International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

This study presents the design, modeling, and construction of a compact gas turbine prototype. The main goal is to combine theoretical thermodynamic analysis with practical mechanical realization, enabling visualization and study of the performance of a microgas turbine system for educational and research purposes. The design phase was carried out in SolidWorks, where each turbine component, including the compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, etc., were individually modeled to ensure dimensional accuracy and fit during assembly. The 3D model served as the basis for the production and assembly of the real parts of the prototype, built with machined metal components and mounted on a customized steel frame. The combustion and exhaust system was designed to ensure controlled fuel flow and safe ignition conditions, while the shaft was supported on precision bearings to minimize vibration and friction losses. The physical realization, combined with CAD modeling and thermodynamic cycle analysis, provides an excellent platform for studying the thermodynamics of the Brayton cycle, energy conversion efficiency, and heat transfer mechanisms in compact turbines. The study shows that interdisciplinary collaboration between mechanical design, thermodynamics, and practical realization can lead to the construction of a functional prototype for educational and research purposes, which can serve as a basis for experimental testing and further developments in the field of gas microturbines. Future work will include the integration of sensors for real-time data collection and the comparison of experimental performance with theoretical predictions.

The Stirling engine represents one of the most promising technologies for the efficient conversion of thermal energy into mechanical work, due to its ability to operate with almost any heat source and to achieve theoretical efficiencies approaching the Carnot cycle. This article aims to provide a detailed study of the Stirling cycle, the development of a mathematical model, numerical simulation using MATLAB and the analysis of the engine performance as a function of the main thermodynamic parameters, with special emphasis on applications in micro-power generation. A distinctive aspect of this study lies in the comprehensive treatment of the polynomial dependence of specific heat in all thermodynamic processes, enabling a more accurate representation of real gas behavior compared to idealized classical models. The mathematical model is formulated using the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the ideal gas equation, as well as the well-known Schmidt model for the analytical description of pressure and volume throughout the cycle. A numerical simulation is then performed in MATLAB, where the work per cycle is calculated, p–V and T–s diagrams are generated, and the theoretical efficiency is evaluated for different operating temperatures and pressures. The simulation results show that increasing the temperature difference and average gas pressure significantly increases the mechanical output of the engine and the power output, while an efficient regenerator significantly improves the overall performance and brings the engine closer to Carnot efficiency. The study shows that the Stirling engine has significant potential for sustainable power generation systems, while the developed modeling and simulation framework provides a solid foundation for further experimental development and design optimization.

One of the biggest challenges of our century is climate change. The aviation industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and airports are responsible for a significant portion of this impact. To reduce the carbon footprint of airports, it is necessary to implement energy efficiency measures that can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study analyzes the impact of the use of photovoltaic panels (PV) and the replacement of boiler burners with oil, on energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions at the airport of Tirana. The electricity produced by these panels is used to power airport buildings, lighting systems and other infrastructure, reducing the need for traditional energy sources.
The reviewed period covers the year 2023, because during this year important investments were made with the installation of photovoltaic panels and the replacement of oil boiler burners with LPG burner, in addition to the improvement of the lighting system and the replacement of diesel vehicles with electric vehicles. Energy consumption data is used to calculate the carbon footprint and key energy performance indicators. The results showed that the use of photovoltaic panels and the change of burners of oil boilers brought a significant reduction of the carbon footprint and a significant economic benefit.

Renewable energy sources (RES) will continue to play a key role in the process of deep decarbonisation of the energy sector especially in the power branch. Effects of environmental, economic, social, political and technical factors condition the rapid deployment of various sources of renewable energy-based power generation. In this case study the optional GHG reduction credit per equivalent tonne of CO2 (tCO2) used in conjunction with the net GHG reduction to calculate the annual GHG reduction revenue of a 27MW wind farm located in Qafë-Thanë, Pogradec-Albania is analysed. As the future availability of renewable energy resources is not affected by their use, wind power can address many questions related to sustainability and flexibility of the existing fuel powered technologies. Hence, cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Albania should be fully in line with the Paris Agreement including power sector especially. The proposed action aims at developing a high-level promotion and market penetration strategy for RES, contributing to the mitigation of GHG in EU as well as in the candidate countries including Albania. Furthermore, special support should be given to candidate countries in creating policies and programmes to facilitate and promote RES technologies.

This work is focused on CO2 credit rate impact application as one of the most feasible technology to make the wind turbines cost effective for power generation. Wind energy is clean, infinite and environment friendly source of energy. However, wind energy systems, alone or hybrid systems have a high potential to reduce CO2 emissions, fuel and total cost of the system compared to the other options applied historically in power sector. Such systems are foreseen to play a key role in a stable, costless and emission-less way especially in large scale applications. The performance, availability, costs and carbon intensity of wind power indicate that CO2 credit rate can make a very substantial contribution to reduce carbon emissions and gain the security of investment of RES technologies. The other options applied would deliver only partial emission reductions, therefore, are not sufficient to attain the 2030 national energy goals so they have to rely on renewable energy technologies. Policy makers and interest parties/investors need to focus unerringly on scaling up the actual developed few options consistent with reaching the zero-emission goal.

As a result of the global pandemic situation COVID-19 many rural areas in Albania are suffering and will more especially the lack of internet services have engaged in development and cultivation of knowledge in the education sector, responsible in building a safer and more caring community. Even more Albania is indexed as a European country that still continue to experience the lowest rate userpenetration of internet especially in remotes areas. Despite its widespread use in urban areas, a very significant portion of the rural population still isn’t connected to the internet. Immigration of the population from rural toward more urbanized areas and lack of reliable electricity supply and infrastructure are the main problems that hinder investors to offer internet services in remote regions. The performance analysis of a solar PV power plant is important aspect as far as concern with technology and economic analysis. Due to seasonal variation standalone system can’t provide a continuous power supply. Therefore, in recent years PV energy systems that combine solar energy and other conventional conversion units are becoming promising more popular, efficient to fulfill load demand and representing a cost-effective technology.

This work is focused to an off-grid PV-Genset-battery application as one of the most feasible technology to power internet access points antennas enabling to reduce GHG-s. Solar energy is clean, infinite and environment friendly source of energy. Remote areas especially in northern part of Albania is facing difficulties to the connection to the national electricity grid. Primarily diesel generators (Genset) are used for electricity power supply leading to negative effects into the surrounding. However, hybrid energy systems, such as PVGenset-battery systems have a high potential to reduce CO2 emissions, fuel costs and total cost of the system compared to the other options applied historically in telecommunication sector in Albania. Such systems are foreseen to play a key role in a stable, costless and emissionless way especially in off-grid applications. The performance, availability, costs and carbon intensity of photovoltaic power all indicate that this technology can make a very substantial contribution to reduce carbon emissions and gain carbon credits.

In this paper, the impact of wind forces on human bodies is shown. Like many meteorological phenomena, the influence of wind energy applied to human bodies is inevitable which comes into the spotlight of the scientist only when the wind becomes violent and extremely disturbing. Based on weather and observations in February 2019, abnormal wind characteristics in Albania are evidenced. On February 23, 2019, a very special situation in the Northern part of Albania, the region of Puka, with extreme values of wind parameters causing the phenomenon of “wind gust”, leading to a series of material damage and loss of human life, is evidenced. Researchers and predictors need scientific information on the impact of strong winds applied on the human body for specific conditions. Wind speed values in this region of the northern part of our country set records reaching extremely values (30 ÷ 35) ms-1 on the ground level. Taking a cue from this unprecedented situation, the effect of strong winds on the determination of aerodynamic forces acting on the human body using numerical simulations has been studied and so far, well investigated. For this study, we considered a human body with a height of 172cm. The investigation takes into account two different positions against the wind, frontal and lateral position traversed by wind speeds levels of 20m/s, 30m/s, and 40 m/s. The study concluded that strong winds can exhibit unimaginable and unaffordable forces, leading to fatal consequences for human life.