Methodological Study on Heliostat Configuration Optimization in Tower Solar Thermal Systems

In response to the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions, this study focuses on optimizing heliostat fields, crucial for solar power generation, to boost efficiency and reduce costs in line with national new energy policies. Initially, a model using Monte Carlo and ray tracing methods was developed to assess the heliostat field's lighting rate. This model showed an average annual optical efficiency of 25.54% and a thermal output of 20.61MW. Further, employing a grid search method, the ideal heliostat field configuration was identified, resulting in an average annual thermal output of 70.58MW. This research provides important insights for the future construction of heliostat fields, targeting operational efficiency and cost reduction.