Abstract
Solar chimneys (SCs) utilize solar-induced buoyancy to enhance natural ventilation; however, design recommendations remain challenging because of differences in modelling assumptions, thermal boundary conditions, and operating environments. This study investigates the thermal–flow characteristics and ventilation performance of a wall-mounted building-integrated SC under representative Indonesian humid-tropical conditions using OpenFOAM. The thermal predictions of the numerical model were validated against published experimental temperature data, with a maximum deviation of 3.36%. Parametric analyses of chimney cross-sectional area, height, and air gap were conducted at a constant absorbed heat flux of 500 W/m2, followed by hourly quasi-steady evaluation. Chimney cross-sectional area had the greatest effect on ventilation performance, producing an air change per hour (ACH) range of 0.5–30 h−1, compared with 7.7–8.6 h−1 for height and 7.4–7.7 h−1 for air gap. The selected configuration, with a 0.09 m2 area, 3 m height, and 0.3 m air gap, achieved 4.0–10.7 h−1 during hourly evaluation. The model assumes quiescent ambient conditions and dry-air Boussinesq properties; thus, wind-pressure effects and humidity-induced changes in air properties and buoyancy are not represented. These findings provide quantitative guidance for the design and assessment of building-integrated SCs in humid tropical climates within the adopted modelling assumptions.
Abstract by the authors, reproduced under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Original publication via the link below.