A comprehensive review of solar chimney power plants: technology, performance, and future prospects

Abstract

The increasing global energy demand and environmental challenges have shifted the focus toward renewable energy sources, with solar energy emerging as one of the most viable and abundant options. Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) offer a promising method for harnessing solar thermal energy at low temperatures through a combination of solar and wind energy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the SCPP technology, tracing its development from early theoretical models to the latest advancements. Key components such as the collector, tower, turbine, and energy storage layers are discussed in detail, along with the working principles of the system. Despite the potential benefits, including continuous power generation and minimal environmental impact, SCPPs face significant challenges such as low efficiency and high initial costs. This paper synthesizes findings from a wide range of studies, including design parameters, mathematical models, and performance analyses of SCPPs. Additionally, hybrid systems and economic studies are reviewed, offering insights into how SCPP technology can evolve to meet future energy demands. The review concludes by identifying current gaps in the research and suggesting pathways for future improvement.