Performance assessment of solar chimney power plants with the impacts of divergent and convergent chimney geometry

Abstract Influence of area ratio (AR) on main performance parameters solar chimney power plants (SCPPs) is investigated through a justified 3D axisymmetric CFD model. Geometric characteristics Manzanares pilot plant (MPP) are taken into consideration for the numerical AR varied from 0.5 to 10 cover both concave and convex (convergent divergent) designs. Following accuracy verification results proving mesh-independent solution, oriented assessed as function such velocity, temperature pressure distribution within MPP, rise air in collector, mass flow rate around turbine area, dynamic difference across turbine, minimum static entire plant, output system efficiency. The reveal that plays vital role figures MPP. Mass ($\dot{m}$) found be 1122.1 kg/s reference geometry (AR = 1), whereas it 1629.1 optimum value 4. System efficiency (?) determined 0.29% case; however, enhanced 0.83% 4.1. MPP can generate 54.3 kW electrical its current design while possible improve this figure 168.5 with optimal value.