Configuration optimization and performance analysis of a stepped solar chimney for multiple storey buildings

Abstract The growing demand for sustainable energy and freshwater resources has intensified research into integrated renewable technologies. This study examines the performance of Solar Chimney and Vortex Desalination Power Plants as combined energy desalination solutions. It introduces a novel classification of Solar Chimney and Vortex Air Engine integrated with Desalination Systems based on the mode of air‐water interaction, distinguishing between Direct and Indirect Air‐Water Contact configurations. The study provides a structured foundation to support future development of scalable, sustainable energy desalination solutions. Building on a comprehensive review of experimental and theoretical progress, the study outlines key design strategies, identifies current limitations, and compares different integration approaches. It highlights the potential of these systems to address energy and water challenges, while emphasizing the need for continued innovation to overcome technical and economic barriers.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effects of geometrical configurations specifically the height of the sensible heat storage tank and the collector-air channel gap on the thermal performance of a small-scale prototype solar chimney power plant (SCPP). By analyzing temperature distribution, airflow characteristics, and heat storage efficiency under controlled conditions, the study aims to identify optimal design parameters that enhance system efficiency and ensure extended operation during periods of low or no solar radiation. The findings are intended to support the development of more efficient, cost-effective and scalable SCPP systems for decentralized renewable energy generation, particularly in remote and arid regions. Design/methodology/approach A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of two key geometrical parameters on the thermal performance of the small-scale SCPP prototype: the height of water in the storage tank (hw), which determines the thermal mass and heat storage capacity, and the vertical gap between the absorber plate and the collector cover (hc), which influences airflow and convective heat transfer. The values tested were hw = 1, 6, 11 cm and hc = 2, 5, 9 cm. Throughout the study, these two parameters were consistently considered as the primary variables affecting the system performance. Findings The experimental results revealed that the height of the water in the sensible heat storage tank significantly influences the thermal performance of the solar chimney system, with an optimal water height of 6 cm yielding the highest temperatures at the chimney inlet and outlet, thus enhancing heat transfer and airflow. Increasing water height generally improved heat retention and absorber surface temperature, while too little or excessive water reduced efficiency due to limited thermal mass or stratification effects. Conversely, increasing the collector height (air gap) led to lower temperatures throughout the system, as a larger gap weakened natural convection and increased heat losses. The study demonstrated that optimizing these geometrical parameters can substantially improve thermal energy storage effectiveness and overall system performance in small-scale SCPPs. Originality/value This study provides an original experimental investigation into the combined effects of geometrical configurations and sensible heat storage on a small-scale SCPP prototype, a topic scarcely addressed in previous research. By systematically analyzing how water tank height and collector gap influence thermal performance under controlled conditions, the work offers novel insights into optimizing design parameters for enhanced energy storage and airflow dynamics. The findings contribute valuable practical guidelines for developing efficient, cost-effective and scalable SCPP systems, advancing their viability for decentralized renewable energy generation in remote and resource-limited regions.

Performance and airflow analysis of new solar chimney design with multiple openings for building ventilation

Performance evaluation and machine learning-based prediction of PCM-integrated solar chimney drying for black dates

Seasonal performance evaluation of a photovoltaic solar chimney: Experimental study under Iraqi climate conditions

ABSTRACT This study numerically investigates passive solar chimney design with emphasis on the coupled influence of geometric and thermal parameters on air inlet flow. While prior studies have examined individual factors such as window height or chimney height, their combined effects have not been sufficiently explored. A validated CFD model was employed to analyze the roles of absorber wall temperature, window area, air inlet height, and cavity width in driving the chimney effect. Results indicate that increasing the absorber wall temperature enhances the air inlet flow by up to a 1.9‐fold increase, whereas enlarging the window area produces the strongest effect, with air inlet flow up to 9.2 times higher. In contrast, greater air inlet height and wider cavity width reduce air inlet flow by 2.2% to 6.1% and 29.5% to 35.2%, respectively. The optimal configuration, consisting of a 60°C absorber wall as the primary thermal parameter, 0.9 m² window area, 0.1 m air inlet height, and 0.1 m cavity width, achieves a maximum air inlet flow of 0.2785 kg/m·s. The novelty of this study lies in being the first to systematically simulate different window areas in combination with air inlet height, cavity width, and absorber wall temperature, thereby revealing the interactive effects among these parameters on air inlet flow performance. These findings provide actionable design strategies to enhance passive ventilation, reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation, and further improve building energy efficiency.

Effect of double duct solar roof chimney position on passive ventilation of an office with seated persons

A numerical study on a solar chimney integrated with latent heat thermal energy storage in various arrangements

Solar chimney combined with active cooling systems for enhanced indoor comfort and energy efficiency under extreme climates: A data-driven optimization approach

Thermal modeling of a solar chimney–earth air heat exchanger system for cooling demand reduction in a greenhouse via natural ventilation under hot climate conditions

The increasing energy demand and the environmental concerns of fossil fuels have looked for sustainable alternatives more desperately than ever. Traditional Solar Chimney Power Plants are a promising solution because they are low cost and low maintenance, but their low energy conversion efficiency restricts them. A novel hybrid strategy using transparent photovoltaic cells and a solar chimney desalination method is presented to address this issue and enhance power generation. Concurrently implementing the Snooker Optimization Algorithm (SBOA) and Patient Adversarial Neural Network (PANN) is the proposed hybrid approach. Thus, it is named SBOA-PANN strategy. The primary objectives are to increase the solar chimney power plant's (SCPP) energy efficiency in both generating and desalination. The SBOA algorithm maximizes energy generation by optimizing factors such as collector area and chimney height. The PANN is employed to forecast the desalination rates under different operational conditions. The new technique is evaluated and compared with other current techniques such as the Bees Algorithm (BA), Multi-objective Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (MOGA), and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA) based on the MATLAB platform. Results show an increase in energy output by 30% while achieving a peak power generation of 1.25 MW, and a 27% increase in freshwater output to 500 liters per hour. The PANN model obtained a prediction accuracy of 96%. This work contributes to solar energy technology progress by enhancing the exploitation of renewable resources and the general efficiency of solar chimney systems.

Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) are a promising technology in the advancement of renewable energy systems. Among the various important design parameters, the geometry of the absorber surface plays a pivotal role in determining system performance. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the absorber surface geometry and height on the thermal and aerodynamic behavior of SCPPs. Five absorber configurations were investigated: standard, 3-square, 4-square, 5-square, and 6-square arrangements. Additionally, the effect of varying absorber surface heights was examined to identify optimal design parameters. The simulation results demonstrate that the 5-square configuration delivered the highest performance relative to the standard flat-absorber system, particularly at an absorber height of H₀ = 7.5 cm, where the maximum airflow velocity reached 24.45 m/s and the power output peaked at 258.38 W. The 3-square configuration also showed notable performance at H₀ = 5 cm, generating up to 156.82 W and achieving the lowest internal atmospheric pressure, indicative of improved convective flow. Overall, the findings emphasize the substantial influence of absorber surface design on SCPP efficiency, confirming that multi-square absorber configurations can significantly enhance power generation through improved thermal and fluid dynamic behavior.

Experimental analysis of natural convection in a building-integrated solar chimney- part 2: High surface emissivity

Quantifying the influences of wind conditions on multi-storey solar chimney

Numerical study on the heating performance of a passive system of solar chimney coupled with earth-air heat exchanger

Study of the application of solar chimneys combined with earth-air heat exchangers ventilation system (SEVS) in a solar greenhouse

A novel comparative study of machine learning surrogate models for solar chimney (SC) plant performance evaluation: Thermo-physical insights

Analysis of strawberry drying behavior under a solar chimney collector using a full factorial method

Natural cooling and ventilation have been fundamental principles in vernacular architecture for millennia, shaping sustainable building practices across diverse climatic regions. This paper examines the historical evolution, technological advancements, environmental benefits, and prospects of passive cooling strategies, with a particular focus on wind catchers. Originating in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Caucasia, and Iranian architectural traditions, these structures have adapted over centuries to maximize air circulation, thermal regulation, and humidity control, ensuring comfortable indoor environments without reliance on mechanical ventilation. This study analyzes traditional wind catcher designs, highlighting their geometric configurations, airflow optimization, and integration with architectural elements such as courtyards and solar chimneys. Through a comparative assessment, this paper contrasts passive cooling systems with modern HVAC technologies, emphasizing their energy neutrality, low-carbon footprint, and long-term sustainability benefits. A SWOT analysis evaluates their strengths, limitations, opportunities for technological integration, and challenges posed by urbanization and regulatory constraints. This study adopts a comparative analytical method, integrating a literature-based approach with qualitative assessments and a SWOT analysis framework to evaluate passive cooling strategies against modern HVAC systems. Methodologically, the research combines historical review, typological classification, and sustainability-driven performance comparisons to derive actionable insights for climate-responsive design. The research is grounded in a comparative assessment of traditional and modern cooling strategies, supported by typological analysis and evaluative frameworks. Looking toward the future, the research explores hybrid adaptations incorporating solar energy, AI-driven airflow control, and retrofitting strategies for smart cities, reinforcing the enduring relevance of vernacular cooling techniques in contemporary architecture. By bridging historical knowledge with innovative solutions, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions on climate-responsive urban planning and sustainable architectural development.