Solar Chimney for Natural Ventilation: A Review

In the 21st century the talk of the time has been proper use of renewable energy sources due to the continuous depletion of non-renewable energy sources and global warming as a result of combustion of fossil fuels. The energy situation in the 3rd world countries is even worse. The continuous industrial development in the 1st world countries is hugely responsible for global temperature increase and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which badly affect the countries like Bangladesh. As of April 2016, the electricity generation capacity of Bangladesh was 12,399 MW to which only 60% of the total population have access to. The shortage of electricity during the summer season makes life very difficult. Cooling of buildings requires a large quantity of energy in the summer. An alternative cooling system can reduce the dependency on electricity. This paper specially deals with a passive cooling system that reduces pressure on the electricity supply and focuses on renewable energy sources. Here a different process engineering has been discussed which incorporates Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers with solar collector enhanced solar chimney system. In this study natural ventilation of buildings, using solar chimney system is reviewed extensively. Experimentally it has already been observed that sufficient temperature drop takes place 2-3 m within the undisturbed ground, which can work as a heat sink for ambient air if passed through and can lead to attaining comfort zone at a confined location. During peak hours of summer this kind of system may work as a very efficient cooling system and reduces extra load on electricity supply.