CFD Simulation of a 3D Solar Chimney Integrated with an Axial Turbine for Power Generation

Abstract

The solar chimney is one of the uninvestigated areas in the possible selection in the field of renewable solar energy utilization. CFD can be demonstrated as a useful tool of figure confidence in the design and employment of a solar chimney. A realistic numerical model for a solar-based updraft power plant for power generation was established through this research work. Iraqi weather in Kirkuk, northern Iraq was considered for this case study. A three-dimensional (3D) simulation of the main geometric dimensions of the Spanish, Manzanares model integrated with a real turbine was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The turbulent model of RNG k-e, the nongrey discrete coordinate (DO) radiation model, and the solar raytracing algorithm were used. It was observed that the air velocity below the turbine was graded according to the seasons of the year and was at its maximum in July with 18.28 m/s due to the high ambient temperature, and the lowest value was recorded in January with 8.64 m/s. The overall average daily and monthly energy production values for the Kirkuk system were higher than those of the Kubang system, with values of 310 kWh/day and 9314 kWh/month, respectively, for the Kirkuk system, and 246 kWh/day and 7398 kWh/month, respectively, for the Kubang system. The simulation results showed that the electricity generation from the Kirkuk city power plant varied seasonally to be at its maximum value of 14,424 kWh/month in July. This research work will help to determine the possibility of producing electricity in this Kirkuk city, which would then contribute in a great way to reduce the cash spent on electricity.

Numerical investigation on performance of a solar chimney power plant with different absorber configurations

“…For instance, factors such as tower height, the dimensions of the collector area, and the positioning of absorber plates play a crucial role in determining their efficiency. Danook et al 17 developed a numerical model of a three‐dimensional steam‐coal PP integrated with an axial turbine for power generation, and the simulation results showed that the study would be beneficial in determining the feasibility of electricity production in Kirkuk, potentially reducing the amount of money spent on electricity. Das and Chandramohan 18 conducted an investigation into the influence of geometric parameters, such as chimney height, absorber plate diameter, and collector inclination, utilizing a numerical model for a small‐scale ST. Das and Chandramohan et al 19 formulated a digital approach to evaluate the influence of a ST's efficiency on the angle at which the path diverges from the sun, temperature, and solar flux.…”

Performance Enhancement of the Basic Solar Chimney Power Plant Integrated with an Adsorption Cooling System with Heat Recovery from the Condenser

“…Following the construction of the initial solar chimney power plant prototype in Manzanares, Spain, a multitude of studies have been undertaken with the aim of enhancing the operational efficiency of solar updraft tower power plants [36]. Efforts were made by researchers to enhance the performance of conventional standalone solar chimney power plant systems by modifying the system components' design [37][38][39][40][41] and optimizing the system parameters [42,43]. The conversion efficiency of a solar updraft tower power plant is influenced by several geometric parameters [44,45].…”