Elementary theory of stationary vortex columns for solar chimney power plants

This paper aims to develop and make use of the availability of warm, humid air. In particular, we focus on the possibility that this availibility can be concentrated at the ground level without using a solid ‘‘chimney”. The results reveal that this concentration can be achieved via the formation of an updraft ‘‘gravitational vortex column” (GVC) situated over turbines. A simplified physical and analytical GVC model is developed in this paper. A numerical solution is given for a characteristic case, with a GVC process as a part of the cycle, similar to the Brayton cycle obtained in a gravitational field. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved