Abstract. The paper presents research to design and develop an efficient stand-alone modular desalination system able to provide sufficient non potable water to satisfy the needs of an average family of four living in Mediterranean arid regions. The arid conditions are not only due to the climatic conditions but are caused by the high water usage. The approach is to use conventional flash evaporation techniques coupled with renewable energy technologies in order to provide the thermal and electrical energies. The flash distillation process involves boiling saltwater and condensing the vapour to produce distilled water. Using spray nozzles and one flash evaporator improves the heat exchange properties of saltwater with internal air for the evaporation of saltwater. The spray-type desalination and vacuum chamber is designed in order to satisfy the full summer non-potable water needs. The performances of the energy supply plant have been investigated by the dynamic simulation code TRNSYS.

Abstract This paper proposes a scheme of cogeneration plant that allows to minimize the surplus of thermal energy and electricity produced. Using the data of consumption of thermal energy and electricity of a hospital in south Italy, it was proposed a cogeneration plant added by compression refrigerators and heat pumps and absorption refrigerators. After analyzing the thermodynamic parameters to assess the energy savings achieved as a reduction of primary energy n passing from conventional energy production to in cogeneration with integration of auxiliary machines. It was suggest to adapt, according to the type of energy to be supplied, the components added by assessing the reduction of primary energy obtained with a scheme of this type adapted to the energy requirements monthly. The results obtained were assessed with efficiency values lower than those attributed to thermal machines to take into account that these machines are used partialized working because it supplies a power reduced with respect to the maximum possible value, then, with efficiency values lower. The results obtained have confirmed the need to fit the system to the energy requirements for the minimum consumption of thermal plants.

Abstract. The paper describes the general contents of the international patent (PCT / IB2013 / 000830) of the Polytechnic of Bari on the building construction system "Nexus: Earthquake-proof Self-supporting "dry" construction system composed by environmentally sustainable, stratified and self-clinching blocks". This block will be capable, like a metal net, of ensuring to the wall high structural performance up to make earthquake-proof wall in such a way as to not affect the thermal and acoustic performance. The characteristics of the block transversely to the wall are freed from the structural performance for which it is possible to realize a stratification that optimizes the heat attenuation and the thermal mass, the transport properties of moist air and the ability to reduce sound transmission. The flexibility allows to create blocks that enhance the performance as a function of the thermal characteristics, moisture and acoustic field around the building.

A modular, self-supporting structural element for house building construction is described, which is provided whit mechanical constraining means for the dry mutual connection with at least one second modular structural element. The modular structural element has a variable density along at least one reference direction. A building structure comprising a plurality of structural elements which are constrained to each other by said constraining means and a process for the construction of the building structure are also described.

The Netflix block has been designed to solve a wide range of issues related to the division and articulation of interior spaces for residential purposes (temporary housing, highly flexible dwellings, rented houses, ...) and commercial (store, event areas, commercial centers, ...).  Its lightness, ease of handling and ease of assembly ensure rapid installation and flexibility of use for living and furniture spaces.  The guiding philosophy of the block is to ensure a high degree of flexibility in everyday living spaces, guaranteeing acoustic, structural (self-porting and fixing of furniture, wall hangings, etc.) and techniques properties (possibility to host installations) comparable to a traditional masonry, for the walls and elements of division resulting from it. The Netflix system provides several important benefits:  Easy assembly and dismantling of partition walls in self-construction and without the support of any kind of construction equipment, with height varying from the floor  Possibility of individual blocks to be anchored to each other by means of specific mechanical hooks that solidify the wall making it uniform and self-supporting  Possibility of the block and the wall to accommodate the plants thanks to the provision of special cavities and trenches  Possibility of disassembling and re-assembling the same walls at a later stage for obtaining distinct spatial and environmental solutions  Possibility of quick assembly and removal of the finishing surfaces of the blocks and walls.  Possibility of inserting doors and windows into the walls thus obtained  Possibility of interchangeability of the finishes or their partial replacement to obtain different decorative effects within a few minutes  Possibility to use the Netflix Block for basic furniture solutions such as kitchen environments, for the construction of recessed furniture and work surfaces or furniture solutions such as open bookcases, cupboards, .... These features make the product highly appealing to the interior design market, for designing versatile living spaces where it is easy and quick to re-divide spaces and, above all, for commercial, cultural and creative spaces in which requires strong creativity, transformability and high versatility of space in time.