Karnataka   

Gigantic chimneys for trapping solar energy

— BHAGYA PRAKASH K.

Jorg Schlaich

BANGALORE: Jorg Schlaich claims to know India like he knows “his pocket”, which is why he says he is qualified to propose a solution to energy problems.

He asks that the interview be in the middle of the garden where Mahatma Gandhi once sat, a fact that few visitors to the Grand Ashok would know. And, more importantly, he wants to change the world with his solar updrift tower systems.

To deconstruct that very tall claim, he says the system is made of three very basic materials: concrete, glass and a turbine. “We speak so much about climate change, but the more serious problem is the lack of energy. And the single resource you need is the sun,” Dr. Schlaich explains.

The system he proposes dismisses all traces of the basic criticism against the use of solar power.Dr. Schlaich, in the city to attend the ongoing Structural Engineers World Conference, is the German structural engineer credited with the construction of the Olympic stadium in Munich. He designed and helped build the Hooghly bridge and is working on several projects in Delhi including the Yamuna bridge.

His solar system in question comprises a simple greenhouse with a glass roof to generate warm air, a kilometre-high (yes, you read it right) chimney made of concrete for suction to harness the upward movement of air, and a turbine to tap energy.

The prototype for such a solar plant made in Spain generated 50 KW of power and a kilometre-high chimney will be able to generate up to 200 MW of power.

Though a kilometre-long chimney with a diameter of 200 metres may seem gigantic, Dr. Schlaich is convinced that this is the future.

“Why should India not take the lead and build it, and the world will have no choice but to follow,” he says with conviction.

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