Title: Research and development in solar chimney power plant technologies: a review

Authors: S.C. Kaushik; Shiv Lal; P.K. Bhargava

Addresses: Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, HauzKhas, New Delhi 110016, India ' Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, HauzKhas, New Delhi 110016, India ' CSIR-Central Building Research Institute Roorkee (UK), 247 667, India

Abstract: Solar chimney power plant seems an alternative source for electrical power generation. The large volume canopy air heated in the system and flow through a small opening of chimney can produce the requisite kinetic energy to run the turbo-generator and generating electrical power. Few laboratory scale solar chimney power plants are running in the world; mostly used for R&D purpose. There is immense opportunity for research and development particularly in large size solar collector system, chimney design and low wind power generators. The present study deals with the comprehensive review of various design, analysis, and material aspects of solar chimney and integrated approaches of the practically realised design reported in previous studies. Some very recent developments in solar chimney power plant technologies are also highlighted.

Keywords: solar chimneys; solar collectors; turbo-generators; floating chimneys; desalination; solar chimney power plants; power generation; kinetic energy; electrical power; R&D; research and development; chimney design; wind energy; wind power; solar energy; solar power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2015.070148

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2015 Vol.6 No.3, pp.197 - 223

Received: 22 Nov 2013
Accepted: 18 Jun 2014

Published online: 28 Jun 2015 *

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