Utilization Of Solar Energy For An Ecological Tourism In The Region Of Durrës In Albania

Abstract

This study involves the use of vacuum tubes collector with solar power for heating water for sanitary needs of hotels in the region of Durrës in Albania. Renewable energy resources exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to other energy sources, which are concentrated in a limited number of countries. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy in our country because Albania belongs to a sub-tropical zone, so it has relatively high levels of solar radiation during the year. The lowlands in the western part of the country have the highest values or irradiation and can produce 139 kwh/m2 electricity monthly. Durrës region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate where the average air annual temperature is 16°C and enters in the area with a high solar radiation with an average 2026 h/y. Solar energy is clean, reliable and renewable source of electricity and it does not pollute the air by releasing harmful gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide. For this study are obtained tourism hotels in the coastal area of Durrës with a high level of solar intensity, by calculating the cost for heating water using an electric boiler (traditional method) and a solar panel. In the study is selected the collector with vacuum tubes for heating water, which constitutes a new technology with an efficiency 40% higher than other types. Results show a significant reduction of annual expenses up 3 times, compared with the use of electricity. The results obtained will serve to sensitize residents of the area of Durrës, for the necessity of using solar energy for hot water in residential buildings, where there is sun and the possibility of placing the solar panel. Use of solar panels can also be done in many apartments, which have balcony oriented from the south.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n22p303