Accepted Papers

The Optimal Use of Solar Water Heaters in Jordan and Its Impact on Human Development Index (HDI)

Ahmad S. Awad, S. Alsaqoor, A. Alahmer, M. Hamdi, A. Abu-Dayyeh, Sayel M. Fayad, Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Al Balqa` Applied University, Amman-Jordan, Tafila Technical University, Tafila, Jordan

ABSTRACT

One of the most important needs for human activities is the utilization of hot water. In Jordan hot, water supply is very essential for washing, cleaning and other households needs as well as it essential for hospitals, hotels and various industrial applications. In recent years, the use of renewable energy sources to generate electricity and heating is becoming more and more popular in Jordan. Solar panels installed on the roofs of houses for domestic hot water is more common these days. In this investigation the rational use of solar water heating (SWH) in Jordan will be conducted and statistically analysis based on the data collected by sixteen references. It was found that the overall households who enjoyed solar water heaters was 33%. From this percentage value 29.5% for small flats whose area was less than 130 m2 while it is 70.5% for large households whose area more than 130 m2. However, large flats higher percentage revealing its economic capability from side, and reflecting the higher income class of the occupants, which can. Results showed the Jordanian average SWHs area reached 0.22 m2/capita. It is too low in comparison with value lately documented in the Republic of Cyprus of 1.0 m2/ capita. Any growth in the use of solar water heaters increase the per capita share of electrical energy, which pushup Jordan's classification from Medium Class to High Class in Human Development Index (HDI).

KEYWORDS

Renewable Energy, Solar Water Heaters, Human Development Index, Energy Efficiency, Power Consumption.