Calculation of Pressure and Density in Solar Power Plant Chimneys

Abstract

This technical brief develops calculation methods for the pressure drop in very tall chimneys, as in solar chimney power plants. The methods allow for density and flow area change with height, for wall friction and internal bracing drag. It presents equations for the vertical pressure and density distributions in terms of Mach number. One of these is a generalization of the adiabatic pressure lapse ratio equation to include flow at small Mach numbers. The other is analogous to the hydrostatic relationship between pressure, density, and height, but extends it to small Mach numbers. Its integration leads to an accurate value of the average density in the chimney.