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Innovative heating system: A Moldovan inventor's project was developed and tested with EU support

The burden of bills reduced with the help of a solar collector that produces thermal energy. It is the invention of Vladimir Ursu that was created and tested with the support of the European Union. Moreover, the installation can heat not only homes, but also industrial facilities. The daily electricity consumption is only two lei.

undp.org
Sursa: undp.org

"This collector consists of hermetically sealed vacuum glass tubes that were primarily used to heat domestic hot water, and we've modified them to heat the air. The air is propelled through these evacuated tubes, air that we take out of the room, heat them up and put back into the room. On sunny winter days this is possible".

The solar collector significantly improves energy efficiency and is recommended for heating homes, public buildings, and industrial facilities. It helps reduce energy costs and promotes the use of green energy.

While the solar collector is efficient during the daytime, an additional heat source is required during the night period. Vitalie Boico is one of the beneficiaries of the solar collector. Although he was skeptical at first, he agreed to have his house turned into an experimental field.

Vitalie has been trying for several years to cut down on maintenance costs and bills and to implement several solutions that can help make his home more energy efficient.

"You have to be innovative and look at what's new on the market now. And now I'm very pleased that it really works. I can say that all the radiators are now off. Sometimes, if we have good sunshine the temperature rises to 23-24 degrees and everything is turned off", says Vitalie Boico, a resident.

In the cold season, the solar collector generates hot air, which can be used as a thermal agent for space heating during the day. In summer, the hot air produced can be used to dry fruits and vegetables, providing valuable opportunities for local entrepreneurship development.

By using the solar collector, public institutions and businesses can become best-practice examples in transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing heating costs and dependence on natural gas for heating.

The construction and testing of the two solar collectors were made possible with the support of the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.

Virginia Pîntea

Virginia Pîntea

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