Numerical study of a solar chimney power plant

Abstract EN

Axi-symmetric, steady, incompressible, turbulent flow field developed by natural convection inside power plant solar chimney is investigated numerically using finite volume method.

Navier-Stockes with energy equation is solved to achieve velocity components and temperature distribution inside solar chimney.

To complete the thermal analysis, conduction through upper glass wall, chimney concrete wall and floor ground were investigated to calculate temperature distribution through theses walls.

A standard k - e turbulence model associated with lawss of the wall along solid boundaries was used.

Special arrangement for mesh was used to deal with complicated shape of the domain.

The main studied parameters are solar collector diameter, kinds of ground, periphery heights and solar intensity radiation.

This study was compared with previous available experimental study and there is acceptable agreement.

The performance of the solar chimney was examined through maximum air velocity in the tower inlet and maximum temperature in the ground floor.

The final optimization parameters are defined within studied ranges.