Built-in metallic partitions in solar chimney: Structural design and thermo-hydraulic performance analysis

Abstract

This study introduces a solar chimney design incorporating built-in metallic partitions to enhance convective heat transfer between fluids and solids. Based on the Manzanares prototype, numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the effects of solar radiation intensity, turbine pressure drop, and ambient temperature on flow fields and thermo-hydraulic performance. A response surface methodology was employed to develop an output power prediction model. Results indicate that metallic partitions significantly improve thermal efficiency, with relative increase rates of 9.28 % in power output and 21.61 % in collector efficiency compared to the prototype at specific operating conditions, and achieving a maximum output power of 89.607 kW under specific conditions (SR = 1000 W/m², ΔP = 140 Pa, ambient temperature = 308 K). The system demonstrates robust operation under low radiation and high ΔP conditions. Cost-effective strategies, such as aluminum-steel composite structures and honeycomb perforated designs integrated with modular manufacturing, are proposed to reduce material costs while maintaining high heat transfer efficiency. This approach eliminates the need for large-scale ground modifications, preserves structural simplicity, and offers a novel solution for efficient, low-cost deployment in large-scale solar chimney power plants.