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

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  • Michaud, L. M.

Abstract

Mechanical energy is produced when heat is carried upward by convection in the atmosphere. Processes for controlling and concentrating where the mechanical energy is produced could be a method of harnessing solar energy. A process for producing and controlling a tornado-like vortex and thereby concentrating the mechanical energy where it can be captured is proposed. The vortex process is compared with the solar chimney phenomenon which shares the same thermodynamic basis. The physical tube of the solar chimney is replaced with a vortex and the atmospheric 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 J kg-1, about the same as the work produced when a kilogram of water is lowered 150 m. The work can be transferred downward to the surface, where it can be captured. A vortex-power station could have an electrical capacity of 100 MW. Developing the process will require cooperation between the meteorology and engineering disciplines.

Suggested Citation

  • Michaud, L. M., 1999. "Vortex process for capturing mechanical energy during upward heat-convection in the atmosphere," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 62(4), pages 241-251, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:62:y:1999:i:4:p:241-251
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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Rodriguez-Lucas & Chen Ning & Marcelo Fajardo-Pruna & Yugui Yang, 2021. "Study of Vortex Systems as a Method to Weakening the Urban Heat Islands within the Financial District in Large Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-29, November.
    2. Ming, Tingzhen & de_Richter, Renaud & Liu, Wei & Caillol, Sylvain, 2014. "Fighting global warming by climate engineering: Is the Earth radiation management and the solar radiation management any option for fighting climate change?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 792-834.
    3. Al-Kayiem, Hussain H. & Tukkee, Ali M. & See, Yuan K., 2024. "Experimental assessment of a solar vortex engine integrated with sensible TES at different collector configurations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    4. He, Yuanping & Zhang, Mingxu & Li, Weijun & Su, Junwei & Kase, Kiwamu & Yu, Chuck Wah & Gu, Zhaolin, 2019. "Feasibility of a new helical blade structure for a PV integrated wind turbine in a heat-driven swirling wind field," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 585-598.
    5. Nizetic, Sandro, 2011. "Technical utilisation of convective vortices for carbon-free electricity production: A review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 1236-1242.
    6. Al-Kayiem, Hussain H. & Mustafa, Ayad T. & Gilani, Syed I.U., 2018. "Solar vortex engine: Experimental modelling and evaluation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 389-399.
    7. Edmonds, Ian, 2009. "Hot air balloon engine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 1100-1105.

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