This paper reports experimental performance of a new modular configuration of roof integrating skylight and solar chimney intended to reduce heat gain admission, induce ventilation and ensure sufficient indoor illuminance. This integrated Skylight Solar Chimney (SSC) configuration is composed of three layers: a 1mm thick clear acrylic layer on the outside, a set of 1 mm thick aluminum slats distanced each other at the middle and a layer with a combination of clear acrylic and aluminum slats at the inner side. To assess SSC performances, two small rooms of 2.52 m3 volume were built using concrete blocks for walls and corrugated cement panels for the south facing roof slopped at 30 degrees. The roof of the first house, which served as a reference, integrated a transparent corrugated panel whereas the other house integrated our SSC. The dimensions of the SSC are 0.50 m x 1.50 m x 0.15 m (W x L x H). A 0.025 m2 outlet opening was located at the top lateral side whereas two inlet openings of similar surface area were installed on the bottom lower layer (one inside the room and another outside). Field test results showed that in all scenarios considered the indoor temperature of room with SSC was 1 to 4 °C lower that of the reference room and varied following ambient conditions. When both inside and outside inlet openings were used, the highest temperature difference was observed. The measured heat flux through the roof of reference house was much more important than all SSC scenarios, a 50% difference was observed when both SSC inlets were open. This clearly demonstrated SSC efficiency to reduce heat gain. The air change (ACH) induced varied between 2 to 29. SCC indoor illuminance was about 50% lower than that of the reference house.

The integration of roof skylight and solar chimney can provide daylight, induce ventilation, and reduce heat gain admission. This paper reports experimental and numerical investigation to determine the optimum design of a new roof configuration we introduced recently combining skylight with solar chimney (SSC). SSC is composed of a clear acrylic layer on the top, an intermediate layer composed of a set of distanced aluminium slats and a third layer composed of a combination of clear acrylic and aluminium slats. More precisely, we focus on the optimal position of the intermediate layer. Experimental investigation was conducted using two small rooms of 2.52 m 3 volume built using commercial materials. The 30 degrees south facing roof included 0.50 m × 1.50 m × 0.15 m (W × L × H) SSC unit. A 0.025 m 2 outlet opening was located at the top lateral side and another inlet opening of similar surface area was installed on the bottom lower layer inside the room for ventilation. The first room, used as a reference, included SSC with intermediate layer located at the middle between the top and lower layers. Whereas in the second room, the position of intermediate was varied to be near the top layer (second configuration) and near the lower layer (third configuration). Solidworks flow simulation software package is used to simulate the thermal performance of SSC. Field tests and numerical simulations results showed that the position of intermediate layer did not affect indoor temperature significantly as temperatures were not much different. However, lowest heat flux transmitted through SSC and lower illuminance are observed when located near the lower layer. The induced air change was relatively similar for the three positions considered. Therefore, it is recommended that for practical application, the appropriate position for SSC intermediate layer should be located between the middle and lower layer as it will lead to good ventilation rate, lower indoor temperature, and less heat gain transmission without glare.