Full-year simulation of solar chimney power plants in Northwest China

The solar chimney power plant is one method of large-scale solar energy utilization. Transient performances of the conventional solar chimney power plant (CSCPP) and sloped solar chimney power plant (SSCPP) have not been well discussed in the literature. In the present study, the full-year power capacity of the CSCPP and the SSCPPs with maximum solar radiation (MSR) angle and maximum power generation (MPG) angle were first simulated. The accumulated power generation of SSCPPs with different solar collector angles were then compared. The major factors influencing the accumulated power generation were finally discussed. It is found from the study that the SSCPP with MSR angle generates steadier power than the CSCPP and SSCPP with MPG angle throughout the year. The SSCPP with MPG angle generates higher power in the winter. The airflow temperature rise in the solar collector and the system height are the two major factors those influence the SCPP's power capacity and accumulated power generation.