Numerical and analytical calculations of the temperature and flow field in the upwind power plant

The upwind power plant is an interesting system to generate electrical power from free solar energy. The authors have carried out an analysis to improve the description of the operation mode and efficiency. The pressure drop at the turbine and the mass flow rate have a decisive influence on the efficiency. This can be determined only by coupling of all parts of an upwind power plant. In this study the parts ground, collector, chimney and turbine are modelled together numerically. The basis for all sections is the numerical CFD programme FLUENT. This programme solves the basic equations of the thermal fluid dynamics. Model development and parameter studies particularly arise with this tool. Additional to the calculations using FLUENT a simple model is developed for comparison purposes and parameter studies. The numerical results with FLUENT compare well with the results given by the simple model, therefore, we can use the simple model for parameter studies. The basis for the geometry is the prototype Manzanares. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.