Thermal and Dynamic Assessment of a Vortex Solar Chimney Incorporating Porous Storage Media: <scp>CFD</scp> Simulation

ABSTRACT This study examines the efficacy of a solar air vortex engine utilizing a porous material for thermal energy storage. This research represents one of the initial numerical investigations assessing the application of porous media (black‐coated glass) for thermal energy storage in solar vortex engines. The Flont program was utilized to assess the system's performance, both with and without the porous media, based on the design and dimensions derived from experimental research. The findings revealed that the peak thermal efficiency was 57.8% at 1:00 p.m. in the absence of the medium, whereas it decreased to 51.9% with the medium present. At 4:00 p.m., efficiency was higher with media present (51.9%) than without (47.7%). The media has demonstrated its capacity to store heat for an extended duration. The peak mechanical power output attained was 80 mW in the absence of the medium and 76 mW at 1:00 p.m. The porous media increased the mechanical power from 30 to 67 mW at 4:00 p.m. The findings indicate that the porous medium markedly enhances the system's thermal efficiency, facilitates more uniform heat distribution within the solar collector, and increases mechanical energy output during later operational phases. Future investigations may examine other porous substances, varying degrees of porosity, and extensive industrial applications.