Experimental study and numerical analysis of radiative losses of single-channel solar chimney

Abstract

Solar chimneys provide natural ventilation for buildings, reducing the energy consumption of mechanical systems. Therefore, analyzing energy losses through solar chimney components and inlet/outlet of air channel is critical to develop a suitable design for this passive ventilation system. In this study, the performance and energy losses analysis of a single-channel solar chimney (SC-SOCH) is described; a parametric study under laboratory conditions was conducted regarding the air gap (0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 m) and heat flux of absorber plate (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Wm⁻²). The energy losses were analyzed with temperature sensors, heat flow transducers, and a net radiation transfer model. The parametric study results showed that between 10% and 15% of the total energy supplied to the absorber plate was dissipated to the laboratory environment through the glass cover. Furthermore, combining the different thermal insulation layers on the backside of the absorber plate and sidewalls of the air channel permitted only energy losses below 8% of the total energy supplied. The highest energy losses occurred due to radiative exchange; the radiative losses through the inlet and outlet of the air channel were between 9.38% and 25.78% of the total energy supplied. However, the radiative energy loss rate decreased as airflow increased; the volumetric flow rate was from 34.11 to 94.92 m³h⁻¹, which was enough to satisfy the requirements of total ventilation rate for spaces of 9, 18, and 36 m² according to ASHRAE 62.2–2019. Therefore, solar chimney designs must be optimized to minimize energy losses and increase airflow for natural ventilation.