Passive Solar Convection Chimney Architecture
A challenging, hands-on discovery and STEM project designed for curious young minds aged 10 to 14.
Materials Needed
- • Matte black poster board (1 sheet)
- • Clear plastic overhead transparency/acetate sheet (1 sheet)
- • Sturdy corrugated cardboard for framing (1 box panel)
- • Hot glue or black electrical tape (1 roll)
- • Incense stick with match (or wisps of cotton) for smoke tracing (1 unit)
Pro Tips
- → The clear acetate front lets solar radiation enter, while the matte black backing absorbs the heat, warming the internal air column.
- → As hot air inside the tall chimney expands and rises out the top vent, it creates negative pressure that pulls cool air through the bottom intake.
- → Hold a smoking incense stick or light thread near the bottom intake to make the rapid inward airflow visible.
Safety First
Light incense sticks strictly outdoors on a non-flammable surface under adult supervision.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Construct a 50 cm tall, 8 cm wide cardboard vertical shaft lined with matte black paper on the back and clear plastic acetate on the front.
Step 2
Cut a 3 cm air intake vent at the bottom base and an identical exhaust vent at the top rear.
Step 3
Angle the glazing face toward direct midday sun for 10 minutes to allow the black chamber to superheat.
Step 4
Hold a smoking incense stick or delicate feather at the lower vent and watch the passive thermal stack draw air upward through the flue.