MINIMIZING THE SIZE OF LARGE-SCALE SOLAR CHIMNEY POWER PLANT

Abstract

This paper aims to minimize the size of large-scale Solar Chimney Power Plant (SCPP). A mathematical model was developed and experimentally validated in a previous research work. A subroutine of productivity improvements has been added to the model to minimize size. Four configurations of large-scale SCPP with nominal powers: 5MW, 30MW, 100MW and 200MW, were considered under conditions of the Ber Alganam area which is located south of the city of Az Zawia, Libya). The average monthly power curve through a year was presented and a good agreement was found between the nominal power and the pick summer for each configuration. Variable chimney diameter, a solar collector with helical paths, and virtual chimney height are the main modifications that that can be introduced to minimize plant size. The results show that chimney height and collector diameter can be minimized up to 83.58%, 25% respectively. This major reduction will make the construction of solar chimney power plant more feasible compared to the current conventional structural technologies.