Study on the Thermal Performance of a Lightweight Solar Wall Chimney with a Thermoelectric Generation Module

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the thermal performance of a Lightweight Solar Wall Chimney with a thermoelectric generation module (LSWCT) compared to a Simple Cement Board Wall (SCW). The LSWCT features double-wall panels constructed from 8 mm-thick cement with a 0.01 m air gap. To enhance the natural ventilation rate, the external wall is painted black. Two openings, measuring 0.10 x 0.80 m², are located at the bottom (on the room side wall) and the top (on the ambient side glass pane). Additionally, a single thermoelectric module (MT2-1, 6-127) measuring 40 x 40 mm is installed with a rectangular fin heat sink positioned in the middle of the Lightweight Solar Wall Chimney. The LSWCT was integrated into the south facade of a model house with a volume of 2.016 m³ (1.20 m in height and 0.80 m in width). For comparison, another house model with the same dimensions incorporating the Simple Cement Wall was utilized. Experimental results indicated that the indoor temperature and heat transfer through the south wall of the LSWCT were significantly lower than those observed in the SCW room. Therefore, the proposed LSWCT concept emerges as a promising alternative for various applications, including indoor ventilation, reduction of wall heat gain, and electricity generation.