Theoretical Investigation into the Effects of Geometrical and Operating Parameters on the Performance of Solar Chimney Power Plants

Abstract

Towards energy saving and clean environment, solar energy, as one of renewable energy resources, was found to be a suitable solution for generating power in many countries. Nowadays, solar chimney is considered a promising technology falling under the umbrella of solar energy systems for the purpose of generating electricity. In this study, a theoretical investigation into the design of collector and chimney besides the influences of some operating parameters, would be addressed for one solar chimney power plant (SCPP). This investigation mainly focuses on making thermal and dimensional analyses aiming particularly at improving SCPP performance. The theoretical findings were compared with real-world experimental results of Manzanares SCPP existing in Spain. The obtained results have shown a good agreement compared with experimental ones, which give a theoretical basis for effective design of SCPP. This work introduces a design roadmap for one solar chimney under given geometrical and operating parameters.