ISAT/Geog Study Abroad In Malta 2006
2006 Field Study Projects
TITLE
Solar as an Alternative Source at the Arka Foundation
ABSTRACT
This research project was conducted on behalf of the Arka Foundation Respite Centre in Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo. The study focused the feasibility of solar energy technologies that could be implemented to heat the indoor pool and provide electricity and hot water to various parts of the centre. This was done by analyzing the centre for opportunities for solar-thermal technologies as well as solar photovoltaic cells. The deliverables of the group consist of six different components. The first is an analysis of the current facility water and energy usage in an attempt to evaluate any viable options for implementation of solar technologies for the Centre. Various solar technologies would also be compared to determine the optimal system design for use at the Respite Centre. The bulk of the project focused on creating a detailed system design of a solar water heating unit, and a photovoltaic array. This system design was developed using data collected from the site, and other calculations were performed in order to propose a system that would fulfill their needs. Social aspects of the project were researched including European Union regulations, directives, and Maltese subsidies. Economic aspects were also considered to determine if the system is economically feasible for implementation. The last component focused on developing a table that prioritizes different energy retrofits such as capital investment, payback periods, ease of implementation, and energy savings.
TEAM
Priscilla Bocskor, ISS '07
Jeremy Knibbs, ISAT '07
Brian Lantz, ISAT '07
Melissa Morganstern, ISAT '08
Kevin Yost, ISAT '07
SPONSORS/ADVISORS
Mr. Justin Henriques, Project Advisor, ISAT ’05, JMU
Mr. Charles Yousif, Engineer, Institute for Energy Technology, Malta
Dr. Jonathan Miles, Professor, ISAT, JMU
FINAL PRESENTATION (PDF)
