Numerical investigation and sensitivity analysis of effective parameters to obtain potential maximum power output: A case study on Zanjan prototype solar chimney power plant

A two dimensional axisymmetric numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis are carried out to obtain the potential maximum power output of a prototype solar chimney in Zanjan, Iran. The Response Surface Methodology is employed to perform the sensitivity analysis. The effects of the effective parameters, including entrance gap of collector (0.10 ⩽ a ⩽ 0.20), chimney diameter (0.20 ⩽ b ⩽ 0.30), chimney height (8 ⩽ h ⩽ 16) and inclination of collector roof (0° ⩽ θ ⩽ 20°) on the potential maximum power output are studied. It is found that the potential maximum power output enhances with increasing both the chimney diameter and height, and reduces with increasing the entrance gap of collector. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the sensitivity of the potential maximum power output to a and b increases with increasing a, b and h and reduces with increasing θ is increased. The effective parameters of a, b, and h that maximize the potential maximum power output are found.