Department of Mechanical Engineering Discusses PhD Dissertation on Hybrid Heating Systems for Building Applications

A PhD dissertation titled "Performance Study of Hybrid Heating Systems for Utilization in Residential Building Applications" was discussed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology. The research, conducted by the doctoral candidate Ghazwan Atiyah Mohammed, investigates the integration of a flat-plate solar collector with an air-source heat pump for water heating. The heated water is stored in a tank and circulated through fan coil units to provide space heating. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are installed to supply electricity to the system, reducing reliance on grid energy and leveraging solar energy.

The study was conducted both experimentally and theoretically, considering the climatic conditions of Mosul, Iraq (36.3489°N, 43.1577°E).

The dissertation was reviewed by the following committee members:

• Prof. Dr. Essam Mohammed Ali (Chair) – University of Baghdad, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayad Mahmoud Salman – University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ammar Saadoun Abdul-Zahra – University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basim Hamid Aboud – Al-Mustansiriya University, Mechanical Engineering Department
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhad Abdul-Hamid Rasheed – University of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abd Mohammed (Supervisor) – Retired
• Prof. Dr. Abdulhadi Naimah Khalifa (Supervisor) – Middle Technical University, College of Technical Engineering

The dissertation’s findings emphasize the potential of hybrid systems in reducing energy consumption for residential heating by combining renewable technologies. The results show that the proposed hybrid system can be a sustainable solution, particularly in regions with similar climatic conditions to Mosul.

The candidate was awarded a "Very Good" grade for the dissertation, highlighting the academic significance and innovative approach of the research.