Evaluation of solar chimney performance enhancement using energy produced by Albian geothermal water in southeastern Algeria

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the performance enhancement of a solar chimney by coupling it to Albian geothermal water, a natural source of hot water, to ensure energy production in the absence of solar radiation. As the temperature of this groundwater can reach up to 70 degrees C in the southeastern Sahara (Algeria), the energy produced is not negligible and could be valorised. The continental intercalary groundwater is mainly used for irrigation and requires a a prior cooling. Given the absence of Albian drilling near the solar chimney prototype, we used a water heater to produce water at a temperature close to that of natural Albian water. The explored prototype was built in the city of Ouargla, located in the southeast of Algeria. It was observed that this hybrid energy generation system operates day and night and ensures an uninterruptible power supply. The proposed system also lowers the temperature of the hot water, thereby making it suitable for irrigation.