/library/oar/handle/123456789/23074 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:21:14 GMT 2025-11-10T04:21:14Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/23213 Title: The economic feasibility of photovoltaic systems in the Maltese islands through MATLAB modelling Authors: Scicluna, Kris; Zammit, Mark; Azzopardi, Brian Abstract: This research was aimed at the development of a mathematical model in MATLAB which can be used to analyze the performance of different photovoltaic systems available on the Maltese market. The model uses data regarding the solar radiation patterns of the Maltese islands and technical specifications of the photovoltaic systems to estimate the energy output and economic feasibility of a particular system. The model integrates a number of practical non-idealities such as inverter inefficiencies and yearly panel degradation and estimates their economic effects. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/23213 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/23212 Title: A preliminary computational study of flat roof convective thermal resistance in the presence of photovoltaic panels Authors: Micallef, Daniel; Buhagiar, Vincent; Borg, Simon Paul Abstract: The effect of roof mounted photovoltaics on the heat transfer performance of roofs has primarily been investigated in the context of the resulting shading effect. The convective heat transfer coefficient will change as a result of the blockage caused by the photovoltaic panels. In this work, a quantification is given of the differences between heat transfer coefficients on a bare roof and a roof with photovoltaic panels having a specified configuration. A computational fluid dynamics approach is used. The study is only preliminary and hence a standard k-e turbulence model is used. The presence of photovoltaics is found to increase the convective heat transfer coefficients by around 26% for a north wind. The influence on the U-Value depends on the type of roof construction but for summer conditions an increase in U-value is observed which has positive cooling effects. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/23212 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/23211 Title: Survey into the age of major household appliances in Malta and investigation into the scope for energy reduction recommendations Authors: Bondu, Youri; Winstanley, Gerard; Mule’ Stagno, Luciano Abstract: Despite the focus put on renewable energy sources the largest reduction in carbon emissions over the past 25 years has come from energy savings due to more efficient household appliances. The latest refrigerators use a half of the energy of those from 25 years ago and washing machines use 75% less. The stock of appliances in Maltese households will include 25-year-old low efficiency devices and very latest high efficiency models. This paper establishes the age distribution of appliances in Malta and the amount of energy they use. This will provide a basis for evaluating policies designed to promote energy efficiency. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/23211 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/23210 Title: Landscape and energy production : possible co-existence? Authors: Agosta, Antonino Fabio; Dierna, Giovanni Luca; Gileppo, Marco Abstract: This paper shows the energy production of some photovoltaic plants located in the province of Ragusa (Italy) and their impact on the landscape. The systems were realized and monitored by the authors since installation. The plants located in Ragusa, Marina di Ragusa, Santa Croce Camerina, Pozzallo, in Ragusa province, have been studied from the point of view of the yield and of their installation compared to the surrounding environment. The goal imposed by Italian regulations and design analysis of the authors, was to find solutions to find a balance between productivity and impact on the landscape. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/23210 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z