Assessment of solar chimney potential for passive ventilation and thermal comfort in the northeast of Colombia

Abstract

This study explores the performance of a solar chimney for enhancing passive ventilation and thermal comfort in the northeast of Colombia. A theoretical model and a quasi-steady computational fluid dynamics model were employed to analyse the airflow generated by the solar chimney and optimize its design. Then, the computational fluid dynamics model was used to investigate thermal comfort in the test section. The numerical model results were validated against a scaled experimental test bench. Results evidenced that solar chimneys could improve the indoor environment in the northeast of Colombia. A chimney with a length of 4 m and an angle of inclination of 55°, connected to a single room of 27 cubic meters in Bucaramanga, could improve natural ventilation and provide thermal comfort during January, March, April, August, November, and December as per the guidelines set in ASHRAE Standard 55. During the other months, it could provide partial comfort during specific hours, with being September the most critical month. This study provides valuable insights for future research dealing with the development of sustainable low-income homes in this Colombian region.