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A solar chimney, or thermal chimney, is an energy-efficient passive ventilation system that uses solar energy to draw air through a building. It consists of a vertical shaft that is surrounded by a heat-absorbing material, such as a dark-colored surface, and a fan or blower to create a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the chimney.
The heat absorbed by the material causes the air in the chimney to rise, creating an updraft that draws air from the outside into the building.
Solar chimneys have been used for centuries, and are an example of a passive solar system. This means that they use natural thermal convection to move air, rather than relying on electricity or other external power sources.
The main advantage of a solar chimney is that it can provide ventilation without the need for electricity or other mechanical systems. This makes them particularly useful in remote areas where electricity is not available, or in areas where electricity is expensive.
The solar chimney is an efficient and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption and provide natural ventilation. The system works by absorbing solar radiation and converting it into heat, which then causes air to rise in the chimney.
This creates a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the chimney, which in turn draws air from the outside into the building. The solar chimney can also be combined with other passive cooling strategies, such as shading or ventilation louvres, to improve its efficiency.
The solar chimney is an attractive option for buildings in areas with high solar radiation and good air circulation. It is also a good choice for buildings that are in remote locations, where other ventilation systems would be difficult to install and maintain.
Solar chimneys can provide an efficient, cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption and provide natural ventilation.
The Global Solar chimney market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2023 to 2030.
In order to lower the risk of COVID-19 cross-infection, a novel design for a solar chimney has been developed. It follows an airflow path that passes through a window, ceiling vent, attic, and chimney cavity.
The natural ventilation rate was used to measure the solar chimney performance, which was then displayed as a power function with respect to cavity height, window area, ceiling vent area, and solar radiation. To improve the room’s performance and ventilation coverage, it is advised that the ceiling vent be placed closer to the hallway.
In order to adapt their forecast to those scenarios with many rooms, they suggested updating the theoretical models for the solar chimney, which is typically adopted with multiple openings (i.e., intake and output).
One of the guiding concepts in the design of building ventilation systems is the avoidance of reverse or back flow. Reverse or back flow has the potential to impair ventilation efficiency and disperse used air throughout many rooms, which is why this is happening.
Previous investigations with a bigger chimney chamber at the chimney outlet showed reverse airflow as a result of the uneven natural convection. On an angled absorption wall or in a high-rise office building, reverse airflow was also noted upon application of the solar chimney.
It remains unclear, nevertheless, if the application of solar chimneys in multi-zone buildings could cause the reverse flow at other vents or windows, accelerating the spread of COVID-19 or the similar virus.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggested that an airborne infection isolation room must have natural ventilation that is 7.9–11.4 ACH for a 27 m3 space. However, it is still unclear if a solar chimney can provide adequate natural ventilation under normal weather conditions to meet this requirement.
Energy savings were taken into consideration when designing a solar chimney for a home. Additionally, a variety of elements, including room layout, attic and chimney construction, and climatic factors like solar radiation, could influence the design of a solar chimney. Ageing care facilities’ lengthy hallways and numerous rooms make matters more difficult.
