Solar Chimney

The solar chimney or thermal chimney is a vertical flue to enhance natural ventilation in buildings by using convection air heated by passive solar energy.

A major application of solar chimneys is to provide ventilation in places where, otherwise, would not be any. This is achieved by heating the air in the chimney, creating upwelling, the movement of air needed.

The basic elements for the design and construction of a solar chimney are:

* An area where the sun’s rays hit
* The thermal characteristics needed to conserve energy, including the type of painting, orientation and insulation.
* The entrance and exit orifices, the ones that release the air in the required parts of the building.

The air conditioning and mechanical ventilation have been for decades the standard method for controlling the environment inside buildings. Global warming and pollution problems have led to a new way of designing buildings. The solar chimney is one of those new forms, scientists and designers are exploring.

A solar chimney can serve several purposes. The airing of a house or building, to exchange temperature in geothermal plants or ventilate specific locations, such as a bathroom.

The natural ventilation can be augmented with a solar chimney. The chimney must be higher than the level of the roof and has to be built in the wall that receives more sun. To increase the absorption of solar energy can use tinted glass in the side that faces the sun. The absorption area is more important than the diameter of the chimney. A large absorption area allows a more effective heat exchange.

The main benefits of solar chimneys are:

* Improved ventilation
* Reduce dependence on wind
* Improve control of air currents within a building
* Improve air quality and reduce noise levels in urban areas