Optimization of Heliostat Layout in Central Receiver Solar Power Plants

In this paper, the main aim is to optimize the heliostat layout in central receiver solar power plants in order to achieve the maximum heliostat field efficiency using a genetic algorithm as an optimization tool. First, an algorithm is developed based on vector geometry in order to select an individual heliostat and then calculate its characteristic angles at any time and location. The process of the program will be applied to track the Sun as a control function. The best configuration is obtained by considering the radial staggered layout of the heliostat field. The locations of the heliostats are determined, and the efficiency of each heliostat is calculated to find the most appropriate condition with the highest efficiency. Calculating the power of each heliostat supplied on the receiver will make it possible to determine the absorbed total heat power. At this stage, the genetic algorithm is applied to find the best heliostat layout to obtain the maximum efficiency of the field for a specific absorbed power supplied on the receiver. The results show that by changing the design parameters, i.e., increasing the tower height and decreasing the heliostat height by 7.7 and 19.5%, respectively, the total efficiency of the field is increased by almost 4% and the total area of heliostats is decreased by 17%. In other words, a more efficient heliostat layout can be achieved by choosing new design parameters.