Power Generation Utilizing Solar Heat and Wind Kinetic Energy | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents an integrated approach of electricity generation by combining the kinetic energy of wind and solar thermal energy by using specifically designed wind tunnels and solar thermal energy storage system in a solar chimney power plant. The tunnels are designed to control wind velocity in the vicinity of the solar chimney whereas thermal energy storage system enhances the rate of energy generation. This paper describes the design and working of a prototype. The parameters for the prototype were derived by using simple flow equations. The design incorporates a coaxial turbine installed inside the solar chimney and wind flows through specifically designed static tunnels from all the directions. This Design enables to overcome the drop in power generation capacity of solar energy based power station when cloudy and rainy conditions persist. It was observed that due to tunnels the wind velocity increases and can be controlled, While thermal energy and chimney effect adds to wind velocity. Therefore electricity generation appreciably increases for larger time, besides the ease in maintenance and protection from storm.