No physical optimum solar chimney power plant exists when only regarding the dimensions of such a plant. However, if construction costs are introduced, thermoeconomically optimal plant configurations may be established. This paper investigates the thermoeconomic optimization of a large-scale solar chimney power plant. Initially, relevant dimensions are selected, which are to be optimized. An approximated cost model is then developed, giving the capacity for finding optimum plant dimensions for different cost structures. Multiple computer simulations are performed and results are compared to the approximated cost of each specific plant. Thermoeconomically optimal plant configurations are obtained.
Issue Section:
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.Copyright © 2008
by American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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