CFD Simulation of a 3D Solar Chimney Integrated with an Axial Turbine for Power Generation

Abstract

The solar chimney is one of the uninvestigated areas in the possible selection in the field of renewable solar energy utilization. CFD can be demonstrated as a useful tool of figure confidence in the design and employment of a solar chimney. A realistic numerical model for a solar-based updraft power plant for power generation was established through this research work. Iraqi weather in Kirkuk, northern Iraq was considered for this case study. A three-dimensional (3D) simulation of the main geometric dimensions of the Spanish, Manzanares model integrated with a real turbine was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The turbulent model of RNG k-e, the nongrey discrete coordinate (DO) radiation model, and the solar raytracing algorithm were used. It was observed that the air velocity below the turbine was graded according to the seasons of the year and was at its maximum in July with 18.28 m/s due to the high ambient temperature, and the lowest value was recorded in January with 8.64 m/s. The overall average daily and monthly energy production values for the Kirkuk system were higher than those of the Kubang system, with values of 310 kWh/day and 9314 kWh/month, respectively, for the Kirkuk system, and 246 kWh/day and 7398 kWh/month, respectively, for the Kubang system. The simulation results showed that the electricity generation from the Kirkuk city power plant varied seasonally to be at its maximum value of 14,424 kWh/month in July. This research work will help to determine the possibility of producing electricity in this Kirkuk city, which would then contribute in a great way to reduce the cash spent on electricity.