E-ISSN 2414-6013 | ISSN 2411-9636
 
2026, Vol: 15, Issue: 1
15 / 1Current Issue

Technical Note
Online Published: 18 Aug 2026
 


Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation

Benlahcene Djaouida, Ali Sellami.


Abstract
This study analyzes the Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) system, a novel solar thermal technology that eliminates tall chimney structures while maintaining efficient energy conversion. The system features a 244 m diameter main collector, 117 m secondary collector, 10 m horizontal turbine, and 5 m crushed gravel thermal storage layer. Mathematical modeling employs Navier-Stokes equations, energy equations with Boussinesq approximation, and k-ε turbulence modeling. Under 1000 W/m² solar insolation, the system achieves 420 K ground surface temperature (112 K rise), accelerating airflow from 1 m/s inlet velocity to 14 m/s at the turbine. The crushed gravel storage layer provides 89.73% collector efficiency and enables extended operation beyond peak solar hours. CFD analysis confirms smooth velocity transitions and optimal thermal gradients throughout the system. Net electrical output reaches 163.35 kW, accounting for turbine efficiency (85%), generator efficiency (92%), and overall system losses (95% efficiency). Economic analysis yields an LCOE of $0.22-0.33/kWh, competitive with conventional solar chimney systems ($0.15-0.30/kWh) while offering reduced construction complexity and land use requirements. The GSTAT system shows particular promise for distributed power generation where tall structures are impractical, providing a scalable alternative to conventional solar updraft towers.

Key words: Solar thermal energy; GSTAT system; buoyancy-driven flow; thermal storage; turbine power; CFD analysis; renewable energy.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Djaouida B, Sellami A. [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Sol. Energy Sustain. Dev.. 2026; 15(1): 46-64. .

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

Web Style

Djaouida B, Sellami A. [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. https://www.jsesd.org/?mno=302658382 [Access: November 10, 2026]. .

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Djaouida B, Sellami A. [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Sol. Energy Sustain. Dev.. 2026; 15(1): 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Djaouida B, Sellami A. [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Sol. Energy Sustain. Dev.. (2026), [cited November 10, 2026]; 15(1): 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

Harvard Style

Djaouida, B. & Sellami, . A. (2026) [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Sol. Energy Sustain. Dev., 15 (1), 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

Turabian Style

Djaouida, Benlahcene, and Ali Sellami. 2026. [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Solar Energy and Sustainable Development, 15 (1), 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

Chicago Style

Djaouida, Benlahcene, and Ali Sellami. "[Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]." Solar Energy and Sustainable Development 15 (2026), 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Djaouida, Benlahcene, and Ali Sellami. "[Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]." Solar Energy and Sustainable Development 15.1 (2026), 46-64. Print..


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Djaouida, B. & Sellami, . A. (2026) [Design and Performance Analysis of a Ground-Level Solar Thermal Accelerated Turbine (GSTAT) for Compact Power Generation]. Solar Energy and Sustainable Development, 15 (1), 46-64. .


doi:10.51646/jsesd.v15i1.1018

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