A Review on Solar Chimneys: From Natural Convection Fundamentals to Thermohydraulic Best-Performance Proposals

This work presents an overview of (passive) solar chimney research, from the natural convection fundamentals to recent progress for achieving thermohydraulic best-performance. Solar chimneys are attractive because they contribute increasing efficiency in air conditioning processes dwellings and buildings, therefore also aid reduction greenhouse gas emissions. A wide number works dealing with (and Trombe walls or similar) shape designs, as well inclusion obstacles disturbing airflow, is commented detail. Several numerical simulation procedures used literature specially discussed, different recommendations pointed out be considered appropriate operating modes a chimney. Investigations aiming best performance conditions (for both thermal, dynamic ventilation modes) deserve special attention.