Tareq Foqha (Graduate Student Member, IEEE) received his Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from Palestine Technical University–Kadoorie, Tulkarm, Palestine, in 2020, and his Master degree in Electrical Power Engineering from An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine, in 2023. He is currently a postgraduate researcher with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Technological University Dublin, Ireland. He has over five years of academic experience, having served as a lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Department at Palestine Technical University–Kadoorie for five years, and at the Arab American University in Jenin, Palestine, for two years. His research interests include electric power distribution, microgrid protection, electric vehicles, harmonics, renewable energy integration, computer applications in power system engineering, and the use of optimization algorithms in power systems.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Applied Mathematics
13
Scopus Publications
296
Scholar Citations
9
Scholar h-index
9
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Powering the Future: The Shift to Electric Vehicles Tareq Foqha, Shady S. Refaat 2025 IEEE 19th International Conference on Compatibility Power Electronics and Power Engineering Cpe Powereng 2025 Proceedings, 2025 The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents an essential shift towards sustainable transportation, driven by continuous advancements in vehicle technologies. This paper provides a detailed examination of main vehicle components, including electric motors, battery systems, and charging infrastructure, highlighting advancements in each area that contribute to improved efficiency, range, and vehicle safety. The paper also analyzes global EV market trends, focusing on the rapid growth in sales, regional market shares, and the distribution of market share among car manufacturers. Additionally, it discusses the current and future outlook of EV technologies, exploring the innovations shaping the industry. Finally, it presents the challenges and opportunities associated with EV adoption, outlining potential pathways for accelerating the shift to cleaner transportation solutions.
Electric Vehicle Technologies in the Smart Grid Era: A Comprehensive Review Shady S. Refaat, Amira Mohammed, Tareq Foqha, Ahmed Syed, Samer Alsadi, Mostafa Farrag Iet Electrical Systems in Transportation, 2025 Electric vehicles (EVs) present an efficient solution for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing grid power quality. They offer multiple advantages over traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs), including lower emissions, reduced dependance on oil, higher energy efficiency, quieter operation, zero emissions, and improved air quality by minimizing the release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. However, there is a lack of literature that comprehensively reviews the factors that can facilitate the assimilation of EV technology. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of EV technologies, focusing on the growth of global EV adoption and the various types of EVs, including all‐EVs and hybrid EVs (HEVs). The comparative analysis of different HEV technologies is presented, covering full HEVs, mild HEVs, and plug‐in HEVs (PHEVs). The paper also discusses the different classifications of HEVs based on electrification level and energy source, along with a comparative analysis of their configurations. Furthermore, the EV architecture is examined, with a specific focus on electric motors, battery management systems (BMSs), batteries, and charging technologies, including conductive and wireless charging systems. The challenges in EV charging and the associated charging standards are also addressed. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for the advancement of EV technologies and infrastructure to overcome the significant barriers to rapid EV adoption, while demonstrating how smart grid technologies enhance EV charging efficiency, grid resilience, and energy sustainability.
Optimal Coordination of Dual-Setting Directional Overcurrent Relays in Microgrids Tareq Foqha, Samer Alsadi, Shady S. Refaat 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Sgre 2024 Proceedings, 2024 Microgrids are gaining popularity due to their improved reliability and resilience. However, their protection is challenging due to bidirectional current flow and varying fault current levels in different operating modes. This paper proposes the use of dual-setting directional overcurrent relays for microgrid protection. To demonstrate their effectiveness, a comparative analysis of dual-setting relays and conventional relays is conducted. The relay coordination problem is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem, and the settings of relays are optimally determined using genetic algorithm and an efficient hybrid optimization algorithm that combines the modified firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm to minimize the overall relay operating time for primary relays. The proposed scheme is implemented on the distribution section of the IEEE-14 bus system, demonstrating a reduction in total system operating time with dual-setting directional overcurrent relays.
A Comparative Study on Different Optimization Algorithms for Solving Economic Dispatch Problem Tareq Foqha, Samer Alsadi, Shady S. Refaat 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Sgre 2024 Proceedings, 2024 Economic dispatch is one of the mathematical optimization problems in power system operation and planning. It aims to find the most efficient output for generating units that meets the demand of the load at the lowest possible cost while satisfy all operational constraints. This paper examines numerous methods to address the economic dispatch problem, including deterministic approaches like the Lagrange multiplier method, metaheuristic optimization algorithms such as the Genetic Algorithm, the Firefly Algorithm, the Harris-Hawks optimization algorithm, and their hybridizations. The study also utilizes PowerWorld Simulator, a software package that solves economic dispatch problems using sequential linear programming. Two different case studies have been conducted on IEEE 5-bus and 30-bus test systems for demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. The results of various case studies showed that the deterministic methods are the most effective for solving the economic dispatch problem. It was also shown that the hybrid algorithms, which combine the strengths of different optimization techniques, can achieve a significant enhancement in total cost compared to the conventional metaheuristic methods.
Optimization Techniques for Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination: A Comprehensive Review Tareq Foqha, Samer Alsadi, Osama Omari, Shady S. Refaat IEEE Access, 2024 This paper provides a comprehensive review of optimization techniques for coordinating directional overcurrent relays in power systems. It covers a wide range of techniques, including conventional and deterministic methods, metaheuristic algorithms, and hybrid approaches. The paper discusses the objective functions utilized in formulating relay coordination problem and presents the development of optimization methods for solving this problem. Furthermore, it examines the criteria for comparing different algorithms for coordination problem and includes a case study to demonstrate the practical application of these criteria. It also presents simulation software employed for examining and validating results obtained from optimization algorithms. Future trends and challenges regarding optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays are also discussed. The paper concludes that there is no single “best” optimization technique for the coordination problem. The best technique for a particular application will depend on the specific characteristics of the power system and the constraints of the coordination problem.
Designing a 4 DoF Manipulator and a Production Line for Lifting and Transporting Pieces Mohammed Amer, Zeineddin Yasin, Samer Alsadi, Tareq Foqha, Ahmad Abdelhafiz Ali Samhan, Jayant Giri, Neeraj Sunheriya, Rajkumar Chadge 2024 IEEE 2nd International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Medical Sciences Icetems 2024, 2024 The use of this robotic arm has been found to be beneficial to the public in the modern world. Furthermore, these types of arms are also applicable to other fields outside of robotics and automation. The objective of this study is to design a robotic arm and a miniature production line. This robotic arm has four degrees of freedom (4 DoF) and is designed to provide accurate performance of simple tasks. Servo motors are used to control the movements of the robotic arm as well as connect the arms together. One servo motor and connecting pulleys are also installed on the production line. Programming of the system is carried out using Arduino in order to ensure that it is controlled in an automated manner. The microcontroller can also receive signals from potentiometers to detect rotation angles. Android devices can also be used to control the robotic arm. Smooth movements were demonstrated, as well as improved operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, workplace safety is improved, robotic control is expanded, industrial research is promoted, and new avenues for industrial technology innovation are opened.
Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays Using Hybrid Firefly–Genetic Algorithm Tareq Foqha, Maher Khammash, Samer Alsadi, Osama Omari, Shady S. Refaat, Khaled Al-Qawasmi, Ali Elrashidi Energies, 2023 The application of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) plays an important role in protecting power systems and ensuring their safe, reliable, and efficient operation. However, coordinating DOCRs involves solving a highly constrained and nonlinear optimization problem. The primary objective of optimization is to minimize the total operating time of DOCRs by determining the optimal values for decision variables such as the time multiplier setting (TMS) and plug setting (PS). This article presents an efficient hybrid optimization algorithm that combines the modified firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm to achieve improved solutions. First, this study modifies the firefly algorithm to obtain a global solution by updating the firefly’s brightness and to prevent the distance between the individual fireflies from being too far. Additionally, the randomized movements are controlled to produce a high convergence rate. Second, the optimization problem is solved using the genetic algorithm. Finally, the solution obtained from the modified firefly algorithm is used as the initial population for the genetic algorithm. The proposed algorithms have been tested on the IEEE 3-bus, 8-bus, 9-bus and 15-bus networks. The results indicate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithms in minimizing the total operating time of DOCRs compared with other optimization methods presented in the literature.
Learning Lessons from Murzuq-Libya Meteorological Station: Evaluation criteria and improvement recommendations Khalil Bakouri, Tareq Foqha, Omar Ahwidi, Ahmed Abubaker, Yasser Nassar, Hala El-Khozondar Solar Energy and Sustainable Development, 2023 In this study, an examination was conducted on weather data gathered from the Murzuq weather station over a period of nine months, specifically focusing on 15-minute time series solar radiation data. The data was sourced from the Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies in Tajoura-Tripoli, through a collaborative agreement between the Faculty of Engineering at Wadi Alshatti University and the research center. The information collected encompassed various solar radiation components, such as global horizontal solar radiation, direct normal radiation, sky-diffuse solar radiation, and ground reflected solar radiation. The aim of this study is to verify calculated values of these components using mathematical models by comparing them with their measured values. The investigation revealed that the Earth's reflectance value for the region was estimated and determined to be around 0.4. It is important to note that this figure was different from the typically advised value of 0.2 that was given in previous literature.
Estimation of Co2 emission factor for Power Industry Sector in Libya Ahmed A. Makhzom, Abdallah M. Eshdok, Yasser F. Nassar, Samer Y. Alsadi, Tareq H. Foqha, Mansour A. Salem, Ibraheem M. AlShareef, Hala J. El-Khozondar 8th International Engineering Conference on Renewable Energy and Sustainability Iecres 2023, 2023
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Powering the Future: The Shift to Electric Vehicles T Foqha, SS Refaat 2025 IEEE 19th International Conference on Compatibility, Power Electronics … , 2025 2025
Electric Vehicle Technologies in the Smart Grid Era: A Comprehensive Review SS Refaat, A Mohammed, T Foqha, A Syed, S Alsadi, M Farrag IET Electrical Systems in Transportation 2025 (1), 44 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Design of Power System Protection Laboratory at PTUK T Foqha, M Dradi, S Alsadi, H Attar Intelligent Systems, Business, and Innovation Research, 581-595 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Optimal coordination of dual-setting directional overcurrent relays in microgrids T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat 2024 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy (SGRE), 1-6 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
A comparative study on different optimization algorithms for solving economic dispatch problem T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat 2024 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy (SGRE), 1-6 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Optimization Techniques for Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination: A Comprehensive Review T Foqha, S Alsadi, O Omari, SS Refaat IEEE Access 12 (2024), 1952-2006 , 2023 2023 Citations: 38
Learning lessons from Murzuq-Libya meteorological station: Evaluation criteria and improvement recommendations K Bakouri, T Foqha, O Ahwidi, A Abubaker, Y Nassar, H El-Khozondar Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal 12 (1), 30-48 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays using hybrid firefly–genetic algorithm T Foqha, M Khammash, S Alsadi, O Omari, SS Refaat, K Al-Qawasmi, ... Energies 16 (14), 5328 , 2023 2023 Citations: 49
Optimizing Firefly Algorithm for Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination: A case study on the Impact of Parameter Settings T Foqha, S Alsadi, A Elrashidi, N Salman Information Sciences Letters 12 (7), 3205-3227 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Estimation of CO2 emission factor for power industry sector in Libya A Makhzom, A Eshdok, Y Nassar, S Alsadi, T Foqha, M Salem, I AlShareef, ... The 8th international engineering conference on renewable energy … , 2023 2023 Citations: 60
The Role of Renewable Energies in Achieving a More Secure and Stable Future MA Andeef, KA Bakouri, BM Ahmed, AJ Gait, F El-Batta, T Foqha, ... International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Sustainability (IJEES … , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
A New Iterative Approach for Designing Passive Harmonic Filters for Variable Frequency Drives T Foqha, S Alsadi, O Omari, MR AL-Mousa, S Aljazzar, M Kanan, J Asad Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences 17 (3), 453-468 , 2023 2023 Citations: 20
Experimental validation of a mitigation method of Ferranti effect in transmission line T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat, K Abdulmawjood IEEE Access 11, 15878-15895 , 2023 2023 Citations: 35
Mass flow rate optimization in solar heating systems based on a flat-plate solar collector: A case study S Alsadi, T Foqha World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews , 2021 2021 Citations: 22
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructures, Chargers Levels and Configurations T Foqha, MA Omar Academia , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Estimation of CO2 emission factor for power industry sector in Libya A Makhzom, A Eshdok, Y Nassar, S Alsadi, T Foqha, M Salem, I AlShareef, ... The 8th international engineering conference on renewable energy … , 2023 2023 Citations: 60
Optimal coordination of directional overcurrent relays using hybrid firefly–genetic algorithm T Foqha, M Khammash, S Alsadi, O Omari, SS Refaat, K Al-Qawasmi, ... Energies 16 (14), 5328 , 2023 2023 Citations: 49
Optimization Techniques for Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination: A Comprehensive Review T Foqha, S Alsadi, O Omari, SS Refaat IEEE Access 12 (2024), 1952-2006 , 2023 2023 Citations: 38
Experimental validation of a mitigation method of Ferranti effect in transmission line T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat, K Abdulmawjood IEEE Access 11, 15878-15895 , 2023 2023 Citations: 35
Learning lessons from Murzuq-Libya meteorological station: Evaluation criteria and improvement recommendations K Bakouri, T Foqha, O Ahwidi, A Abubaker, Y Nassar, H El-Khozondar Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal 12 (1), 30-48 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
Mass flow rate optimization in solar heating systems based on a flat-plate solar collector: A case study S Alsadi, T Foqha World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews , 2021 2021 Citations: 22
A New Iterative Approach for Designing Passive Harmonic Filters for Variable Frequency Drives T Foqha, S Alsadi, O Omari, MR AL-Mousa, S Aljazzar, M Kanan, J Asad Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences 17 (3), 453-468 , 2023 2023 Citations: 20
The Role of Renewable Energies in Achieving a More Secure and Stable Future MA Andeef, KA Bakouri, BM Ahmed, AJ Gait, F El-Batta, T Foqha, ... International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Sustainability (IJEES … , 2023 2023 Citations: 18
Optimizing Firefly Algorithm for Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination: A case study on the Impact of Parameter Settings T Foqha, S Alsadi, A Elrashidi, N Salman Information Sciences Letters 12 (7), 3205-3227 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Electric Vehicle Technologies in the Smart Grid Era: A Comprehensive Review SS Refaat, A Mohammed, T Foqha, A Syed, S Alsadi, M Farrag IET Electrical Systems in Transportation 2025 (1), 44 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
A comparative study on different optimization algorithms for solving economic dispatch problem T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat 2024 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy (SGRE), 1-6 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructures, Chargers Levels and Configurations T Foqha, MA Omar Academia , 2021 2021 Citations: 3
Optimal coordination of dual-setting directional overcurrent relays in microgrids T Foqha, S Alsadi, SS Refaat 2024 4th International Conference on Smart Grid and Renewable Energy (SGRE), 1-6 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Design of Power System Protection Laboratory at PTUK T Foqha, M Dradi, S Alsadi, H Attar Intelligent Systems, Business, and Innovation Research, 581-595 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Powering the Future: The Shift to Electric Vehicles T Foqha, SS Refaat 2025 IEEE 19th International Conference on Compatibility, Power Electronics … , 2025 2025
