Numerical performance modelling of solar chimney power plants: Influence of chimney height for a pilot plant in Manzanares, Spain

Abstract

3D axisymmetric CFD model is developed for a solar chimney power plant (SCPP) in Manzanares, Spain, and potential impacts of chimney height (H) on main performance parameters are comprehensively analysed. Mesh-independent solutions are achieved, and accuracy justification is done over the previous numerical and experimental attempts prior to parametric research. Discrete ordinate (DO) non-grey radiation model with solar ray tracing approach is adopted in the research. A very good accordance is achieved between the numerical findings and in-situ data. For five different H values, temperature, pressure and velocity distributions within the pilot plant are achieved as well as maximum air velocity, mass flow rate of air, temperature rise in collector, dynamic pressure difference at the turbine position, overall system efficiency and potential electrical power. It is found that maximum air velocity thus mass flow rate shows an exponential growth in H. On the contrary, temperature rise in collector notably reduces with the increasing H. Overall system efficiency is determined to be 0.67% whenH = 500 m. Power output (P) linearly rises with H. The system is capable of generating 55 and 134 kW electrical power, forH = 200 and 500 m, respectively.