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BOOKS __________________________________________________________________________ Co-Author of Chapter 12: New Energy Sources - The Hope in the Book entitled: "Essays on Environmental Leadership", Erchul R. A. et. al. (Editors), Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia, U.S.A., 2004, pp. 225-244. PUBLISHED PAPERS
Impact of Domestic Solar Water Heating on an Energy Audit of a Residence in Malta, R. Farrugia, C. Yousif & M. Villameriel Tejedor*. *E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad De Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce, s/n, 47005 Valladolid, Spain Refer to: Proceedings of the 1st International Congress on Heating, Cooling and Buildings, EUROSUN2008, 7-10 October 2008, Lisbon, Portugal, Ref. No. 244. __________________________________________________________________ *E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad De Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce, s/n, 47005 Valladolid, Spain Refer to: Proceedings of the 1st International Congress on Heating, Cooling and Buildings, EUROSUN2008, 7-10 October 2008, Lisbon, Portugal, Ref. No. 028. __________________________________________________________________ Energy Study in a Maltese Household *E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad De Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce, s/n, 47005 Valladolid, Spain Refer to: Proceedings of the World Renewable Energy Congress X, Glasgow, Scotland, 19-25 July 2008, pp. 757-762. __________________________________________________________________ *E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad De Valladolid, Paseo del Cauce, s/n, 47005 Valladolid, Spain The paper presents an analysis of the performance of various solar PV systems installed in Malta with a peak installed capacity ranging between 0.36 and 3 kW. These include the first vertically-installed PV system that aimed at providing information on future PV façade installations, an optimally oriented PV system operating in an industrial area, a stationary PV system that had some compromise with its orientation due to aesthetical reasons and a rooftop single-axis tracking system. Analysis of data was carried out according to the guidelines set by the Joint Research Centre of Ispra Establishment. The average Performance Ratios varied from 0.46 for the upright PV system to 0.67 for the optimally-oriented system. Comparison of the optimally-oriented system was made with other similar systems published in IEA PVPS Task 2 Performance Database Programme. It was shown that the “optimum” PV system operated well, producing an average final yield of 3.97 kWh/kWp/day over three and a half years, which sets a new record for scientifically monitored PV systems in Malta. The previous value was set at 3.33 kWh/kWp/day, as the minimum guaranteed output based on five years of monitoring. The PV system that had a compromise, was installed facing the south-west, due to aesthetical reasons. This system produced a final yield of 3.37 kWh/kWp/day and had a Performance Ratio of 0.61. The single-axis tracking system had a fairly constant performance ratio for most months but peaking in spring at about 0.8. Several studies were also made on the grid parameters of voltage and frequency. All systems operated at a grid voltage well within the standard of 230 volts a.c., except for the “optimum” system operating in the industrial area, which was gradually subjected to higher voltages reaching up to 250 V over the years. On the other hand, the grid frequency deviations were within safe limits. REFER TO: Proceedings of the 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition, Milan, Italy, 3-7 September, 2007, pp. 3205-3208. __________________________________________________________________ High Concentration PV System
The Renewable Energy Potential of Malta Contribution of Solar Applications Towards Achieving a Renewable Energy Target for Malta Based on applied research and demonstration activities carried out during the past decade at the Institute for Energy Technology, solar photovoltaic applications offer a good prospective towards achieving a significant percentage of Malta’s electricity needs. This paper summarises the most important conclusions reached, describes the current installed systems in Malta, sets the achievable targets and discusses the challenges that face the widespread applications of this technology. Moreover, consideration is given to the widespread applications of solar water heating systems and their contribution towards lowering electricity consumption.
Investigation of Domestic Solar Water Heating Installations in Malta Malta enjoys favourable weather conditions that encourage the use of solar water heating systems, but their market penetration has so far remained low. In an effort to identify the reasons behind this lack of impetus, the Institute for Energy Technology has devised a number of study programmes. This paper deals with one of those studies, namely the technical aspects of installed domestic solar heating systems. Results showed that there are a number of issues that are contributing towards lower solar water heating systems performance. Most of these shortcomings can be easily overcome, but it is clear that there is a need for proper training programmes for installers as well as better diffusion of information on the proper utilisation of this technology. __________________________________________________________________ Energy Efficient Housing: A First Case Study for Malta Analysis of Photovoltaic Projects in a Mediterranean Island REFER TO: Proceedings of the 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition, Paris, France, 7-11 June 2004, pp. 2842-2845.
A Hybrid Wind/Solar Photovoltaic System for Malta: A Case Study for Supplying Power to a Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant Energy Technology Options for a Better Environment Recent Developments of Applying Solar Photovoltaic Technologies in Malta Comparison Study Between the Performance of Tracking and Stationary Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Malta REFER TO: Proceedings of the "PV in Europe from PV Technology to Energy Solutions" Conference & Exhibition, Rome, Italy, 7th-11th October 2002, pp. 1065-1068.
A Five-Year Report on a Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied system Operating under a Typical Mediterranean Climate REFER TO: Proceedings of the 17th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition, Munich, Germany, 22nd-26th October 2001, pp. 720-723.
Integrating Renewable Energy Studies in Under- Graduate Curriculum: The IET/ISAT Experience * College of Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University MSC 4102, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, U.S.A. During the past 3 years, collaboration between the Institute for Energy Technology (IET) at the University of Malta and the Program of Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) at James Madison University, Virginia, U.S.A., has led to the formulation of a programme of studies captured within the course entitled “International Energy Studies”. This is a 3-credit offering that permits students from ISAT to travel abroad and to study and work on specific renewable energy projects and related topics such as economic feasibility and environmental issues. In many parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region, the field of renewable energy, in most of its aspects, is limited to post-graduate studies, and is rarely taught in undergraduate courses. The end result is that very few people know about the potential of utilising these energies in their everyday life, in particular solar and wind energy. This paper describes the unique experience gained from teaming up between IET and ISAT. Renewable energy technologies are taught to undergraduates, teasing and challenging them to devise sustainable forms of energy in various test cases. The paper will focus on one section of the programme, which is solar photovoltaics. A programme of studies will be presented and a number of practical suggestions will be given, to integrate photovoltaics in the curriculum of universities and other institutions of higher education. REFER TO: Proceedings of the World Renewable Energy Congress – VI, 1st to 7th July, 2000, Brighton, United Kingdom, pp. 2454-2457.
Sowing the Seed for an Energy Conscious Society in Malta A one-day programme of studies aimed at school students between 13 and 16 years old has been devised and implemented for the last 3 years. The programme aims at increasing the awareness level of students and teachers, on the present energy situation in Malta and the detrimental effects that it is having on health, the environment and buildings. It also stimulates them to realise that their present social and living habits, whilst providing them with a temporarily better quality of life, frequently conflicts with the long-term sustainability of that quality. Remedies to these problems are discussed, which focus on energy conservation methods, energy efficiency implementations and use of renewable energy sources. This is the first time that such a programme has been implemented in Malta. During the scholastic year October to May of every year, schools are invited to apply for a one-day presentation, held at the Institute’s premises. The programme includes presentations, hands-on experience on operating renewable energy projects and video shows. Discussions are held and questions are asked in the course of the day. The short-term effects are already appearing by raising the interest of the younger generation in energy conservation and renewable energy applications. Some of the students who had visited our premises have opted to work on projects that deal with energy, the environment, buildings and renewable energy, for their project in “Systems of Knowledge”. This subject is compulsory for the final year of pre-university colleges, where a project involving “Technology and the Quality of Life”, has to be prepared and presented. It requires that every student presents a written report and builds a working model to demonstrate the concept of the project. On a long term basis, it is hoped that such initiatives will help promote energy consciousness among the citizens who will be more responsive towards the protection of the environment and the implementation of renewable energy applications in their own lives. It is also envisaged that university students will opt for specialised studies in these fields. Only then, one can launch national programmes to help alleviate the energy dilemma in Malta, where consumption is directly proportional to the rate of increase of the gross national product. REFER TO: Energy Globe 2000: The Award for Sustainable Energy, Austria, 9th to 12th March, 2000.
Interfacing a Solar Photovoltaic System with the National Electricity Grid in Malta A 1.8 kWp grid-connected solar photovoltaic system is being monitored at the Institute for Energy Technology, since June 1996. The average performance ratio for 22 months of operation was found to be 0.715, which translates to a final yield of 3.44 kWh/kWp/day. The average final efficiency was found to be 7.6%. These values exclude the month of October 1997, during which the system was not operating. Problems encountered, relating to the interface between the electric utility grid and the PV system are discussed. REFER TO: Proceedings of the Fifth World Renewable Energy Congress, Florence, Italy, 20th to 25th September, 1998. Renewable Energy, Vol. 1, pp. 577-580, Pergamon Press.
First-hand Experience of Solar Photovoltaic Grid- Connection in Malta The paper presents the design, set-up and commissioning of the first grid-connected solar photovoltaic system in Malta. Some preliminary results are also included. The aim of the project was to study the state-of-affairs of such systems when they are interfaced with the local electricity grid. This would lead to a better understanding of such interfaces thus enabling the formulation of definite policies and guidelines in preparation for the wide-spread application of such systems in the near future. REFER TO: Proceedings of the 14th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition, Barcelona, Spain, 30th June - 4th July, 1997, pp. 1524-1527.
Performance and Cost Evaluation of a Stand-alone Photovoltaic System in Malta The paper presents a summary of the performance results obtained from a 2-year monitoring period of the first stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system in Malta. The sizing, construction, monitoring and detailed analysis of data are described elsewhere. Following these results, a cost evaluation and sensitivity analysis is carried out. REFER TO: Proceedings of the 4th World Renewable Energy Congress, Denver, Colorado,15th-21st June, 1996.
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Applications in Malta The paper presents the recent developments in the field of solar photovoltaic (PV) applications in Malta. The results obtained from testing the first stand-alone PV demonstration project with battery storage (Jul. '93 - Jun. '95), encouraged the setting-up of the present 1 |