大型太阳能烟囱发电站热力分析与计算

利用热力学方法建立太阳能烟囱发电系统中集热棚、烟囱及风力透平的热气流能量转换过程的理论模型及求解方法.鉴于太阳能烟囱发电站的大尺寸特征,采用一维假设建立热气流传热模型,使用龙格-库塔方法对非线性能量方程进行数值求解.对集热棚直径3 600 m,烟囱高950 m,设计功率100 MW的大型太阳能烟囱发电站进行分析与计算,给出了该电站的风力透平轴功率随质量流量和太阳辐射强度变化的规律,为风力透平机组提供热力气动设计参数,为大规模开发利用太阳能提供借鉴.     

Feasibility study of a solar chimney power plant in Jordan

A solar chimney power plant system is theoretically designed for future erection in Jordan. Analytical analysis of the system is simulated by mathematical software. The actual values of solar irradiation in Jordan are used in the simulation to predict the power output of the solar chimney power plant. The output results of the maximum (inlet) values of velocity, pressure, and mass flow rate of air versus the chimney height variation are obtained. Furthermore, the electrical power output and the efficiency of chimney versus chimney height variation were determined. For a solar collector diameter of 40 m and a chimney diameter of 3.5 m, the maximum power output (85 kW) was obtained for a chimney height of 210 m.     

Analysis of chimney height for solar chimney power plant

Current in solar chimney power plant that drives turbine generators to generate electricity is driven by buoyancy resulting from higher temperature than the surroundings at different heights. In this paper, the maximum chimney height for convection avoiding negative buoyancy at the latter chimney and the optimal chimney height for maximum power output are presented and analyzed using a theoretical model validated with the measurements of the only one prototype in Manzanares. The results based on the Manzanares prototype show that as standard lapse rate of atmospheric temperature is used, the maximum power output of 102.2 kW is obtained for the optimal chimney height of 615 m, which is lower than the maximum chimney height with a power output of 92.3 kW. Sensitivity analyses are also performed to examine the influence of various lapse rates of atmospheric temperatures and collector radii on maximum height of chimney. The results show that maximum height gradually increases with the lapse rate increasing and go to infinity at a value of around 0.0098 K m^?1, and that the maximum height for convection and optimal height for maximum power output increase with larger collector radius.     

Maximum fluid power condition in solar chimney power plants – An analytical approach

Main features of a solar chimney power plant are a circular greenhouse type collector and a tall chimney at its centre. Air flowing radially inwards under the collector roof heats up and enters the chimney after passing through a turbo-generator.The objective of the study was to investigate analytically the validity and applicability of the assumption that, for maximum fluid power, the optimum ratio of turbine pressure drop to pressure potential (available system pressure difference) is 2/3. An initial power law model assumes that pressure potential is proportional to volume flow to the power m, where m is typically a negative number between 0 and −1, and that the system pressure drop is proportional to the power n, where typically n = 2. The analysis shows that the optimum turbine pressure drop as fraction of the pressure potential is (n − m)/(n + 1), which is equal to 2/3 only when m = 0, implying a constant pressure potential, independent of flow rate. Consideration of a basic collector model proposed by Schlaich leads to the conclusion that the value of m is equal to the negative of the collector floor-to-exit efficiency. A more comprehensive optimization scheme, incorporating the basic collector model of Schlaich in the analysis, shows that the power law approach is sound and conservative.It is shown that the constant pressure potential assumption (m = 0) may lead to appreciable underestimation of the performance of a solar chimney power plant, when compared to the analyses presented in the paper. More important is that both these analyses predict that maximum fluid power is available at much lower flow rate and much higher turbine pressure drop than predicted by the constant pressure potential assumption. Thus, the constant pressure potential assumption may lead to overestimating the size of the flow passages in the plant, and designing a turbine with inadequate stall margin and excessive runaway speed margin. The derived equations may be useful in the initial estimation of plant performance, in plant performance analysis and in control algorithm design. The analyses may also serve to set up test cases for more comprehensive plant models.     

Performance analysis of conventional and sloped solar chimney power plants in China

The solar chimney power plant (SCPP) has been accepted as one of the most promising approaches for future large-scale solar energy applications. This paper reports on a heat transfer model that is used to compare the performance of a conventional solar chimney power plant (CSCPP) and two sloped solar chimney power plants (SSCPPs) with the collector oriented at 30° and 60°, respectively. The power generation from SCPPs at different latitudes in China is also analyzed. Results indicate that the larger solar collector angle leads to improved performance in winter but results in lower performance in summer. It is found that the optimal collector angle to achieve the maximum power in Lanzhou, China, is around 60°. Main factors that influence the performance of SCPPs also include the system height and the air thermophysical characteristics. The ground energy loss, reflected solar radiation, and kinetic loss at the chimney outlet are the main energy losses in SCPPs. The studies also show SSCPPs are more suitable for high latitude regions in Northwest China, but CSCPPs are suggested to be built in southeastern and eastern parts of China with the combination to the local agriculture.     

Numerical simulation of the solar chimney power plant systems coupled with turbine

Numerical simulations have been carried out on the solar chimney power plant systems coupled with turbine. The whole system has been divided into three regions: the collector, the chimney and the turbine, and the mathematical models of heat transfer and flow have been set up for these regions. Using the Spanish prototype as a practical example, numerical simulation results for the prototype with a 3-blade turbine show that the maximum power output of the system is a little higher than 50 kW. Furthermore, the effect of the turbine rotational speed on the chimney outlet parameters has been analyzed which shows the validity of the numerical method advanced by the author. Thereafter, design and simulation of a MW-graded solar chimney power plant system with a 5-blade turbine have been presented, and the numerical simulation results show that the power output and turbine efficiency are 10 MW and 50%, respectively, which presents a reference to the design of large-scale solar chimney power plant systems.     

A complete design data and performance parameter evaluation of a pilot scale solar updraft tower

Abstract

Renewable energy sources are the best alternative for giving solution to the energy shortage and CO₂ emission problems. Solar updraft tower is a relative novel technology for electricity production from solar energy. It consists of three main components; a solar air collector with absorber plate, central chimney, and a turbine. The objective of this work is to present complete design parameters of individual components of a small and less expensive prototype solar updraft tower. The main contents of this study are; solar radiation calculations, chimney design, solar wind turbine design calculations, heat loss and pressure loss estimations for collector. The pilot solar chimney power plant considered in this work consists of an air collector diameter of 3.5-m, the chimney diameter and height are 0.6 and 6?m, respectively. Theoretically the maximum velocity of air is achieved at chimney base is 1.9?m/s. The overall efficiency of the plant is estimated as 0.0019%.     

Analysis of a solar chimney power plant in the Arabian Gulf region

A simplified thermodynamics analytical model for steady airflow inside a solar chimney is performed. A simplified Bernoulli equation combined with fluid statics and ideal gas equation was implemented and solved using EES solver to predict the performance of the solar chimney power plant. The analytical model matched the experimental data and numerical study available in the literature. The developed analytical model was used to evaluate the effect of geometric parameters on the solar plant power generation. The analysis showed that chimney height and turbine pressure head are the most important physical variables for the solar chimney design. The study showed that second-law efficiency has non-monotonic relation with turbine pressure head. The model shows that second-law efficiency and power harvested increase with the increase of chimney height and/or diameter. The developed model is used to analyze the feasibility of solar chimney power plants for the UAE climate which possesses typical characteristics of the Gulf climate. The solar characteristics of the UAE are shown along with characteristic meteorological data. A solar chimney power plant with a chimney height of 500 m and a collector roof diameter of 1000 m would produce at least 8 MW of power. The amount of power produced during the summer would be higher where the demand in the Gulf area is the highest.     

CFD analysis on flow and performance parameters estimation of solar updraft tower (SUT) plant varying its geometrical configurations

A 3D numerical model is developed to estimate and analyze the flow and performance parameters of solar updraft tower (SUT) plant. The effects of geometrical parameters, such as chimney height and collector roof angle are studied. A turbulent, renormalization group (RNG) k-ε model and discrete ordinates (DO) model is used to solve the governing equations. It is concluded that with an increase in collector roof angle, air velocity increases but air temperature decreases. There is 31% velocity enhancement when the chimney height is increased from 3 to 8 m. The overall, chimney and collector efficiencies and power output are estimated to be 0.00354%, 0.0465%, 81.4% and 0.255 W, respectively.     

一种新型的太阳能热气流发电系统

提出了一种螺旋集热型太阳能热气流发电系统,建立了该系统的流动与传热特性数学模型.数值模拟结果表明,与西班牙太阳能热气流试验电站相比,在烟囱出口流动与传热特性参数及输出功率相同情况下,螺旋集热型太阳能热气流的集热棚半径减少了25%,占地面积减少了44%,具有较明显的经济性和商业优势.     

Analysis of solar chimney power plant utilizing chimney discrete model

The paper presents a mathematical thermal model for steady state airflow inside a solar chimney power plant using modified Bernoulli equation with buoyancy effect and ideal gas equation. The study evaluates the use of constant density assumption across the solar chimney and compares it with more realistic chimney mathematical discrete model that allows density variation across the chimney. The result shows that using a constant density assumption through the solar chimney can simplify the analytical model however it over predicts the power generation. The results show that the chimney height, the collector radius, the solar irradiance, and the turbine head are essential parameters for the design of solar chimneys. The maximum power generation depends on the turbine head and the relation is not monotonic.     

Analysis of some available heat transfer coefficients applicable to solar chimney power plant collectors

A solar chimney power plant consists of a translucent collector which heats the air near the ground and guides it into the base of a chimney at its centre. The buoyant air rises in the chimney and electricity is generated through one or more turbines in or near the base of the chimney. Various studies about solar chimney power plant performance have been published. Different calculation approaches with a variety of considerations have been applied to calculate chimney power plant performance. In particular, two comprehensive studies are relevant, namely those of (Bernardes, M.A.d. S., Voß, A., Weinrebe, G., 2003. Thermal and technical analyses of solar chimneys. Solar Energy 75, 511-524; Pretorius, J.P., Kröger, D.G., 2006b. Solar chimney power plant performance. Transactions of the ASME 128, 302-311). The paper compares the methods used to calculate the heat fluxes in the collector, and their effects on solar chimney performance. Reasons for the discrepancies between the predictions of the two models are given. In general the Pretorius model produces higher heat transfer coefficients and higher heat rate fluxes for both the roof and for the ground surfaces. The two approaches lead to very similar air temperature rises in the collector and thus, similar produced power.     

Critical evaluation of solar chimney power plant performance

This paper evaluates the influence of a recently developed convective heat transfer equation, more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient, quality collector roof glass and various types of soil on the performance of a large scale solar chimney power plant. Results indicate that the new heat transfer equation reduces plant power output considerably. The effect of a more accurate turbine inlet loss coefficient is insignificant, while utilizing better quality glass enhances plant power production. Models employing Limestone and Sandstone soil produce virtually similar results to a Granite-based model. The plant collector height is found to differ from previously obtained optimal values.     

Three-dimensional CFD analysis for simulating the greenhouse effect in solar chimney power plants using a two-band radiation model

The greenhouse effect in the solar collector has a fundamental role to produce the upward buoyancy force in solar chimney power plant systems. This study underlines the importance of the greenhouse effect on the buoyancy-driven flow and heat transfer characteristics through the system. For this purpose, a three-dimensional unsteady model with the RNG k–ε turbulence closure was developed, using computational fluid dynamics techniques. In this model, to solve the radiative transfer equation the discrete ordinates (DO) radiation model was implemented, using a two-band radiation model. To simulate radiation effects from the sun's rays, the solar ray tracing algorithm was coupled to the calculation via a source term in the energy equation. Simulations were carried out for a system with the geometry parameters of the Manzanares power plant. The effects of the solar insolation and pressure drop across the turbine on the flow and heat transfer of the system were considered. Based on the numerical results, temperature profile of the ground surface, thermal collector efficiency and power output were calculated and the results were validated by comparing with experimental data of this prototype power plant. Furthermore, enthalpy rise through the collector and energy loss from the chimney outlet between 1-band and two-band radiation model were compared. The analysis showed that simulating the greenhouse effect has an important role to accurately predict the characteristics of the flow and heat transfer in solar chimney power plant systems.     

Simulation of a pilot solar chimney thermal power generating equipment

A pilot experimental solar chimney thermal power generating equipment was set up in China. A simulation study was carried out to investigate the performance of the power generating system based on a developed mathematical model. The simulated power outputs in steady state were obtained for different global solar radiation intensity, collector area and chimney height. By intercomparison, it is found that the simulated power outputs are basically in agreement with the results calculated with the measurements, which validates the mathematical model of the solar chimney thermal power generating system. Furthermore, based on the simulation and the specific construction costs at a specific site, the optimum combination of chimney and collector dimensions can be selected for a required electric power output.     

Performance evaluation of solar chimney power plants in Iran

The solar chimney power plant is a simple solar thermal power plant that is capable of converting solar energy into thermal energy in the solar collector. In the second stage, the generated thermal energy is converted into kinetic energy in the chimney and ultimately into electric energy using a combination of a wind turbine and a generator. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of solar chimney power plants in some parts of Iran theoretically and to estimate the quantity of the produced electric energy. A mathematical model based on the energy balance was developed to estimate the power output of solar chimneys as well as to examine the effect of various ambient conditions and structural dimensions on the power generation. The solar chimney power plant with 350 m chimney height and 1000 m collector diameter is capable of producing monthly average 1-2 MW electric power over a year.     

Performance analysis of the power conversion unit of a solar chimney power plant

The power conversion unit (PCU) of a large solar chimney power plant consists of one or several turbogenerators, power electronics, a grid interface and the flow passage from collector exit to chimney inlet. The main goals of this paper are to analyze the performance of the PCU and its interaction with the plant as well as to compare three configurations from an efficiency and energy yield point of view.First, a reference plant is defined and the plant performance data taken from simulations with a model found in the literature are analyzed, and the matching of the turbine(s) to the characteristic of the plant is discussed. It was found that a well designed turbine can be run at high efficiency over the entire operating range, as the plant performance data can be fitted using the ellipse law of Stodola.Loss models for all components of the power conversion unit are then defined, and the impact of the various losses on the overall performance is assessed. Three configurations of the PCU are compared, i.e. the single vertical axis, the multiple vertical axis and the multiple horizontal axis turbine configuration. It is found that the single vertical axis turbine has a slight advantage with regards to efficiency and energy yield because certain loss mechanisms are not present. But its output torque is tremendous, making its feasibility questionable. It is shown that with designing the flow passage in an appropriate manner the aerodynamic losses can be kept low. The assumption made by many other researchers that the total-to-total efficiency of the PCU is 80 % has been confirmed with the present model. Further, it has been shown that the PCU efficiency deteriorates significantly with increasing diffuser area ratio but improves only slightly with reducing the diffuser area ratio below unity.     

Modeling and numerical simulation of solar chimney power plants

The solar chimney power plant is a simple solar thermal power plant that is capable of converting solar energy into thermal energy in the solar collector. In the second stage, the generated thermal energy is converted into kinetic energy in the chimney and ultimately into electric energy using a combination of a wind turbine and a generator. The purpose of this study is to conduct a more detailed numerical analysis of a solar chimney power plant. A mathematical model based on the Navier-Stokes, continuity and energy equations was developed to describe the solar chimney power plant mechanism in detail. Two different numerical simulations were performed for the geometry of the prototype in Manzanares, Spain. First, the governing equations were solved numerically using an iterative technique. Then, the numerical simulation was performed using the CFD software FLUENT that can simulate a two-dimensional axisymmetric model of a solar chimney power plant with the standard k-epsilon turbulence model. Both the predictions were compared with the available experimental data to assess the validity of the model. The temperature, velocity and pressure distributions in the solar collector are illustrated for three different solar radiations. Reasonably good quantitative agreement was obtained between the experimental data of the Manzanares prototype and both the numerical results.     

Solar chimney power plants for high latitudes

A solar chimney system for power production at high latitudes has been designed and its performance has been evaluated. A mathematical model and a code on MATLAB platform have been developed based on monthly average meteorological data and thermodynamic cycle. The thermal performance of a 5 MW nominal power production plant at three locations in Canada, namely Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton, is studied. The sloped collector field is built at suitable mountain hills, which also functions as a chimney. Then a short vertical chimney is added to install the vertical axis air turbine. The results showed that solar chimney power plants at high latitudes may have satisfactory thermal performance and produce as much as 85% of the same plants in southern locations with horizontal collector field. The overall thermal performance of these plants is a little less than 0.5%.     

A two-dimensional simulation method of the solar chimney power plant with a new radiation model for the collector

A two-dimensional axisymmetric CFD method is proposed for the solar chimney power plant (SCPP), which includes a solar radiation model within the collector, an energy storage model, an air flow and heat transfer model, and a turbine model. Numerical simulation is conducted for the Manzanares pilot plant. Different solar radiation modes in the collector and simulation methods are compared and discussed. Results show that the present two-dimensional method obtains consistent results with the three-dimensional method in the literature and experiment data, validating the feasibility of the proposed two-parallel-plate model for the radiation heat transfer within the collector.