Experimental and Numerical Study of the Effect of Geometry and Climate on the Performance of a Solar Chimney Power Plantes ‘’ Étude expérimentale de l'effet de la géométrie et du climat sur les performances d’une cheminée solaire ‘’

Abstract

The Solar Chimney Power Plant (SCPP) represents a promising technology for addressing the growing global demand for clean and sustainable energy. Its structural simplicity, low maintenance requirements, and long-term cost efficiency make it particularly suitable for large-scale implementation. The system consists of three primary components: a solar collector, a central chimney, and a turbine-generator unit. Solar radiation heats the air beneath the transparent collector, inducing buoyant flow through the chimney. This upward airflow drives a turbine located at the chimney’s base, thereby converting thermal energy into mechanical and, ultimately, electrical energy. By harnessing natural convection and the greenhouse effect, SCPPs offer a reliable and environmentally friendly solution for renewable electricity generation, particularly in regions with high solar potential. Solar chimney technology has attracted increasing research interest as a viable alternative to conventional energy systems. Enhancing the performance and efficiency of SCPPs has become a key focus of contemporary research. Within this context, the present study adopts an integrated experimental and numerical approach to investigate critical geometric parameters—previously underexplored—as well as environmental factors influenced by local climatic conditions. To this end, a carefully designed and scaled prototype was constructed and installed at the University of Chlef, Algeria, enabling the acquisition of real-time data on solar radiation, ambient temperature, airflow velocity, and internal air temperature. This experimental configuration allows for a realistic evaluation of system behavior under the specific climatic context of the study location. Complementing the experimental work, a 2 D CFD model was developed to simulate the thermo-fluid behavior within the system. The model was rigorously validated using benchmark data from the literature to ensure accuracy and reliability. By accurately incorporating governing equations, turbulence models, and heat transfer mechanisms, the CFD simulations enabled the investigation of design variables and operational scenarios that are difficult to assess experimentally. This integrated methodology provided deeper insights into the influence of key geometric and environmental parameters on system performance and offers practical guidance for optimizing SCPPs, particularly with respect to local climate conditions. The combined experimental and numerical analysis revealed several important findings. Specifically, it was shown that both the inlet diameter (20 cm) and the number of inlets (four) significantly influence the system’s thermal and aerodynamic behavior, with direct implications for overall efficiency. Among the environmental parameters studied, solar radiation emerged as the most critical driver of system performance, while ambient air temperature had a limited effect. Furthermore, key geometric components such as the absorber plate, collector, and chimney were found to play vital roles in enhancing airflow velocity and temperature distribution, resulting in a power output increase of up to 275% under optimized conditions. Seasonal analysis confirmed the system’s reliability throughout the year, and the integration of a thermal storage layer beneath the collector extended operational capacity into nighttime hours. Collectively, these results underscore the strong potential and adaptability of the SCPP to the specific climatic characteristics of Chlef, Algeria. The region’s high solar intensity and favorable atmospheric conditions further enhance the viability and efficiency of SCPP implementation, positioning it as an ideal location for the development of this renewable energy technology.