Design of Commercial Solar Tower Systems: Utilization of Solar Induced Convective Flows for Power Generation

Abstract

An updraft Solar Tower power plant — sometimes also called ‘solar chimney’ — is a solar thermal power plant utilizing a combination of solar air collector and central updraft tube to generate a solar induced convective flow which drives pressure staged turbines to generate electricity. In the paper we first describe the functional principle of the Solar Tower and give some results from designing, building and operating a small scale prototype in Spain. Then future commercial Solar Tower systems like the one being planned for Australia are described. We present technical issues and basic economic data.

Sloped-collector solar updraft tower power plant performance

“…where, the ratio of the turbine pressure drop to the total pressure potential x was proposed by Schlaich et al [24] (who recommended a constant value of 0.8 for maximizing the power output) as an operational parameter, and has been widely used. In the literature, various values of x are used.…”

Improved thermo-hydrodynamic field quality in the solar chimneys

“…The main advantage of SC is that they can operate continuously by using solar radiation during the day and the heat of the Earth's crust at night [3,4]. Even on an overcast day, the diffuse radiation can be exploited by SCPP for electrical power generation [3,4]. From the point of view of operating principle, we can say that the main idea of SCPP plants goes back to Leonardo Da Vinci in the Fifteenth century.…”

“…In their article, Schlich & al. [3] have presented the theoretical, experimental and economic aspects of a SCPP. Initially a SCPP simplified theoretical study was described, then design results, realization and operation of the Mansanares prototype were presented.…”

Solar Chimney Power Plants – Developments and Advancements

“…It turns out that the height of chimney, the factor of pressure drop at the turbine, the diameter and the optical properties of the collector are important parameters for the SCPP design. (Schlaich, et al, 2003) describe the functional principle of the Solar Tower and give some results from designing, building and operating a small scale prototype in Mazanares. Future commercial Solar Tower systems are presented, as well as technical issues and basic economic data.…”

“…(Castillo, 1984) suggested a new "soft" structure approach to the chimney building instead of the conventional "rigid" one. The SCPP has notable advantages in comparison with other power production technologies, namely - (Schlaich, 1995):…”