Experimental Performance Optimization of LDPE/PVC Solar Chimney Power Plant:
Comparative Analysis of Absorber Materials and Air Inlet Configurations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.857الكلمات المفتاحية:
Absorber material optimization، Air inlet configuration، Experimental performance analysis، Renewable energy systems، Solar chimney power plant (SCPP).الملخص
experimental investigation examining the influence of absorber material selection and air inlet configuration on the operational efficiency of small- scale solar chimney power plants (SCPPs). A fully functional prototype system was constructed and extensively tested at the University of Tiaret, Algeria, featuring a 6- meter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chimney tower integrated with a 3- meter diameter low- density polyethylene (LDPE) collector assembly. The experimental methodology involved systematic monitoring of critical performance parameters, includingair velocity profiles, temperature distribution patterns, and humidity variations across multiple system configurationsover extended operational periods. Two distinct absorber materials were evaluated: high- reflectivity aluminum and high- absorption black polymer, tested in combination with varying air inlet configurations ranging from single to quintuple inlet designs. Comprehensive data acquisition was achieved through strategically positioned LM35 temperature sensors, PCE-THA 10 thermo- hygro-anemometer measurements, and Arduino Mega microcontroller- based data logging systems. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimal configuration combines a black polymer absorber with a dual air inlet design, achieving superior thermal performance with maximum air temperatures reaching 78°C and chimney updraft velocities of 2.8 m/s during peak solar irradiation periods. The study reveals distinct operational phases characterized by 12-13 hours of active airflow generation, with humidity effects significantly influencing system thermodynamics, particularly in moisture-sensitive configurations. These findings provide critical design optimization data for enhancing SCPP system efficiency and establish a foundation for scaling renewable energy applications in arid and semi-arid regions where conventional energy infrastructure may be limited.
التنزيلات
المقاييس
المراجع
International Energy Agency (IEA). Global Energy Review 2024. Paris: IEA Publications (2024).
IPCC. Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva: IPCC (2023).
International Energy Agency (IEA). Electricity Market Report 2024. Paris: IEA Publications (2024).
Gielen, D., Boshell, F., Saygin, D., Bazilian, M.D., Wagner, N., Gorini, R.: The role of renewable energy in the global energy transformation. Energy Strategy Reviews. 24, pp38-50 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.01.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.01.006
Friedlingstein, P., O'Sullivan, M., Jones, M. W., Andrew, R. M., Hauck, J., Olsen, et al.: Global Carbon Budget 2024. Earth System Science Data. 16, 2, pp1017-1071 (2024). https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-519 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2024-519
Grubb, M., Drummond, P., & Hughes, N.: Global energy intensity and the pace of decoupling from economic growth. Energy Policy. 161, 112 (2022).
Kazem, H.A., Chaichan, M.T., Al-Waeli, A.H.A., & Sopian, K.: A review of dust accumulation and cleaning methods for solar photovoltaic systems in arid environments. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 141, 110839 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123187 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123187
Bernardes, M. dos S., Voß, A., Weinrebe, G.: Thermal and technical analyses of solar chimneys. Solar Energy. 75, 6, pp511-524 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2003.09.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2003.09.012
Fluri, T.P., von Backström, T.W.: Comparison of modelling approaches and layouts for solar chimney turbines. Solar Energy. 82, 3, pp239-246 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2007.07.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2007.07.006
Dubey, S., Sarvaiya, J.N., Seshadri, B.: Temperature dependent photovoltaic (PV) efficiency and its effect on PV production in the world – A review. Energy Procedia, 33, pp311-321(2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2013.05.072 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2013.05.072
Nizetic, S., Ninic, N., & Klarin, B.: Analysis and feasibility of implementing solar chimney power plants in the Mediterranean region. Energy, 33, 11, 1680-1690 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2008.05.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2008.05.012
Schlaich, J., Bergermann, R., Schiel, W., & Weinrebe, G.: Design of commercial solar updraft tower systems—utilization of solar induced convective flows for power generation. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering. 127, 1, pp117-124 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1823493 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1823493
Weinrebe, G., Schiel, W.: Up-draught solar power plants: Principle and technology. In Proc. ISES Solar World Congress pp 8-12 (2001).
Lorenzo, E.: De los archivos históricos de la energía solar. Las chimeneas solares De una propuesta española en 1903 a la central de Manzanares. Era solar: Energías renovables, ISSN 0212-4157, Nº. 110, págs. 64-68 (2002).
Mullett, L.B.: The solar chimney—overall efficiency, design and performance. International Journal of Ambient Energy. 8, 1, pp35-40 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.1987.9675512 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.1987.9675512
Haaf W., Friedrich K., Mayr G., Schlaich J.: Part I: Principle and construction of the pilot plant in manzanares. International Journal of Solar Energy. Vol. 2, No. 1, pp3-20 (1983). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425918308909911 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01425918308909911
Haaf W.: Solar Chimneys. Part II, Premilinary test results from manzanares pilot plant. International Journal of Energy Research. 2, 2, pp141-161 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1080/01425918408909921 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01425918408909921
Trieb, F., Nitsch, J.: Recommendations for the market introduction of solar thermal power stations. Renewable Energy. Vol 14, Issues 1–4, pp17-22 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(98)00041-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(98)00041-X
Pasumarthi, N. Sherif, S.A.: Experimental and Theoretical Performance of a Demonstration Solar Chimney Model—Part I: Mathematical Model Development. International Journal of Energy Research. 22, pp277-288 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-114X(19980310)22:3<277::AID-ER380>3.0.CO;2-R DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-114X(19980310)22:3<277::AID-ER380>3.0.CO;2-R
Zhou, G, Hernández, F., Boccaccini, L. V., Chen, H., Ye, M.: Preliminary steady state and transient thermal analysis of the new HCPB blanket for EU DEMO reactor. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 41, 17, pp7047-7052 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.01.149 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.01.149
Natarajan, R., Yaknesh, S., Prakash, K. B., Al Awadh, M., Al-Mdallal, Q. M.: Parametric optimization of flow in a solar chimney power plant under variable semi elliptical constraints. Scientific Reports. 15, 331 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82953-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82953-z
Abed, F. M., Farhan, I, S., Tadahmun, A. Y., Hasanuzzaman, Md., Moinul Islam, M., Kassim, M. S.: Modelling and performance investigation of a solar chimney power plant with glass-covered solar collector. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects. 46, 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2024.2326661 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2024.2326661
Prasad, R., Rafiuddin, A.: Experimental evaluation of the performance and power output enhancement of a divergent solar chimney power plant by increasing the chimney height. Frontiers in Energy Research. 11, 1283818 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2023.1283818 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2023.1283818
Shabahang N. E., Ghazikhani, M.: Enhancing reliability and efficiency of solar chimney by phase change material Integration: An Experimental study. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress. 51, 102600 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102600 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102600
Abdelsalam, E., Almomani, F., Kafiah, F., Alnawafah, H., Juaidi, A., Abdallah, R.: Integrating solar chimney power plant with electrolysis station for green hydrogen production: A promising technique. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 52, Part B, 2, pp1550-1563 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.08.305 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.08.305
Abdelsalam, E., Almomani, F., Kafiah, F., Azzam, A., Kassem, F., Abdallah, R., Juaidi, A.: A case study of an integrated solar chimney power plant and water desalination plant in Qatar. Desalination. 575, 117283 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.117283 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.117283
Mirzamohammad, A., Eftekhari Yazdi, M., Lavasani, A. M.: Improvement of combined solar chimney power plant with gas power plant. Scientific Reports. 13, 11220 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38464-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38464-4
Schlaich, J.: The Solar Chimney: Electricity from the Sun. Edition Axel Menges, Stuttgart, Germany (1995).
Padki, M.M., Sherif, S.A.: A mathematical model for solar chimneys. Proceedings of the 1992 International Renewable Energy Conference, pp. 289-294 (1992).
Koonsrisuk, A., Chitsomboon, T.: Accuracy of theoretical models in the prediction of solar chimney performance. Solar Energy. 83, 9, pp1764-1771 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2009.05.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2009.05.012
Pretorius, J.P., Kröger, D.G.: Critical evaluation of solar chimney power plant performance. Solar Energy. 80, 5, pp535-544 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2005.04.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2005.04.001
Ming, T., Liu, W., Xu, G., Xiong, Y., Guan, X., Pan, Y.: Numerical simulation of the solar chimney power plant systems coupled with turbine. Renewable Energy. 33, 5, pp897-905 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.06.021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.06.021
Sangi, R., Amidpour, M., Hosseinizadeh, B.: Modeling and numerical simulation of solar chimney power plants. Solar Energy. 85, 5, pp829-838 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2011.01.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2011.01.011
Gholamalizadeh, E., Kim, M.H.: CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis of a solar-chimney power plant with inclined collector roof. Energy. 107, pp661-667 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.04.077 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.04.077
Motsamai, O.S., Benson, F.A., Ntumba, C.M.: A CFD Analysis of a Solar Chimney Power Plant with a Sloped Collector. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering. 142, 6, 061005 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4047507 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4047507
Kasaeian, A.B., Molana, Sh., Rahmani, K., Wen, D.: A review on solar chimney systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 67, pp954-987 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.081 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.081
International Energy Agency (IEA). Global Energy Review 2025. Paris: IEA Publications (2025). Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2025
Gomez Ribelles J. L., Diaz-Calleja, R., Ferguson, R., CowieGlass, J. M. G.: transition and physical ageing in plasticized poly (vinyl chloride). Polymer, 28, 13, pp2262-2266 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-3861(87)90385-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0032-3861(87)90385-5
Summers, J, W.: The melting temperature (or not melting) of poly(vinyl chloride). Journal of Vinyl & Additive Technology 14, 3, pp105-109 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1002/vnl.20151 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vnl.20151
Jemli, M. R., Naili, N., Farhat, A., Guizani, A.: Experimental investigation of solar tower with chimney effect installed in CRTEn, Tunisia. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 42, 13, pp8650-8660 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.07.044 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.07.044
التنزيلات
منشور
كيفية الاقتباس
إصدار
القسم
الرخصة
الحقوق الفكرية (c) 2026 Khaled Djakhdane, Benameur Afif, Mohammed Berka, Rabie Naceur
هذا العمل مرخص بموجب Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
