Analysis of horizontal solar chimney systems and aplicability assesment

The fossil fuels are used in the electrical energy generation, which is essential for our lives. However, the negative effects of fossil fuels on environment become a threat for all the living things. Each passing day, environmental consciousness and primary sources depletion have increased. Therefore, some different methods and techniques have been developed in order to benefit further from renewable energy sources in electrical energy generation. Solar energy, which is the most important one in renewable energy sources, is used in electrical energy generation by various methods. Solar chimney is one of these methods and there have been new developments in electrical energy generation by solar chimneys. In solar chimney systems, solar usually heats the air under the greenhouse, heated air forms an air movement while rising from a steep chimney, the heated air rotates the propeller which is on the base of the chimney and electrical energy is generated, so propellers rotates the generator. Chimneys which can float have been developed since it is difficult to fix the chimneys during stormy weather. Moreover, some studies have been conducted on inclined solar chimneys, so it is possible to lean a chimney on a mountain slope. Also, inclined solar chimney idea was proposed by American scientist Ronald L.Conte Jr. and some experimental studies were conducted. In this study, solar chimney systems which generate electrical energy from solar energy were discussed; among these systems, inclined solar chimney systems, which are at development stage and have not been applied widely, were discussed in detail, various models were developed in this issue and in order to consider the applicability a sample design for Bilecik city was developed and calculations were given. In this application, annual average solar data between 1960-2012 for Bilecik was used.