Design and Optimization of Solar Chimney for Small Applications

Abstract

The known resources of fossil fuel in the world are depleting very fast and it is estimated that, by AD 2030, man will have to increasingly depend upon renewable resources of energy. Among various energy alternatives, solar option stands out distinctly with its unique advantage; sun is abundant, inexhaustible source of energy. Abundant power, approximately 1.8×1011 Mega Watt from the sun is available on the earth, which is thousand times greater than the many present energy sources consumption rate for commercial purpose. This study describes a detailed study on “Design and Optimization of Solar Chimney for Small Applications”. This is relatively new way of alternate energy utilization. The solar chimney can be used for running turbine; thus mechanical energy (mechanical output) can be obtained which in turn can yield electrical energy. This study also gives the feasibility of using such turbine with the solar chimney. It is based on heat and mass transfer calculations, analysis of technical feasibility as well as economic viability. The effects of changes in plant specific parameters such as chimney diameter and height, collector area, height of the cover from the collector and its slope, etc. are studied. It is proposed that based on these calculations, optimum values of parameters will be suggested for practical utilization.