laboratory equipment available, which can be utilized by postgraduate students from Al-Musayyib College of Engineering in conducting and developing their specialized research projects. This visit aligns with Al-Mustaqbal University’s strategy of expanding collaboration with other Iraqi universities and supporting academic engagement in order to advance the level of scientific research across the country.
Dr. Salwan Obaid Waheed, the Director of Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research centre at Al-Mustaqbal University, held an extended meeting with the center’s team members, including MSc. Hameed Baqir Karaji, Ms. Israa Mohammed, and Ms. Rusul. The meeting aimed to organize the upcoming activities, distribute responsibilities, and review the implementation plan for the center’s future projects. During the meeting, several key topics were discussed, including ways to improve teamwork, enhance research performance, and ensure effective coordination among staff members. The team also reviewed the strategic plan of the center, which focuses on supporting renewable energy research projects and strengthening the link between academic study and practical application in the field of clean energy. Dr. Salwan emphasized the importance of team spirit, commitment, and innovation, noting that the coming period will witness an expansion in research activities related to solar and wind energy, in line with Al-Mustaqbal University’s vision of promoting sustainability and scientific excellence. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to implement the action plan according to schedule and to present new ideas that enhance the center’s role in serving both the university and the community through sustainable energy solutions.
Third-year students from the Mechanical Power Engineering Department – Renewable Energy Branch conducted an experiment on the effect of distance on the efficiency of solar cells in the Renewable Energy Laboratory at the Energy Research Center of Al-Mustaqbal University. The experiment aimed to investigate the relationship between light intensity and the distance between the light source (halogen lamp) and the solar cell, as well as its impact on the efficiency of converting light energy into electrical energy. Students used a solar power training system capable of providing high-precision measurements, along with solar cells, two 600-watt halogen lamps, and digital devices for measuring voltage and current. The collected data was analyzed to determine the input power (Pin), output power (Pout), and consequently the solar cell efficiency at various distances. This experiment is part of a series of practical activities organized by the Renewable Energy Research Center, aiming to enhance students’ hands-on skills, bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications in solar energy systems, and promote research and innovation in the field of clean and sustainable energy.