Numerical and experimental investigations of a PCM integrated solar chimney

A coupled two-step Matlab Simulink mathematical model was developed for the analysis of solar-enhanced ventilation in a solar chimney. The model integrates the non-linearity behaviour of PCMs through the implementation of a DSC test. The model takes into consideration the heat transfer through a multi-layered wall and an aiflow model based on a pressure code. The results are compared to previous experimental results in order to calibrate and validate the numerical model. The proposed numerical model is able to predict with adequate accuracy the behaviour of a solar chimney under laboratory conditions with a correlation higher that 90 %; however, the model must still be adapted to the in situ results.