In alignment with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s vision to promote innovation in clean energy, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Baghdad held a PhD defense on Sunday, November 3, 2024, for student Asaad Ali Dhulmad. His dissertation, titled “Energy Generation from Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Structure Using Piezoelectric Materials,” explores a novel approach to sustainable energy generation.

The defense committee was chaired by University President Prof. Dr. Bahaa Ibrahim Ensaf and included Prof. Dr. Fathi Abdul Sahib, Assist. Prof. Dr. Walid Khalid Khairy, Assist. Prof. Dr. Karim Hassan Ali, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Zainab Shakir Radhif from the University of Kufa, under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Thaer Jabbar Antish.

The study focused on designing an innovative structure to generate electrical energy from vibrations using piezoelectric material integrated into a vertical axis wind turbine, aiming to enhance energy generation efficiency. Findings revealed that placing piezoelectric materials at the turbine structure’s end yields optimal energy production, with recommendations to increase vibrations by adjusting blade rotation speed.

Notably, the researcher published four papers indexed in Scopus within Q2 journals, underscoring the academic quality of his research in renewable energy. At the conclusion of the defense, the committee awarded the candidate a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, commending his pioneering research and the significance of his findings in supporting energy sustainability, aligning with the goals of the university and the ministry.