Samueli School of Engineering

Abstract:

The Multifunctional Solar Updraft Tower is a prototypical tower that incorporates optimal environment for energy generation. The tower incorporates the solar updraft concept, which uses air movements to rotate turbines and generate energy. The tower utilizes a series of solar collectors, wind, oil pipes, and molten salt to produce energy.

Project description:  the purpose of the project is to design a building structure that incorporates an optimum environment for energy generation.  Our design incorporates the solar updraft concept, which uses air movements to rotate turbines and generate energy.  By optimizing the surface area of the structure, the sun is then used to heat the air causing it to move upward at an increasing velocity therefore, turning the turbines and generating energy.  The structure will act as a multifunction facility, consisting of wind turbines for energy generation and occupied space (i.e., research facility, storage).

Client consultant:  James Buchnam, LEED-AP, PJHM Architects

Brett Kaufman, S.E., VCA Structural

UCI Faculty member:  Mohammed Qomi