Grose, T. (2014, April 16). Solar Chimneys Can Convert Hot Air to Energy, But Is
Funding a Mirage?. National Geographic, National Geographic: Daily News,
Energy.Retrieved July 13, 2014, from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/04/140416-
solar-updraft-towers-convert-hot-air-to-energy/
An inventive idea for a harnessing solar power that has long been looked to as a solution to the demand for energy has met numerous delays and issues. The solar chimney is an old idea that has been considered for years to be a possible solution to the question of green energy, but it is facing increasing problems with funding due the sheer size of the projects. Currently only one chimney in is under construction. Built in the arid central plains of Australia the chimney is going to be one kilometer tall and will cost more than a billion dollars. The towers are also much less efficient than solar panels.
The solar chimney is a valid energy production method and is made feasible by its lack of maintenance problems. The only moving part in a solar chimney is the turbine so there is little risk of mechanical damage. Because of this there is no need for constant maintenance as there is when using solar panels. Unfortunately the enormous up front cost of building these structures is preventing them from becoming common. However, due to the chimney’s convenient durability they may be sound investments in the future and could provide large quantities of clean cheap energy.
I think using solar energy is a great way to provide energy to people because of the lack of damage to our environment. but if these chimneys are way more expensive to build and dont work as well, besides less maintenance, why should people prefer these over regular solar panels?
I like this idea because of the low maintenance and the efficientness. One thing that they could try to figure out is how to reduce the cost of this project so other countries have the chance of building this structure.
This “solar chimney” is a very innovative way to get energy. I like how this is a different alternative to getting energy. How does/would the “solar chimney” function?
unfortunately with the growing popularity of the solar towers, (using mirrors to reflect light at a central tower) there is less and less of a market for these chimneys.