Heliostat Field Layout Using Non-Restricted Optimization

Abstract

A new heliostat field optimization method is presented. The method is intended for the further performance improvement after initial layout with a standard heliostat field layout tool. During the field optimization heliostats are repositioned without or with little restrictions. A non-simplifying ray-tracing tool is used for the performance evaluation. During the optimization detailed local weather and site characteristics (e. g. topography) can be considered. Two example cases are discussed. In the first case for a small solar tower system for a test facility, the annual intercepted energy was increased by more than 5%. This significant improvement indicates that the initial field layout was not suitable. The second example was based on the field layout of the PS10 solar tower plant. In this case an improvement of more than 0.7% was achieved. Application of the optimization method is recommended for any future solar tower plant. Basically, the optimization improves the revenues while capital and O&M cost remain unchanged. It is expected that any standard heliostat layout can be improved to a certain degree using this method. The method is very flexible and can be easily adapted to specific situations and optimization goals. Additional requirements can be easily implemented.