Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics

Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics

Numerical Investigation of Design and Solar Irradiance Parameters on the Performance of a Solar Chimney System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Phd student, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
In the context of escalating energy demands and the imperative to utilize renewable resources, natural ventilation systems, exemplified by solar chimneys, have garnered mounting attention. The objective of this study is to utilize numerical analysis to investigate the flow behavior and heat transfer in a solar chimney system under the influence of various geometric parameters and radiation conditions. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was utilized to analyze the velocity field, temperature distribution, and mass flow rate within the system. The model comprises an absorber plate, a transparent cover, and an air channel situated between these components. The study examined the influence of key parameters, including chimney height, air channel gap, inlet and outlet width and height, and three different heat flux intensities (600, 800, and 1000 W/m²). The findings suggest that an increase in solar radiation intensity results in elevated air temperatures along the channel. This, in turn, has been shown to enhance the mass flow rate and overall system efficiency. Furthermore, the optimization of the geometric design, particularly through the extension of the chimney height and the adjustment of the air gap, has been shown to result in a substantial enhancement of natural convection performance. This study provides a foundational framework for designing efficient solar chimney systems, particularly in hot and arid climates, and contributes to the development of sustainable passive ventilation strategies in building architecture.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 February 2026

  • Receive Date 22 November 2025
  • Revise Date 19 February 2026
  • Accept Date 02 February 2026
  • Publish Date 20 February 2026