Analysis of sustainable HVAC system in tourism facilities on the Adriatic coast

Abstract

The world and Mediterranean trends in tourism growth are followed by energy consumption growth. Since heating and air-conditioning accounts forenames half of the energy consumption of many hotels, necessary infrastructure to meet growing demands with minimal impact on natural resources and environment should be provided. This paper deals with sustainable solutions for cooling and heating tourist accommodation facilities on the Adriatic coast. The analysis of the two systems for an apartment complex, the first utilizing sea-water as "free source" of cold energy, and the second as an absorption system utilizing solar thermal energy are compared with conventional vapor compression system. It was shown that significant savings in energy consumption and CO2 emissions could be achieved. At the same time the systems are environ mentally friendly and ensure water conservation with negligible visual and noise pollution.