The effect of flow rate on small solar chimney performance

The relationships between temperature rise, flow rate, and power output of turbine are presented for a small solar chimney unit. An experimental solar chimney system was constructed at Engineering Faculty of Trakya University in Turkey. Solar radiation, temperature rise, chimney inlet velocity, air flow rate, and power output were monitored. Solar chimney power output can be controlled by air flow management and maximum power point can be achieved for different operating conditions. Results showed that it is possible to obtain up to 50% more power output by using an air flow controller in solar chimney systems. Typical temperature rises for 400-600 W/m(2)solar radiation is found to be in the range of 12-15 degrees C. Power is changed in the range of 30-60 W according to different flow rates.