Vortex process for capturing mechanical energy during upward heat-convection in the atmosphere

Mechanical energy is produced when heat is carried upward by convection in the Aatmosphere. Processes for controlling and concentrating where the mechanical Aenergy is produced could be a method of harnessing solar energy. A process for Aproducing and controlling a tornado-like vortex and thereby concentrating the Amechanical energy where it can be captured is proposed. The vortex process is Acompared with the solar chimney phenomenon which shares the same thermodynamic Abasis. The physical tube of the solar chimney is replaced with a vortex and the Aatmospheric boundary layer acts as the solar collector. The work produced when air rises from the bottom to the top of the troposphere is typically 1500 AJ kg^-1. About the same as the work produced when a kilogram of water is Alowered 150 m. The work can be transferred downward to the surface, where it Acan be captured. A vortex-power station could have an electrical capacity of A100 MW. Developing the process will require cooperation between the meteorology Aand engineering disciplines, c,) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.