Solar chimney applications in multi-storey buildings: A critical review

As a promising passive ventilation system, solar chimney shows great potential in energy-saving. Although its applications for single-storey building have been extensively explored, no review was found in the literature regarding its applications in multi-storey buildings, hampering its future applications. This study focuses on studying solar chimney in multi-storey buildings, analysing its potential for application in multi-storey buildings, aiming to offer fundamental guide on its future designs and application. This system can substantially enhance the ventilation efficiency of buildings, as well as excellent energy efficiency, adaptability, and temperature regulation capabilities, which are suitable for the diverse functional requirements of multi-storey structures. Compared to single-storey buildings, the performance of solar chimneys in multi-storey environments is more efficient due to their height. However, their design and management are more complex. Its performance could be influenced by building height, environmental factors, material usages, and configuration, which can be optimised on its own or combined with other technologies, such as photovoltaic or photocatalytic/thermocatalytic technologies, to enhance its natural ventilation performance and diversify their functionality. Challenges for its applications in multi-storey buildings, including fire risk and chimney design, such as complex airflow conditions, uneven flow distribution, and backflow were discussed. Future works, including performance optimisation, integration of new energy systems, and safety in multi-storey buildings, were recommended.