Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1426475
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 NOVEMBER 2021 17 COMMERCIAL Micro-CHP: an innovative compact low-cost unit of combined heat and power ideal for small homes MICRO-CHP which incorpo- rates several important innova- tions, enabling the development of a compact, efficient, and low- cost unit of combined heat and power system ideal for small homes, not currently found on the market, within the budget of an average income house- hold, was launched on the 3rd of November during a Public Engagement event held at the EsploraPlanetarium at Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara. The €199,956.88 funded pro- ject under the MCST FUSION R&I Programme is a collabora- tion between the University of Malta and Abertax Kemtronics Ltd. Through this micro-CHP unit, one can benefit from gen- erating electricity from fuel (typically gas or biofuel) and is efficient because most of the heat energy will be recovered using advanced techniques. Heating up homes, providing hot water and generating elec- tricity at the same time are its main benefits. Micro-CHP will recover most of the heat and the efficiency will increase from around 40% to over 90% when compared with a standard off the shelf generator. The event was attended by the Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Equality, Research, and In- novation and the Centre's Exec- utive Chairman Dr Jeffrey Pulli- cino Orlando. During his closing speech the Hon. Owen Bonnici said: "Be- sides the commercial value of such a venture, the knowledge transfer that goes on when pub- lic and private entities work to- gether, as in such consortia is actually priceless, and will keep on giving in the future. Without such collaborations, these R&I projects would be impossible, and I cannot stress enough the importance for our country to keep investing in the strength- ening of the research and inno- vation pillar which is the key for our economic growth and com- petitive impact.". Addressing the Micro-CHP Public Engagement event, the Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Dr Jeffrey Pullici- no Orlando said that: "MCST has been given a mandate to of- fer support to academic institu- tions, private and public entities as part of our country's ongoing efforts to promote research and innovation and to drive interna- tional competitiveness. MCST provides support on two levels through FUSION – the first be- ing the guidance and mentoring of the technological feasibili- ty of related projects when it comes to market-readiness and economic impact. The second is considerable financial sup- port to enable collaborative and translational research activities. To date we have granted 12 mil- lion Euro in funding to enable researchers to tackle ambitious challenges." He added that "We are very optimistic that our in- vestment in the rising stars of research and innovation will not only enhance the research talent pipeline in the Maltese islands but will also continue to support those who are deter- mined to solve the most diffi- cult questions we are faced with - whether these are in frontier science, our changing economy or our evolving society." The collaborators, explained that although PV panels have brought several changes in the way electricity is used in a household, renewable energy also has its drawbacks, particu- larly due to the unpredictability of available energy. Countries like Malta can successfully ben- efit from solar power alone, however, to achieve this, excess energy needs to be stored in order to be utilized during the winter months. Such method would not be practical within a residential system for its ex- cessive cost in batteries. The design has already received in- ternational recognition for the Best Poster Award at the 15th IRES International Renewable Energy Storage Conference in March 2021. Eryl Vella, research engineer at the University Of Malta, said: "This novel micro-CHP with integrated storage will become a critical part of the electrical system of any home, being able to balance both instantaneous as well as seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy generation. This will allow a home to man- age its energy sources and loads to achieve the full potential of their investment in renewa- bles." Technical Presentations were delivered by the project team and a panel discussion led by an Esplora Science Communica- tor, took place around the field. The Magical Illuminated Trail is back at Verdala Palace FOLLOWING last year's suc- cess of the first Malta Illumi- nated Trail Drive Thru edition at Gianpula Fields due to the Covid restrictions, we are glad to announce that this year the event will be held as originally intended with a majestic Walk Thru experience at the Magi- cal Verdala Palace in Buskett. The event which will be once again be held in collaboration with the Malta Communi- ty Chest Fund Foundation. A spectacular walk about journey through the walkways of one of Malta's National Gem Palaces featuring hundreds of NEW larger than life lantern illumi- nated sculptures, Light Instal- lations, Projections and much more. Spot the glittering structures like the four-meter Dragon, the Train Station, the Artic World, Candy Land and vari- ous other creatures. Once darkness sets in, the gardens will come to light and a controlled number of tick- eted guests can then discover and enjoy the art of illumina- tion and this magical festival of light in a safe and restricted manner. The trail has been designed to allow only a few guests in scheduled time intervals. The trail takes approximately about 45 to 70 minutes. As per current regulations, all events in Malta are cur- rently restricted to vaccinated attendees only. When booking tickets online, guests will also be asked to confirm that they are in pos- session of a valid COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. The temperature will be checked upon entrance & and an approved vaccine certifi- cate needs to be presented to- gether with an Identification Document. Individuals who are 12 years and over need to have a valid COVID-19 Vaccination Cer- tificate. Children under 12 years of age can attend without a PCR Test if accompanied by a vac- cinated parent/guardian.