Divergent Solar Chimney - dimensions for a possible prototype
Summary
Several recent publications have come to the conclusion that divergent solar chimneys have an efficiency many times that of their cylindrical counterparts. These are briefly reviewed and the importance of area ratio (area top of chimney divided by area base of chimney) and divergent angle highlighted. A theoretical model is presented and dimensions considered for a prototype DSC. This has height 50 m, solar absorber area 500 m2, top chimney diameter 9 m and base chimney diameter 2m. It is calculated that the prototype DSC will generate 150 kw at maximum insolation with an efficiency of 40%. Divergent solar chimneys of up to 300 m height and larger capacity are also considered.