Small Scale Updraft Tower

Small scale solar updraft tower: upper image shows schematic presentation of the principle. Lower image: Solar towers can incorporate PV modules for additional daytime energy and the heat from PV array is utilized in the solar tower.

The Solar Updraft Tower is a proven but still largely experimental way to generate electricity. The source of heat can be solar (requiring a heat collecting area) or chemical fuel (e.g. biomass combustion). Waste heat from other processes (such as lime making, biochar production, etc.) could be used. Below is a link collection of some research on small-scale updraft towers.

Product Ecology

• CEBs for chimney (although CEBs might not be able to support a high chimney, and fired bricks may be needed)
• Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln - fired bricks for the chimney
• Kon-Tiki Kiln - waste heat can be used
• May also be of use for ventilation, Evaporative Cooling and/or Solar Desalination airflow needs

Link collection: small scale solar updraft tower

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267492802_Design_Construction_and_Testing_of_a_Small_Scale_Solar_Chimney_for_Nomadic_Herdsmen
• https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/8805/report/F
• http://ask.metafilter.com/133951/mini-solar-chimney-for-micro-power-generation
• http://ubrisa.ub.bw/jspui/handle/10311/271 (paper was later retracted due to plagiarism)
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236106001451
• http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148102002276

Link collection: chimney waste heat

• https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_electrical_generation_from_an_industrial_chimney_possible_Do_you_know_of_any_cases
• http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/electric-generator-from-chimney-draft.71358/
• https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090426164239AAZj9Lp