Special Seminar on Energy Efficiency

Professor Todorka Samardzioska, from St. Cyril and Methodius University in the Republic of Macedonia, visited Ashurst Lodge to give a lecture on “Energy Efficient Buildings and Alternative Energy Sources”. Todorka received her PhD at WIT in 2006.

Prof Todorka Samardzioska

Energy efficiency in buildings requires optimization of heating and cooling, hot water systems, lighting and other energy demands. Nearly 60% of that energy is dedicated to heating and cooling in Macedonia.

The optimisation requires savings in energy demands, as well as the application of new technologies and the development of renewable energy resources. Insulation is an important component of energy efficiency.

Todorka has participated in a Smart Energy Project of the EU to reduce carbon emissions as well as optimise energy use. The aim of the EU project is to study the carbon emissions in Europe and propose ways to reduce them. A variety of building types were studied and different types of isolation proposed. The problem of the thermal bridges were particularly looked into and solutions proposed.

Todorka commented on the new types of external wall constructions applying higher levels of insulation. This includes the use of passive solar systems. They also include floor heating systems.

She stressed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for solving energy problems. 

There were many questions following the lecture, giving rise to a lively discussion regarding different energy systems in the built environment.

Link with ITMO

Professor Carlos Brebbia, Director of Wessex Institute of Technology, visited St Petersburg’s National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics of the Russian Federation (ITMO) to discuss collaboration between the two Institutions.

 

The Meeting was held with Dr Daria Kozlova, Vice Rector for International Relations, and Professor Maya Uspenskaya, Director of International Scientific and Research Institute of Bio-engineering.

 

Carlos explained the way in which his Institute works with different organisations around the world, including some of the most prominent in the Russian Federation. Areas of possible collaboration are the holding of scientific meetings and seminars in St Petersburg, production of books and other printed material and exchange of researchers.

Associate Prof Daria Kozlova, Prof Carlos Brebbia, and Prof Maya Uspenskaya at ITMO in St. Petersburg