Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
Pretorius, J.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Kröger, D.G., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
This paper evaluates the influence of a recently developed convective heat transfer equation, more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient, quality collector roof glass and various types of soil on the performance of a large scale solar chimney power plant. Results indicate that the new heat transfer equation reduces plant power output considerably. The effect of a more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient is insignificant, while utilizing better quality glass enhances plant power production. Models employing Limestone and Sandstone soil produce virtually similar results to a Granite-based model. The plant collector height is found to differ from previously obtained optimal values. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Turbines; Renewable energy; Solar chimneys; Solar tower; Upwind; Solar power plants; Chimneys; Electric losses; Granite; Heat convection; Lime brick; Mathematical models; Q factor measurement; Sandstone; Solar energy; Solar power plants; Turbines; heat transfer; limestone; numerical model; power plant; sandstone; solar power; turbine