Journal of Solar Energy Research

Numerical Design Optimization of a Scaled Solar Chimney Power Plant Using Guide-Assisted Collectors for Agricultural Applications- case study of Khenchela (Algeria)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Abbes Laghrour University of Khenchela Algeria

2 LESEI (Laboratoire des Etudes des systems Energétiques Industriels) laboratory, University of Batna 2, Algeria

Abstract

This research develops a theoretical framework for a solar chimney system comprising a collector, turbine, and vertical chimney. Global solar radiation and air temperature were calculated for midday on June 21st. The constructed model was utilized to simulate conditions using meteorological data from a specific summer day in Khenchela under realistic local climatic and operating conditions throughout summer while the physical proportions of Spain's Manzanares plant were reduced to one-tenth scale to project the facility's potential electricity yield. The effect of guides surrounding the collector on the electricity generated was simulated to determine the most effective SCPP for fulfilling the electricity demands of the agricultural area in Khenchela. The simulations revealed that an optimal configuration of nine guides could produce 72 W of electrical power. Results indicated that the efficiency of an SCPP is largely determined by its design dimensions, the surrounding air temperature, and the level of solar radiation.

Keywords

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Journal of Solar Energy Research
Volume 11, Issue 3
July 2026
Pages 3952-3966