Numerical-Analytical Analysis on SCCP

Part 1

Abstract

This study aims to develop and assess a combined analytical-computational method for evaluating solar chimney power plants (SCPPs). It focuses on formulating a reliable method to estimate the electric power output of SCPPs. This involves analyzing various mathematical models of SCPPs under different boundary conditions and comparing them with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. A key aspect of this research is ensuring the accuracy of the models in predicting pressure drop and power output. For clarity, an axisymmetric CFD analysis was conducted to simulate a solar chimney power plant, enabling the calculation of power output under varying solar radiation conditions. The findings were validated against experimental data from the historic Manzanares power plant. Additionally, the study scrutinized the validity of assumptions used in the model and presented the power output characteristics of the Manzanares prototype under various conditions of solar irradiation, mass flow rate, and collector efficiency. Ultimately, this research offers a methodology for estimating the power output of SCPP.