YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–A group of Armenian scientists from the State University of Engineering and the Academy of Agriculture are implementing the project "Alternative sources of energy in Armenia’s industry–social and agricultural complexes." The project is being implemented jointly with scientists from the Stuttgard Center of Solar and Hyrogen Energy and the Vienna University of Agriculture under the INTAS international program of developing scientific relations between European and developing countries.
Talking to Noyan Tapan–Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering–State University of Engineering–Ernest Ghazarian said that the program–which was launched in 1998–will last two years. The goal of the program is studying and assessing the potential of solar and wind energy in Armenia–and its possible application in industry–and agriculture.
Ghazarian pointed out that the first stage of the program–preparation of the solar radiation and wind cadaster map–has been completed. Data obtained as a result of a 30-year-long research were used in preparing the map.
The second stage includes the designing of solar water-heaters and a new windwheel. The technicalities have now been specified–and the solar water-heater installation project has been completed. The pilot sample of the water-heater has successfully been tested.
The proposed hot water supply system consists of an absorption collector and a tank. The collector is a system of water-filled tubes connected with the tank through a special device. The water in the tank is heated up to 60-70 degrees Centigrade. The device is expected to become widely applicable in rural areas not provided with central heating.
The studies conducted under the program show that the windwheels which are used in the West and designed for high wind velocity will not be efficient in Armenia’s conditions. The new device designed by Armenian scientists is adjusted to Armenia’s conditions.