Numerical investigation of a plume from a power generating solar chimney in an atmospheric cross flow

A plume in an atmospheric cross flow from a power generating solar chimney is investigated using a three-dimensional numerical simulation model. The simulation model is validated by comparing the data calculated using our model with the numerical simulated results for one-dimensional buoyancy-driven compressible flow in a proposed 1500 m high solar chimney. In this paper, the parametric performances including static pressure, static temperature, density, streamline, and relative humidity field of the flow at the symmetry plane, at the cross plane 2700 m high and at the cross plane 750 m high in the geometry are simulated. It is found that relative humidity of the plume is greatly increased due to the jet of a plume into the surroundings colder than the plume. In addition to a great amount of tiny granules in the plume originating from the ground as effective condensation nuclei of moisture, a condensation would occur, a cloud system and precipitation e.g. rainfall, snow and hail would be formed around the plume when vapor is supersaturated. It is also found that with an increase in chimney height or relative humidity of atmosphere, or a reduction in wind velocity, relative humidity is increased, and increases the probability of precipitation and the potential precipitation areas. Furthermore, the latent heat released from the condensation of supersaturated vapor can aid the plume to keep on rising.