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This paper analyzes, assesses, and compares the failures and performance of various PV module types deployed at six PV installations located in different regions of northern Algeria, under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Qualitative data has been considered by selecting the best and worst-performing PV module samples for each of the six PV module types, along with other PV samples exhibiting specific permanent failures. Subsequently, the following IEC 61215 inspections were conducted: visual failures inspection, electrical performance inspection, thermal failures inspection, and insulation failures inspection. The results of these failure inspections indicate that different types of PV modules exhibit varying performance. Interestingly, the disparities are more pronounced between the PV module types than among the PV module samples within the same PV module type. This gap is at least ten times higher in terms of yearly degradation rates. However, some of the PV module types with high failure occurrence, severity, and exposure duration exhibit high performance compared to other types that have low failure occurrence, severity, and exposure duration. Meanwhile, there is no obvious and clear correlation between the different PV inspections, especially for PV module types. Thus, our analysis of the obtained results leads us to conclude that the significant disparity in failures and performance among the tested PV module types is primarily attributable to differences in their quality rather than the influence of local climate conditions or working conditions. Out of the six PV module types, only one will meet the 25-year warranty provided by the manufacturer, providing valuable insights into the prevalence of poor-quality PV modules in PV installations and those available in Algeria. Finally, a list of recommended solutions has been proposed to the Algerian government and other countries facing similar challenges to integrate into their national infrastructures and frameworks (quality, technical, qualification, and policies). These solutions aim to ensure the high quality, performance, and long lifespan of PV modules and PV installations. • Failures and performance of PV module types in Mediterranean climate, northern Algeria. • Failures inspections for selected PV modules samples according to IEC 61215. • Developing PV parameter curves for comparison. • Correlation between PV modules failures and their quality. • Recommendation for PV module quality assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Space-based study of the F2-ionospheric anomalies before the 2008 M5.5 Oran quake. • Exclude ionospheric anomalies caused by external sources (space weather conditions). • Upper atmosphere modeling allowed us to detect Preseismic ionospheric abnormalities. The ionospheric anomalies observed before any notable earthquake have become the subject of predictive research in the field of seismo-ionospheric coupling and/or Solid Earth-Atmosphere. In this paper, the concept of ionospheric modeling has been applied using total electronic content (TEC); derived from dual-frequency GPS recordings from about sixty permanent geodetic stations. The study and the analysis of the anomalous TEC variations, quantifiable on a regional scale, allowed us to detect the principal precursors of the M w 5.5 earthquake that hit Oran on June 06th, 2008. The envisaged analytical approach is based principally on the time delays estimation relating to the seismic responses from the triggering (lithospheric seismic source) until their recording in data Rinex (GPS_IGS stations) through the reflection system of the electromagnetic waves on the ionospheric level (F2-layer). Indeed, in term of location, the longitude-latitude coordinates of the Oran event epicenter (0.658°W, 35.883°N) affecting the coastal margin of Western Algeria without too much material damage. Although the magnitude of this earthquake is qualified moderate (M w 5.5, seismic intensity scale V-VI), one can observe apparent disturbances in the terrestrial electromagnetic spectrum associated with ionospheric TEC variations. In the domain of geodetic data analysis, we have noted a significant increase in the ionospheric TEC, which announces the arrival of a seismic precursor several days before the main studied event. Against this background, we emphasize that any seismic event, of significant magnitude, often carries information associated with other variants involved in the package of earthquake studied. Among these variants we evoke the effect of the magnetic field and the effect of the surrounding environment, etc. As for the specific behavior of the GPS_TEC signal, obtained from the Rinex data, and its interaction with the associated seismic activity, we highlight the existence of a spectral conformity between the geomagnetic field and that of the TEC content (spontaneous polarization of the TEC). Finally, we have just confirmed the effectiveness of this forecasting approach which relates the seismo-ionospheric precursors that are embedded in the physical trace of the electromagnetic signal relative to significant and/or moderate earthquakes (M ≥ 5); such as the envisaged case of the 2008 Oran event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper introduces a new multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM) based approach to improve daily rainfall estimation from the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) data. In this study, the precipitation is first detected and classified into convective and stratiform rain by two MLP models, and then four multi-class SVM algorithms were used for daily rainfall estimation. Relevant spectral and textural input features of the developed algorithms were derived from the spectral MSG SEVIRI radiometer channels. The models were trained using radar rainfall data set colected over north Algeria. Validation of the proposed daily rainfall estimation technique was performed by rain gauge network data set recorded over north Algeria. Thus, several statistical scores were calculated, such as correlation coefficient (r), root mean square error (RMSE), mean error (Bias), and mean absolute error (MAE). The findings given by: (r = 0.97, bias = 0.31 mm, RMSE = 2.20 mm and MAE = 1.07 mm), showed a quite satisfactory relationship between the estimation and the respective observed daily precipitation. Moreover, the comparison of the results with those of two advanced techniques based on random forests (RF) and weighted 'k' nearest neighbor (WkNN) showed higher accuracy obtained by the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the control system of the first Algerian microsatellite in orbit Alsat-1 is presented. Alsat-1 is a 3-axis stabilised microsatellite, using a pitch momentum wheel and yaw reaction wheel, with dual redundant 3-axis magnetorquers. A gravity gradient boom is employed to provide a high degree of platform stability. Two vector magnetometers and four dual sun sensors are carried in order to determine the attitude. This paper examines the low Earth orbit (LEO) control system requirements and design in the context of a real system, the Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) advanced microsatellite platform and puts forward designs for the control system to match the advanced capability of the enhanced microsatellite platform. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the implementation. Comparison with in orbit results is presented to evaluate the performance of the control system during accurate Nadir pointing control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Selection of the main steam turbine operating parameter for sensors. • Construction of fault trees for the turbine operating parameters. • Learning an artificial neural network (ANN) using the turbine operating parameters. • Testing the ability of the ANN to detect the causes of the failure using various scenarios. The Cap-Djinet thermal power plant is a 1872-megawatt (MW) gas power plant located in Djinet in Algeria. The steam turbine is an important strategic machine in this plant. A malfunction of the turbine can generate a high maintenance and production cost due to the classical diagnosis method based on conditional maintenance. The important amount of information given by the different sensors keeps the diagnosis operation more difficult; it takes more time to be effective, resulting in an additional cost for failures. The present paper emphasises a new professional approach capable of diagnosing the different failures in real time. This approach is based on the combination of the Fault Tree (FT) method and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method. Only six failure modes have been considered in this study. Each theme has been represented by an integrated turbine sensor. The FT is used to model all the probable causes of the different failure modes. On the other hand, ANN is used to accelerate the diagnosis procedure by learning all the possible combinations of failures given by FT analysis. The ANN was tested using different failure scenarios. The learning and testing results were successfully completed and the proposed ANN was able to detect the failures. This proposed method can help the maintenance agent to find fastly, in real-time, the probable failure of the steam turbine. The precision and accuracy of this method have been validated using a one-hundred simulation test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the study on 233 Wp HIT PV module characteristics that defines its performance and operation. The chosen HIT PV module is exposed to outdoor conditions at Saida City of Algeria. The module is tested in high irradiance and low irradiance situations that were recorded over a specific year. Based on the monitored data in these two situations, its performance characteristics were evaluated and compared with standard test condition parameters. From the results it is observed that, irradiance variation effects the HIT PV module characteristics. The variation in maximum power extracted, efficiency, and fill factor were observed. Apart from this weather parameters like ambient temperature, module temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity had also influenced the performance characteristics of HIT PV module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on energy performance of an earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) for buildings in Maghreb climatic context (Oran, Bechar and Adrar cities in Algeria). In order to check the influence of the material, two air conducts (one of galvanized sheet metal and the other in polyvinyl chloride–PVC) are considered under the same geometric conditions (a 20 m conduct length, 120 mm diameter and 2 m burial depth). They are used separately for the ventilation in simple current flow of two adjoining rooms constituting a test cell located at the university campus IGCMO-USTOMB (Oran, Algeria). An experimental device has been set up to measure the temperature at different points (air inlet/outlet air duct). Measurements were run in August 2015, and the monitoring of both exchangers allowed us to evaluate their cooling performance: 35.41% for the Zinc pipe and 58.42% for the PVC pipe. Experimental results were compared to those obtained from the simulation (under the Trnsys 16) and a fair similarity is obtained. In order to optimize the energy performance of the exchanger (EAHE), numerical simulations are carried out by varying different parameters: climate, burial depth, length and diameter of the duct. Other simulations have shown that the energy supplied by the cooling exchanger (EAHE) is more significant in the south of the country (Adrar and Bechar) than in the north (Oran). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of thermal anomaly prior to earthquake events has been widely confirmed by researchers over the past decade. One of the popular approaches for anomaly detection is the Robust Satellite Approach (RST). In this paper, we use this method on a collection of six years of MODIS satellite data, representing land surface temperature (LST) images to predict 21st May 2003 Boumerdes Algeria earthquake. The thermal anomalies results were compared with the ambient temperature variation measured in three meteorological stations of Algerian National Office of Meteorology (ONM) (DELLYS-AFIR, TIZI-OUZOU, and DAR-EL-BEIDA). The results confirm the importance of RST as an approach highly effective for monitoring the earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia ficus indica (L.) is interesting; it is used as forage, medicinal plant and as food (sweet fruits). Moreover, the cacti involve the CAM photosynthetic pathway which allows great water-use efficiency. In Algeria, despite their vegetative propagation, the wild accessions of this species showed significant diversity. In order to evaluate this diversity, 20 accessions of O. ficus indica L. were collected from different bioclimatic localities in Algeria. Morphological characterization of these accessions was performed. Thirty one qualitative and quantitative morphological features of six cladodes per accession were studied (measured or observed), then subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the principal component analysis (PCA) and the factorial correspondence analysis (FCA). The factorial analysis of the qualitative features separates the accessions into two forms (spiny and spineless). The bioclimatic effect on these features was negligible. However, ANOVA and PCA analysis of quantitative features allowed detecting a significant diversity within and between accessions. Spiny forms showed high variation in comparison to spineless forms; thus, under bioclimatic effect, three spiny groups were illustrated. This illustration allowed detecting a gradual variation of the following features: aptitude and length of spine, number of spine per areole, number of areole per face and cladode width. A significant correlation was found between these features and the classical Emberger's pluviometric quotient (Q 2 ). The results presented in this paper confirmed our hypothesis about the existence of a gradual variation of the spines and areoles traits, which seems to be a response to the bioclimatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation is a renewable non polluting energy source which can be used in buildings through various systems technologies. Thermal radiation, absorbed or transmitted by the walls and windows, creates a solar gain which has a direct impact on the thermal behavior in the building. Most existing thermal models neglect the effect of the evolution of the sun patch position on the heating floor which can have a great impact on the indoor thermal comfort. In this paper, we present numerical model to calculate the transient sun patch position and its influence on the heating floor model in order to evaluate its impact on the heating floor operating conditions and on the indoor air temperature, which has a great influence on thermal comfort under the climatic conditions of Oran city in Algeria. The sun patch is calculated using Ray Tracing model as proposed in FLUENT whereas the room and the heating floor are modelled with TRNSYS software. Using literature data, the two proposed models (sun patch model and heating floor model) are validated and used to simulate the cases with different geographic locations and different window orientations, surfaces, and positions. Our results suggest that the displacement of the sun patch on the heating floor lead to a superheating of the irradiated zone and it affects the indoor air temperature and thermal comfort too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of masonry buildings with heritage values is certain – the investments in making such buildings energy-efficient during renovations to meet the energy consumption requirements will increase over the next decade. However, decision makers fail to address the concerns of each project actor and give specific answers on how basic requirements on such historical buildings can be implemented. This paper proposes a new multi-criteria group decision-making method for the thermal renovation of masonry buildings. The aim of the proposed method is to rank different renovation solutions. The method uses; the structured group interaction method Delphi to define the evaluation criteria and the thermal renovations solutions, Swing method to facilitate the process of the determination of the criteria weights, the group decision support system (PROMETHEE GDSS) to reach a global ranking of the renovations solutions, PROMETHEE V to introduce additional constraints, as well as the Graphical Analysis for Interactive Aid (GAIA) analysis to get a better understanding of conflicts and similarities between the criteria and among the decision makers. We proceed to exemplify by means of a real-life case project in Algeria and offer suggestions on what front-ended stakeholders could do to reduce the energy consumption in masonry buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, it is well recognized at the international level that the building sector is one of the biggest energy consumers, which made the intervention in this sector the greatest potential for energy consumption reduction and greenhouse emissions mitigation. In Algeria, building sector is responsible of more than 40% of the final energy consumption. Solar energy systems integrated in buildings can be an important solution to this dual problem. The aim of this paper is to estimate the energy performance of a typical single-family bioclimatic house equipped with a solar heating system located in the north Algeria (Algiers) and to investigate its conversion into a zero energy house by installing a grid connected PV system. To achieve this goal, a numerical model of the bioclimatic house coupled with the solar heating system is developed and validated with experimental data. Then, the validated model is used to optimize the adequate size of the solar heating system and to determine its contribution in the production of thermal energy for both DHW preparation and space heating of the house. Finally, a PV system is sized to supply, in parallel with the utility grid, the house with electricity for lighting, appliance and auxiliary electric heater. Furthermore, an economic analysis is made to show the profitability of integration of grid connected PV and solar thermal systems in building. Results show that the conversion of a bioclimatic house into a ZEH using a grid connected PV system, in the north of Algeria weather conditions, present high level of feasibility. However, the return on investment is very high due mainly to the high cost of solar energy components and the very low costs of conventional energy in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas of the wilaya of M’sila in Algeria nowadays experience a considerable development because of an unceasingly increasing demography, from where its extension toward virgin zones is often less favorable than those already urbanized. This wilaya is located in a zone classified as semi-arid, whose geology comprises clayey formations characterized by a high variation of volume when the conditions of their equilibrium are modified (natural climatic phenomena due to a prolonged dryness, human activity by modification of the ground water level because of excessive pumping, configuration of constructions in their environment). This paper presents and analyzes the results of a series of laboratory tests (identification, compaction, penetration and direct shear tests) performed on an expansive overconsolidated clay obtained from an urban site situated in Sidi-Hadjrès city (wilaya of M’sila, Algeria), where significant damages frequently appear in the road infrastructures and in the light structures. Test results obtained show that the geotechnical parameteric values deduced from these tests are concordant and confirm the bearing capacity improvement of this natural clay treated with hydraulic binders (composed Portland cement and extinct lime) and compacted under the optimum Proctor conditions, which is translated by a significant increase in soil strength and its durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crude oil flow in the pipelines is a source of major problems with heavy substance deposits on the wall surfaces. This situation can lead to lines blocking. Therefore, it is mandatory to have information concerning the flow. For this purpose the rheological properties of the crude oil are needed in order to propose adapted solutions. This paper deals with the study of the rheological properties of Algerian crude oil at different temperatures as well as its flow in pipe. The experimental results obtained with a modern rheometer can be used to predict the crude oil transport characteristics. The crude oil rheogram shows a non-Newtonian behavior which can be described by the Ostwald law. The shear stresses computations obtained from an analytical model and the MPTT model are compared and give the friction factor distribution across the pipe section. The obtained results are presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Hybrid Energy System (HES) is mainly based on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, which is supplied by a fuel reforming process for hydrogen production, starting from natural gas. The aim of this paper is to analyse the feasibility study of a process by combining a low-temperature geothermal source with a PEMFC subsystem (PEMFCS). This analysis allows the development of an onsite independent Hybrid Energy System used for air-conditioning, and especially the use of hot water for space cooling. PEMFC technology with an LiBr/H2O absorption system has been introduced to provide fresh air by a cooling process in a school canteen for 240 students, located in the western region of Algeria. The feasibility study shows that combining geothermal sources and PEMFC technology for air-conditioning production constitutes a promising solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Persistent scatterers synthetic aperture radar interferometry (PSI) analysis is viewed as a promising monitoring technique for multiyear detection of ground surface displacements during long term CO2 injection into deep aquifers (of the order of 25 to 50years). This technique was successfully utilized at the CO2 storage site of In-Salah (Algeria). Nevertheless, this success may not be generalized to future onshore industrial-scale CO2 storage sites, which are planned in far more complex contexts mostly presenting natural terrains, either agricultural or vegetated areas, i.e. characterized by poor PS density, which might locally drop to zero, hence hampering the deployment of the PSI technique. The objective of the present paper is to discuss the constraints on the PSI application regarding the specificities (magnitude, spatial or temporal scales and evolution) of the deformation phenomenon associated with the CO2 injection into storage aquifers. This discussion is supported by the estimates of the expected spatio-temporal evolution of surface vertical displacements caused by CO2 injection in deep aquifers by combining the approximate solutions for pressure build-up and for the associated vertical displacements in an elastic half-space. A possible option to enhance the performance of the PSI technique is explored, namely the deployment of a network of corner reflectors CR corresponding to artificial devices installed on ground to complement the existing “natural” PS network. A methodology is then proposed to optimize the CR network (number and position) in an iterative strategy (e.g., every 10years) relying on the prediction of surface deformation. The methodology is illustrated by a CO2 injection scenario in the Paris basin context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective of this study is the characterization of meteorological conditions in the region of Annaba (Algeria) using clustering tools. The proposed two stages clustering approach is based on using the Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and the well known K-means clustering algorithm. Quantitative (using two categories of validity indices) and qualitative criteria were introduced to compare and verify the correctness of the results. The different experiments developed, extracted five classes, which were related to typical meteorological conditions in the area. The obtained meteorological clusters are then used to better elucidate the dependency of meteorology on air quality in the presence of seven measured pollutants. In the current paper, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and more precisely, Multi-Layered Perceptron (MLP) is used for modeling air pollutants, as well as, simulating their behaviour in relation to the meteorological parameters of interest. This behaviour is also investigated with the aid of correlation coefficient, where only results are shown for comparison, several relations and conclusions have been drawn. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two monitoring campaigns were conducted in northern Algeria to assess the contamination level of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in ambient air. Six pesticides (α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, fenitrothion, malathion, chlorpyrifos and λ-cyhalothrin) were monitored at two different sampling locations during the first campaign. The passive sampling was performed at a semi urban/industrial site but also in a rural area between July to September 2008. The pesticides levels, analyzed by GC/MS/MS, ranged from 16pgm−3 to 11ngm−3. The second campaign was carried out from May to November 2009. The polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) concentrations were evaluated at an urban/industrial and at an industrial site. The PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, analyzed by HRGC/HRMS, ranged from 249 to 923fg TEQ m−3. In addition to passive sampling, active sampling using an isokinetic sampler was also performed at an industrial waste incinerator. The PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs found was 268pg TEQ m−3. This paper presents the first measurements of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs and pesticides in rural, urban and industrial areas of northern Algeria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The diffuse part of solar radiation is one of the elements necessary for the design and evaluation of energy production of a solar system. However, in most cases, when radiometric measurements are made, only global radiation is available. To remedy this situation, we present in this paper, an analysis of the scattered radiation measured on a horizontal surface for three sites in Algeria namely: Algiers, Tamanrasset and BŽchar. We propose in this article models to determine the hourly ratio diffuse radiation/Global radiation received by a horizontal surface. The correlations established for the chosen sites were compared to the work of Liu and Jordan (1960), Orgill and Hollands (1977), Erbs et Al (1982), DT Reindl (1990) and Chendo (1994). The performances of our models were evaluated by conducting two statistical tests on the estimated diffuse fraction of solar radiation. The first test concerns the simplified comparison of the composite Residual Sum Squares (CRSS). In the second test, we calculate the mean absolute error (MAB). The new correlations presented in this study provide a significant improvement by reducing the standard error compared to existing models in the literature at a rate exceeding 40%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: PV systems connected to the electricity distribution network, also called grid-connected PV power stations (CPVCR), is one of the applications of photovoltaic solar energy the most developed in recent years in the world .The purpose of this paper is the study of such a plant. It is the development of a method of characterization, analysis and modeling of each part of the plant allowing for easy practice of engineering such systems and assess the impact of the widespread this type of application on the electricity grid. This work will also develop a method to forecast the behavior of energy and economic CPVCR in Algeria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) is one concern of cities in the world, notably in Algeria and specifically in the city of Chlef. Local authority faced these difficulties have more and more problems to bring local solutions to support an ever growing stream of waste. This support needs to organize the collection and sorting of waste generated by households, and the relevant elimination procedures other than dumping in landfill. The recycling of biodegradable materials by composting may be a possible way. Prior to justify this choice and to quantify the expected benefits for the environmental and agronomic areas, it is essential to proceed with the characterization of the MSW. Based on the zoning of the current collection of household waste as well as the sectorization of the different collection zones, sampling was performed on the dump trucks arriving on the controlled landfill of Meknassa, situated 9km from the center of the city. The method of characterization used is adapted from MODECOM (Method of Characterization of the household waste, the protocol recommended by ADEME in France), which distinguishes three size distribution fractions, big:> 100mm, medium: 100-20mm, fine: <20mm, and 13 categories (organics, paper, cardboard, plastics .). This operation is repeated for five zone of the municipality of Chlef, out of 5 campaigns spread over two years (2010-2011) according to the seasons. After this complete and detailed characterization of MSW collected in Chlef, and taking into account the biodegradable organic matter and humidity contents, the composting could be a solution for the region of Chlef which agricultural activities will be a natural outlet to compost product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Talking about the concept of “environment” means treating a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary theme which revives a simultaneous consideration of multiple data social, economic, natural. To date, the protection of the environment as a whole becomes a challenge for many countries, policies for the preservation, education and scientific research strategies are aimed at the environment and sustainable development. It remains an idea of its young problem, still current. It is development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the field of architecture and urban planning, environmental protection is an important place. With the growth experienced by this area, several environmental procedures have been invented to improve the quality of construction and use of buildings, a view mainly environmental but without neglecting the economic and social aspects. The environmental protection has long existed, it is found in the experiences of ancient cities such as Ksours. This legacy is an inspiration and an asset for the sustainable development of our cities today. According to Hassan Fathy only in the tradition, we respect and we continue the work of previous generation that new generation can really move and solve the problem. The materials used the distribution of space, protection of natural resources such as water and palm trees, recycling, are the strategies of the company of Ksours to live in a healthy and comfortable space. The objectives of this paper are: To highlight the history of environmental policy in architecture and urbanism in the world, in this case Ksours. Renewable energy and strategies of the preservation of the environment in the Ksours Sustainable development in Ksours: a notion that has long existed. Establish strategies to protect the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal comfort plays a major factor in building infrastructure sector. It has a big impact on building interior temperature as well as on energy balance and environment. In the current paper the influence of thermal isolation, building orientation and thermal inertia of building envelop on interior ambient temperatures have been studied. To meet our objective, a methodological procedure has been followed. It consists of elaboration of computing program written in MATLAB code to simulate the proposed mathematical model. The main objective of the proposed mathematical proposed model is to compute different delivered temperatures under real climatic and environment conditions. Confrontation of the results found through simulation with those found experimentally shows a clear consistence. Thus the theoretical model is experimentally validated. It can be concluded that: The most effective measure to achieve a better results is thermal insulation. The orientation of thermally isolated building doesn’t have a considerable impact on interior temperature. Thermal inertia of buildings may thus generate thermal comfort. It was revealed that an adequate use of stone thermal inertia is essential to achieve a better building thermal comfort. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Today, innumerable damages caused by the city and the action of a man on built and natural environments, are recorded in majority of developed countries and also under development ones, which had created in the last few years, complex problems difficult to solve like: pollutions, destructions of natural and rural landscapes, uncontrolled rejections of waste, problems of water and frequent variations of the climate. Algerian cities haven’t escaped to this truth and this situation is related with the history of the development process adopted in Algeria, during the years of post independence. The development of these cities was done without looking for or respecting environmental requirements. Theoretically, Algeria has a complete building formed by different plans and schemes covering environment, land use planning and urbanism fields to raise this challenge and avoid errors of the past, particularly before nineties and after, by adopting a holistic approach and giving a broadest sense of environment protection. But until now, just a few great actions recently carried out by the ministry of land use planning, environment and tourism are registered, and the rest confirms that these tools don’t have any effect suspected on ground, for various causes. The most important causes can be resumed in the lack of dialogue and coordination efforts between concerning actors and theirs institutions, and the absence of an explanation relating to the whole approach able to make these tools even they were appeared in different laws, working as a united body. That''s why these instruments were ineffective and the situation became difficult and critical. The present paper will focus on this reality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wind turbines installed in Saharan climate operate often under severe weather conditions. Particularly, the electric/electronic equipments located within the nacelle may be subjected to extremely high temperature. To maintain acceptable temperature levels inside the nacelle and control efficiently the thermal effect, cooling systems should be used properly. This paper presents a numerical method to investigate the nacelle thermal behaviour of wind turbines operating under extremely hot weather conditions. The air flow in and around nacelle is described through the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The energy equation has been used to account for heat transfer effects. A Control-Volume Finite Element Method has been used to solve the resulting governing equations. The simulations have been performed through a typical commercial wind turbine. Results including temperature fields in and around the nacelle have been obtained and showed quite reasonable behaviour. Mainly, the impact of an appropriate cooling system that can be designed and applied in nacelle thermal control is presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The first objective of this study is the valorisation of limestone waste produced from the crushing stations by using it as fine sand for mortars mixes and hence replaces the river sand. The second objective is the reinforcement of mortars by polypropylene fibers waste coming from the fabrication of domestic brushes and sweeps. In this paper we presented the results of physical and mechanical properties of reinforced mortars prepared with limestone sand which is in abundance in the city of Laghouat situated in 400km in the South of Algiers. The fibers dosages used are: 0.5, 1, 2 and 4wt% with length of 10, 20 and 30mm. The results of this investigation put in evidence the efficiency of the reinforcement of limestone mortars by polypropylene fibers waste in the improvement of their flexural tensile and compression strength. © 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since 2005, an outbreak of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ghardaïa, south Algeria, was studied and one output of these investigations was the identification of two Leishmania species, Leishmania major and Leishmania killicki, as the CL causative agents. In the present study, we were curious to focus on sand fly fauna present in this area and detection of Leishmania-positive sand fly females. Sand flies (3717) were collected during two seasons using sticky papers and CDC light traps in urban, rural and sylvatic sites. Twelve Phlebotomus species were identified. Phlebotomus papatasi was dominant in the urban site while Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus riouxi/chabaudi were dominant in the sylvatic site. Out of 74 P. sergenti females captured by CDC light traps in the sylvatic site populated by Ghardaïas’ Gundi (Massoutiera mzabi), three ones were hosting Leishmania promastigotes. PCR-RFLP and sequencing of seven single-copy coding DNA sequences identified the promastigotes as L. killicki. Furthermore, laboratory experiments revealed that L. killicki isolate sampled from a CL patient inhabiting the studied region develop well in P. sergenti females. Our findings strongly suggest that the human cutaneous leishmaniases caused by L. killicki is a zoonotic disease with P. sergenti sand flies acting as hosts and vectors and gundi rodents as reservoirs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wind resources present a promising option to be integrated with the conventional energy sources to match the increased demand of electricity. This paper aims to investigate the possibility to set up a wind farm of 10 MW in Adrar, a region located in the south of the country. Using the wasp software, the wind resources of the zone of interest was performed, it indicates that wind speed reach 8.44 m/s at a height of 80 meters. Then, two sites Kaberten(75 north of Adrar) and Zaouia (80 Km south of Adrar) were selected. The wind farm study show that Aouia present the better performance, it can be expected to achieve from this site a production of 40 GW and a full load hours about 4044h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy in food industry and particularly in drying process is growing and mainly in developing countries. Solar energy is often used by direct products exposure through a glass or to heat drying air through a solar collector. However, the random and intermittent nature of solar radiation leads to use conventional energy sources as supplement. Hence, optimization and design tend to reduce the drying time of products for minimum possible energy use. These cases are often preceded by rigorous energy and exergy drying process analysis. That is the aim of our work in this paper. The used dryer is an indirect type, passive, without extra energy and discontinuously operating. It is composed of a solar air heater and a drying room. The experiment took place at Bouzareah on the heights of Algiers in the summer season. The choice of mint is because its abundance and its wide use in Algeria. Using the first and second principles of thermodynamics, we could estimate useful energy received by the heater and that really used during drying. Energy analysis has allowed us to quantify the solar energy received by solar heater and available for drying. Exergy analysis has allowed us to estimate the energy losses during the drying process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper shows the modelling of a domestic solar water heating installation. The results of simulations performed on daily basis for a solar system (collector with surface of 2 m2 and a storage tank of 200 litres), operated in Constantine (Algeria), which provides hot water for heating. The installation consists in a solar flat collector, a water storage tank, a source of auxiliary energy and radiators. We analyse more accurately the influence of the thermosiphon-flow rate and consequently the stratification degree of the tank on the water heating system performances. The interest of this study resides in the approach used to model the tank and in the analysis of the number of the nodes used on the gained energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation of a direct evaporative air cooler (DEAC) under Algerian climate, at the city of BECHAR. We carried out the theory and design of the DEAC. Simulation is done for an evaporative air cooler for three successive months June, July and August under TRNSYS environment. Measured weather data of the selected site are generated by METEONORM software. Result showed that the maximum depression of the dry bulb temperature reached is about 18.86°C and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is calculated. Evaporative cooling equipments work well in the hot and arid southern regions, which constitute practically the two third of the country. They have no impact whatsoever on the environment. Energy consumption is much less than in classical air conditioning units this is why these systems can be powered by solar photovoltaic panels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Because of their mineral content, soils are naturally radioactive and one of the sources of radioactivity other than those of natural origin is mainly due to the extensive use of fertilizers. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the fluxes of natural radionuclides in local production of phosphate fertilizers to determine the content of radioactivity in several commercial fertilizers produced in Algeria and to estimate their radiological impact in a cultivated soil even for the long-term exposure due to their application. For these purposes, virgin and fertilized soils were collected from outlying Setif region in Algeria and from phosphate fertilizers used in this area. Gamma spectrometry was exploited to determine activity concentration due to naturally occurring 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in five types of samples (two different sorts of fertilizers, virgin and fertilized soils and well water used for irrigation) taken from Setif’s areas. The results show that these radionuclides were present in an average concentration of 134.7 ± 24.1, 131.8 ± 16.7, 11644 ± 550 Bq/kg for the first fertilizer NPK and 190.3 ± 30, 117.2 ± 10.3, 5312 ± 249 Bq/kg for the second fertilizer (NPKs). For the virgin and the fertilized soils, the corresponding values were respectively 47.01 ± 7.3, 33 ± 7, 329.4 ± 19.7 Bq/kg and 53.2 ± 10.6, 50.0 ± 7, 311.4 ± 18.7 Bq/kg. For well water, the values were 1.93 and 0.12 Bq/kg; however the third value was below the Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA). The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and the representative level index Iγr for all samples were also calculated. The data were discussed and compared with those given in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The In Salah CO2 storage project in Algeria, initiated in 2004, provides a unique early-mover case study on CO2 storage. After 5 years of operation, the project has developed a substantial storage-unit characterisation and monitoring dataset. The question we address in this paper is: which reservoir features have proven most critical in controlling the injection performance so far? This is also an important question for future CO2 storage sites, as part of the planned global ramp-up in CCS as a greenhouse gas mitigation option. Our main findings are that structural geological and rock mechanical aspects are most critical in the early injection phase, while characterisation of the pore space, combined with the dynamically created fracture permeability, becomes more important when considering the medium to long-term effects (10–1000 years) including geochemical, fluid dynamical and geomechanical aspects. When considering the quantity and type of data that are needed to sufficiently characterise this CO2 storage site, high quality 3D seismic proves to be highly valuable (despite its relatively high cost). For the pore space characterisation, core samples from both the reservoir and the caprock are vital in order to calibrate and properly interpret static and dynamic well data. Finally, monitoring datasets, including well-head gas and tracer data, time-lapse seismic data, and satellite (InSAR) monitoring data need to be interpreted and only bring true value when utilised with detailed geological descriptions and models of the subsurface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a structured qualitative approach to analysing the varied kinds of information from a CO2 storage site, so as to produce scenarios that are amenable to numerical analysis. The approach is illustrated by application to an industrial scale CCS project at Krechba, In Salah, in Algeria. A structured approach is needed to support assessments of the likely performance of CCS systems over operational, monitoring and longer term time-frames. Very varied information concerning such systems’ engineered and environmental components must be obtained and evaluated to attain sufficient confidence that performance will be acceptable. Computer simulations and risk assessment models are needed to help understand the behaviour of CO2 and place plausible bounds on the temporal evolution of all aspects of the system. The outcomes will be uncertain, even if underpinning data sets are of good quality The approach included identification of the important the Features, Events and Processes (FEPs) that together describe the Krechba system and its likely evolution. An ‘expected evolution’ scenario was then identified by systematically evaluating existing knowledge. Scenarios describing potential situations that could involve alternative evolution mechanisms were also identified; these included consideration of mechanisms that could in principal lead to containment failure. These scenarios need to be analysed to show that they are either unlikely to occur and/or will be of limited impact and so do not represent threats to adequate performance. After audit against Quintessa’s freely available generic online CO2 FEP database to ensure and demonstrate comprehensiveness, the site-specific scenarios identified and the associated list of remaining uncertainties, were used to prioritise future (e.g. systems modelling) work. The outcomes of this and other data analysis and modelling programmes will be used to update the FEP and scenario descriptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the paper we share our operational experience gained from three sites: Sleipner (14 years of injection), In Salah (6 years) and Snøhvit (2 years). Together, these three sites have disposed 16 Mt of CO2 by 2010. In highly variable reservoirs, with permeability ranging from a few milliDarcy to more than one Darcy, single wells have injected several hundred Kt of CO2 per year. In the reservoirs, the actual CO2 plume development has been strongly controlled by geological factors that we learned about during injection. Geophysical monitoring methods (especially seismic, gravity, and satellite data) have, at each site, revealed some of these unpredicted geological factors. Thus monitoring methods are as valuable for reservoir characterisation as they are for monitoring fluid saturation and pressure changes. Current scientific debates that address CO2 storage capacity mainly focus on the utilization of the pore space (efficiency) and the rate of pressure dissipation in response to injection (pressure limits). We add to this that detailed CO2 site characterisation and monitoring is needed to prove significant practical CO2 storage capacity–on a case by case basis. As this specific site experience and knowledge develops more general conclusions on storage capacity, injectivity and efficiency may be possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper deals with the sensitivity of the structural response at the Dar El Beida site in the city of Algiers (Algeria) to the randomness of the depth to bedrock. Several typical reinforced concrete buildings, erected on a multilayered soil, are analyzed under seismic inputs under the hypotheses that the soil thickness (i.e., depth to bedrock) and the shear wave velocity are lognormal random variables. The sensitivity analysis relies on the stiffness matrix method combined with Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that the response spectra, for fundamental periods, and the frequency content are very sensitive to the depth to bedrock randomness. The base shear as well as the interstory drifts and lateral displacement of the buildings are also influenced by this randomness. Furthermore, these parameters (base shear, interstory drift and lateral displacement) are compared to the results given by three seismic codes, i.e., UBC97, EC8 and RPA99 (Algerian seismic code). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The disequilibrium between 234U and 238U is commonly used as a tracer of groundwater flow. This paper aims to identify uranium contents and uranium isotopic disequilibria variation in groundwater sampled from deep Continental Intercalaire aquifer (southern Algeria and Tunisia). Large variations in both U contents (0.006–3.39ppb) and 234U/238U activity ratios (0.4–15.38) are observed. We conduct a first assessment in order to verify whether the results of our investigation support and complete previous hydrogeological and isotopic studies. The dissolved U content and 234U/238U activity ratio data were plotted on a two-dimensional diagram that was successfully utilized on sharing the CI aquifer into different compartments submitted to different oxidising/reducing conditions and leads also to distinguished two preferential flow paths in the Nefzaoua/Chott Fejej discharge area. Uranium isotopes disequilibrium indicate that ranium chemistry is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction enhanced by long residence time recognised for this aquifer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Krechba field is one of several gas fields located in the Algerian Sahara desert, and was set in operation in August 2004 as part of a joint venture with BP, Sonatrach and StatoilHydro. The natural gas in the fields contains up to 10% CO2, which has to be reduced to 0.3% before the gas is sold, resulting in the production of around 1 million tonnes/year CO2. Rather than vent the CO2 to the atmosphere (business as usual), it is re-injected into the water leg of the Krechba Carboniferous Sandstone gas producing reservoir (20 m thick) via three horizontal wells at a depth of around 1,900 metres. CO2 injection started in August 2004 and to date nearly 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 have been injected, amounting to approximately 25% of the gas extracted from the Krechba field over the same period. A number of key technologies to monitor the injection, and the subsurface movement and storage of CO2 have been, and will continue to be, deployed to provide long term assurance of sequestration. Time lapse satellite images (using PSInSARTM Technology) which measure ground deformation to assess the movement of CO2 in the subsurface have proven to be much more successful than initially thought, despite the depth of injection and the low voidage replacement rate (25%). Satellite images collected since start of injection show clear increases in ground elevation of up to 30mm around the three injectors while subsidence is also apparent in the area of maximum gas production. The images have also confirmed the CO2 is moving in the direction of preferred fracture orientation at reservoir level. Recent downhole pressure measurements in one of the injectors also indicates that the CO2 is being contained within the injection horizon. Work is ongoing to integrate the satellite images with geomechanical and seismic data to better understand how these images can be used for monitoring of CO2 movement in the subsurface. A key part of the forward monitoring programme will be the acquistion of time-lapse 3D seismic, deployment of tiltmeters and GPS to confirm and calibrate the satellite imagery data, microseismic detectors in shallow boreholes to assess the degree of rock strain and use of shallow wells to monitor the water chemistry in the vadose zone. These will supplement the ongoing tracer, wellhead sampling and satellite imagery data acquistion. This paper shares the latest results of the ongoing CO2 monitoring project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Salah Gas Project in Algeria has been injecting nearly one million tonnes CO2 per year over the past four years into a water-filled strata at a depth of about 1,800 to 1,900 m. Unlike most CO2 storage sites, the permeability of the storage formation is relatively low and comparatively thin with a thickness of about 20 m. To ensure adequate CO2 flow-rates across the low-permeability sand-face, the In Salah Gas Project decided to use long-reach (about 1 to 1.5 km) horizontal injection wells. In this study we are using field data and coupled reservoir-geomechanical numerical modeling of CO2 injection to analyze geomechanical responses and to assess the effectiveness of this approach for CO2 storage in relatively low permeability formations. Among the field data used are surface deformations evaluated from recently acquired satellite-based inferrometry (In SAR). The In SAR data shows a surface uplift on the order of 5 mm per year above active CO2 injection wells and the uplift pattern extends several km from the injection wells. We use the observed surface uplift to constrain our coupled reservoir-geomechanical model. We conduct sensitivity studies to investigate potential causes and mechanisms of the observed uplift. Preliminary results of our analysis presented in this paper indicates that most of the observed uplift magnitude can be explained by poro-elastic expansion of the 20 m thick injection zone, but there could also be a significant contribution from pressure changes within the adjacent caprock. Moreover, we show that surface deformations from In SAR can be useful for tracking the fluid pressure and for detection of a permeable leakage path (e.g. in a permeable fault) through the overlying caprock layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main objective of this review paper is to present the historical development, current utilization, practices and opportunities of geothermal energy in Algeria. Algeria has relatively abundant geothermal resources of low-enthalpy type that could form part of the total energy network of the country. Algeria is the leading country of the direct use of geothermal energy in Africa with a total amount reaching 54.64 MW t installed thermal power, and also among the first five countries in the world in air conditioning application. The main utilization field of geothermal energy in Algeria is balneology, which accounts for about 82% of the total geothermal power utilization, the remaining 18% of the energy is consumed for other purposes such as space heating, heat pumps and fish farming. In this study, the existing literature and current practices of the Algeria's geothermal resources are reviewed and it is revealed that geothermal energy development remained almost stagnant over the past two decades in Algeria although there is a large potential and resources available in the country. Furthermore, geothermal energy use and latest technologies around the world have been summarized. This study elucidates the influencing factors in the development of geothermal energy in Algeria and suggests the development roadmap and a number of measures that can enhance the development of this significant energy source. • Previous researches on geothermal energy in Algeria are reviewed. • Geothermal energy utilization and advanced technologies around the globe are summarized. • Current geothermal energy utilization in Algeria is discussed. • Exploitation opportunities of geothermal energy in Algeria are addressed. • Countermeasures to promote geothermal energy development in Algeria are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new Water Quality Index is devised through a DEA-based methodology. • New input variables are defined directly from the observed data. • Water quality can be improved with reference to local water source benchmarks. • Water treatment process can be prioritized via slack analysis. • New methodology is applied on 47 dams located in the Tellian region, Algeria. The present paper aims to develop a new Water Quality Index (WQI) based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Rather than using subjective weights of a judgmental process as inputs of the DEA model, we propose more objective variables, identified as "optimistic closeness values", appropriately derived from the observed values of the hydrochemical parameters. The proposed approach was employed to assess the water quality of 47 dams in Algeria, defined with a dataset of 10 hydrochemical parameters. The results of the DEA-based WQI application revealed that (i) 21.27%, 27.66%, 25.53%, 4.25% and 21.27% of the total dams are categorized as "Poor", "Marginal", "Medium", "Good" and "Excellent" water quality, respectively; (ii) the best water quality is found in "Kissir" and the worst one in "Bougara"; (iii) a priority scale on the hydrochemical parameters can be set for the treatment of water using the notion of slack value. Collectively, the new methodology has proven its effectiveness not only for categorizing or ranking sites based on water quality but also as an alternative tool to be used to assist decision-makers in allocating funds and managing water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates empirically the reasons for delays in the payment of clean water invoice in Algeria. Using a data set of 27,363 households connected to the water services network and a small-sample survey of 172 household, we estimate several duration models to better understand the main determinants of water invoice time to payment. The delayed payment of water bills could be explained by three determinants: the household financial constraints, the quality of the public service provided, and disincentives through increasing water tariff structure, which is used to manage sustainably the demand for water. This study calls for a modification in the tariff structure to promote equity and water resource protection. It also suggests providing additional efforts to improve the quality of the public water service offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hitherto, urbanization reached unprecedented spreading, various problems in the field increase from day to day, and makes the urban phenomena more dynamic and more complex. Therefore, it is important to call in experts and provide all stuff to establish urban projects' plans, which often need to be achieved in a brief time. Actually, decision-makers need more and more updated plans and even sustainable solutions to convey eventual urban changes with maintaining intrinsic features of urban areas, such as coverage, inter-dependency, and coherency. Due to decision-makers yearnings and the short time allocated to planners, urban project planning remains an exhausting task; it resorts to arbitrary choices to find a good match of projects according to the intended situations. On the other hand, it should take care of the available resources like funds, land, water, energy, underground, and raw materials, which ought to be rationally exploited, and preserved for future generations. In this paper, the proposed intelligent decision support system (IDSS) aims to find out the best urban plans that fit urban projects to appropriate areas. It also employs the holonic approach to model complex and large-scale urban systems, where agents of each level apply a new multi-objective ant colony optimization algorithm called BKPACS for the urban project planning problem, which is viewed as a bounded knapsack problem (BKP). To produce global optimal urban plans, the main algorithm called H-MACO coordinates between the different levels of this holonic system. The experimental results on a set of urban projects about a province of Algeria show good quality plans produced in less time. • Urban project planning for the large-scale urban system is a very hard problem. • The holonic approach offers a proper view of the complex urban systems. • In practice, greedy methods often move away from realistic solutions. • Heuristic and metaheuristic approaches are well suited to tackle the BKP problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology for estimation of the reliability of pipelines with corrosion defects; • Sizes of the localized internal and external corrosion defects were inspected; • The correlation between spatial random variable to assess the probability of failure; • Remaining lifetime of corroded pipeline steel has been estimated; • The impact of three corrosion rates on a pipeline structural integrity was analyzed. A methodology is developed in this paper to estimate the time-dependent reliability of a pipeline in Algeria, which is in exploitation from 1981 and with internal and external localized corrosion defects detected in 2009. A probabilistic approach was applied to a pipeline made of API 5L X60 steel for the long-distance transportation of natural gas (55 km), which crossing several geographical reliefs in different country areas. The analysis was carried out by taking into consideration the potential stochastic variables altering drastically the reliability of the pipeline, i.e., dimensions of the localized corrosion defects, their locations, and distribution, and the corrosion rate. The correlations between the pipeline spatial corrosion defects distribution and their dimensions, obtained by using an intelligent inspection tool are used to analyze the actual in-service corrosion attack rate and for enhancement of the accuracy of the reliability assessment. The failure scenario was considered as the moment when the pipeline operating pressure exceeds the failure pressure defined analytically in accordance with different commonly used standards. The assessment of the reliability index of the corroded pipeline subjected to internal pressure and the failure probability was done. The detailed reliability analysis is carried out by using the second order reliability method (SORM) for the basic random variables with different probabilistic density within a nonlinear limit state function. The latter is based on the limit analysis of the failure pressure model for different standards and the numerical analysis using the finite element method and ANSYS software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Algerian economy is strongly dependent on fossil fuels' market where 93.6% of its exportations are mainly oil and natural gas. During the last decade, the market price of crude oil has fallen down drastically and up to this date its price is still fluctuating which have severely affected the national economy. Consequently, the transition to renewable energy exploitation and technology development became an indispensable objective for the Algerian government. Algeria is planning to shift to the era of green economy which is the unique solution to meet future energy needs and reduce environment-related risks simultaneously. The Algerian territory is characterized by abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy. In this paper, a brief energy profile and renewable energy potential have been reviewed. The present study shows that the installed capacity concerning both photovoltaic and wind power plant; which have reached 354.3 MW (at June 2018), compared to the declared government targets presents slow integration progress of renewable energy compared to the large available renewable energy potential especially solar energy. Despite the considerable efforts made by the Algerian State to face of the challenges of reducing the economic dependency upon hydrocarbon revenues and greenhouse gas emissions (135.5 MT of carbon dioxide emission in 2018). This work provides useful information about the status of renewable energies in Algeria, which is considered as a scientific platform for researchers and industrial companies to seek suitable solutions for promoting the renewable energy field. Image 106698 • Renewable energy potential in Algeria is reviewed. • Implemented renewable energy systems are shown. • Context, challenges and barriers of the transition to RE were addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the real wind turbine installed in Kaberten (Adrar), in south western Algeria. It is based on Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) connected to the grid. The main objectives of this research is to create a good model which reflects the real behavior of the studied Wind Energy conversion System (WECS), the optimization of the captured wind power, and the improvement of its performance. In this context, various control strategies were applied. When the power is lower than its nominal value, two Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) strategies were applied and compared. When the power is over or closer to the nominal value, the speed limit and pitch angle controls based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach are applied. The simulation results were compared to the real data of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). They proved the validity of the model and the performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]