Hybrid transpired solar collector updraft tower

Abstract A novel hybrid solar updraft tower prototype, which consists of photovoltaic panels and transpired solar collector, is studied, its function principle is described and its experimental performance is presented for the first time. A test unit of transpired solar collector updraft tower was installed at the campus of Trakya University Engineering Faculty in Edirne-Turkey in 2015. PV modules cover 42% of transpired solar collector area. PV and turbine power output, solar radiation, ambient temperature, temperature rise, collector cavity temperatures, and chimney velocities were monitored during 18 months. The results showed that hybrid solar updraft tower efficiency increased by about 2% in average compared to stand-alone PV system. The temperature rise in hybrid solar updraft tower is found to be 12–14 °C on the typical sunny day. Energy was produced continuously for 24 h. The results showed that solar utilization ranges from 60% to 80% during daytime.