San Bernardino Valley College - Solar Chimney Study

Solar Chimney Design as part of the SBVC Automotive TEC Project. A solar chimney is a passive solar ventilation system. It is a way of improving natural ventilation within a building as well as providing heating or cooling by utilizing heat from the sun to enhance natural stack effect ventilation through a building. At SBVC TEC, 5 solar chimneys are placed along the spine of the building.  The solar chimneys reduce the demand on the HVAC system to cool the spaces, which in turn results in greater energy efficiency and thermal comfort. During cooler times of the year, the solar chimney outlets can be closed, resulting the containment of hot air.  This hot air will passively heat spaces below and will reduce the demand on the HVAC system as well.