Center-Oriented Aiming Strategy for Heliostat With Spinning-Elevation Tracking Method

Abstract

Spinning-Elevation (SE) tracking system produces a decent image on the receiver surface; however, it is subjected to large variations in tracking speed. In this research, a Graphical Ray Tracing (GRT) model for Center-Oriented Spinning-Elevation (COSE) tracking method is developed to evaluate tracking angles. Instead of a target, a heliostat is pointed towards the on-field center point of the tower. Therefore, a spinning-axis of rotation is a line joining a heliostat, and a center of the tower and elevation-axis is perpendicular to it. This aiming strategy has shown a substantial reduction in rotations of spinning-motor. In contrast, the elevation-motor runs at slightly higher rotations than the target-oriented SE method for the same application. Also, COSE tracking method obtains better shape of the reflected image with less aberration on the receiver surface as compared to SE and the traditional Azimuth-Elevation (AE) method.

Genetic algorithm optimization of heliostat field layout for the design of a central receiver solar thermal power plant

“…Solar DNI data for designing the layout was taken from Ref. [ 40 ]. This dataset provides solar radiation level information on 10-min average value for Quetta, Pakistan.…”

Real-Time Optimization of Heliostat Field Aiming Strategy via an Improved Swarm Intelligence Algorithm

“…The aiming strategy problem aims to find the optimal alignment of heliostats that generates a desirable flux distribution. The maximum solar energy interception can be obtained when heliostats point at the center of the thermal receiver; however, it may cause overheating and steep flux gradients [12,13]. Excessive temperatures can degrade absorber coatings, deteriorate heat transfer fluids (HTF), and overheat absorbers [14,15].…”