Modelling and simulation of solar chimney power plants in hot and arid regions using experimental weather conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a MATLAB/Simulink model to design and assess Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) in any location worldwide, offering a simple and efficient approach that saves time and costs, while maintaining the flexibility of the design process. The model evaluates the physical and engineering specifications, pressure loss, power production, and characteristics of SCPPs. The model is applied to evaluate an SCPP in Kufa, Iraq, where no previous study has been conducted to evaluate such renewable energy sources. The proposed model's reliability is demonstrated by comparing the results to those from previous literature. The study concludes that the SCPP's power production built with a glazed roof radius of 50 m, a chimney radius of 5 m, a roof height of 2 m, and the chimney height of 50 m was highest during the summer months due to high solar radiation and temperatures, with the highest average production occurring in July at 537.87 kW, 12% greater than the least productive month of January. The SCPP's annual average power production is 6,122.3 kW, indicating high efficiency for renewable energy in these regions. The study also found that ambient temperature has a greater impact on energy production than solar radiation within a certain range. Otherwise, solar radiation has the greatest impact. The paper highlights the significance of temperature in regions such as Kufa, where the temperature can reach as high as 42.3 °C, and the impact of temperature and radiation on power production. This study provides a reliable model that can aid in designing and evaluating SCPPs in various locations.