Solar chimney

From Swikipedia

Introduction

The solar chimney is a construction on the building’s envelope that exploits solar energy to promote ventilation through the building. Heated/lighter air rises and induces suction that produces a ventilation circuit. The exhaust outlet is placed in the upper part of the building so it contributes to evacuate the hottest air possible.

Brief Description

The solar chimney offers a method for the large scale generation of electricity from solar energy. Ambient air is drawn into the glass collector. This is warmed by solar energy and rises up the chimney. The current of rising warm air drives a turbine. The capital cost is high but running costs are very low, the fuel is free and the power station has a long lifetime. The technology could become the cheapest method for the large scale generation of solar electricity.

References:

http://www.earthscanjournals.com/aber/003/aber0030021.htm

http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.co.uk/the_solar_chimney.htm