Numerical methodology for analyzing the performance of a solarupdraft tower in various environmental conditions

This paper investigates a simplified and fast numerical model of a solar updraft tower. The model applies a novel approach to the calculation of heat transfer from the outside environment to a collector in the tower. Complex calculations of heat transfer are replaced by a properly defined heat flux boundary condition- the value of which depends on the time of day and meteorological conditions. The model was validated by experimental results from a pilot plant in Manzanares, Spain. Calculations were performed in order to investigate the effects of the chimney’s height and the density of the solar radiation. Both of these dependencies were found to be logarithmic. The requirements for a 250 kW plant in various locations with different meteorological conditions were analyzed.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa Nr 461252 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2020).