Development of a small scale plant for a solar chimney power plant (SCPP): A detailed fabrication procedure, experiments and performance parameters evaluation

• Published in: Renewable energy 2020-04, Vol.148, p.247-260
• Main Authors: Balijepalli, Ramakrishna, Chandramohan, V.P., Kirankumar, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Guide vanes; Solar chimney power plant; Solar collector; Thermal energy storage system; Wind turbine
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.001

In this work, a small scale solar chimney power plant (SCPP) was developed. Appropriate location, dimensions of each component, selection of materials for different components and a detailed procedure followed during the fabrication of SCPP plant are explained in this work. The setup was constructed based on locally available materials. Velocity, pressure and temperature were measured at various locations inside the setup. Performance parameters of SCPP plant were estimated. The experiments were carried out for a period of 10 days and the data of a day is presented in this work. The maximum air velocity at a location below and above turbine was 4.7 and 5.5 m/s and the average was 2.18 and 2.98 m/s, respectively. The maximum pressure drop of 4 N/m2 was noticed across the wind turbine. The theoretical and actual power outputs were 1.37 and 0.82 W, respectively. Chimney and overall plant efficiencies were estimated and these were 0.0187% and 0.0128%, respectively. Electrical power output from the system was estimated and based on that a list was made to power household devices. Uncertainty analysis was performed for all the observed and estimated parameters. •Detailed procedures while fabricating a small scale solar chimney power plant (SCPP) are presented.•Maximum air velocity of 4.7 and 5.5 m/s was noticed at a location below and above the turbine.•The theoretical and actual power outputs were 1.37 W and 0.82 W, respectively.•The electric power generated was estimated and a table was provided to run household electric appliances.