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Review of software for optical analyzing and optimizing heliostat fields

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  • Cruz, N.C.
  • Redondo, J.L.
  • Berenguel, M.
  • Álvarez, J.D.
  • Ortigosa, P.M.

Abstract

Solar Central Receiver power facilities are complex industrial systems which require a very important initial investment. The heliostat field is a key factor for both the initial deployment costs and for taking the maximum benefit from the incoming solar energy. Consequently, numerous software packages have been developed through the years to help designers in the designing process of this kind of facilities. In this context, software packages are commonly divided into two main categories: (i) tools prepared for precise and deep optical performance analyses of given fields and, (ii) tools focused on proposing optimal heliostat field layouts according to particular requirements. Although there is a traditional and stable kernel of modeling tools dating from late seventies and eighties, this is an active field under continuous development. In this work, a review of existing software tools from this sector is done, ranging from the original ones (DELSOL, HFLCAL, etc), to some modern and powerful utilities (Tonatiuh, HOps, NSPOC etc). Additionally, some interesting ideas and algorithms are also commented as promising experimental tools and proofs of concept. The review shows the existence of mature and accessible tools for detailed optical analyses and a certain lack of modern open tools for field optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Cruz, N.C. & Redondo, J.L. & Berenguel, M. & Álvarez, J.D. & Ortigosa, P.M., 2017. "Review of software for optical analyzing and optimizing heliostat fields," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 1001-1018.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:72:y:2017:i:c:p:1001-1018
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.032
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    2. Ghirardi, Elisa & Brumana, Giovanni & Franchini, Giuseppe & Perdichizzi, Antonio, 2021. "Heliostat layout optimization for load-following solar tower plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 393-405.
    3. Jafrancesco, David & Cardoso, Joao P. & Mutuberria, Amaia & Leonardi, Erminia & Les, Iñigo & Sansoni, Paola & Francini, Franco & Fontani, Daniela, 2018. "Optical simulation of a central receiver system: Comparison of different software tools," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 792-803.
    4. Rodríguez-Sánchez, M.R. & Leray, C. & Toutant, A. & Ferriere, A. & Olalde, G., 2019. "Development of a new method to estimate the incident solar flux on central receivers from deteriorated heliostats," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 182-190.
    5. Georgios E. Arnaoutakis & Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis, 2021. "Concentrating Solar Power Advances in Geometric Optics, Materials and System Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-25, September.
    6. Collado, Francisco J. & Guallar, Jesus, 2019. "Quick design of regular heliostat fields for commercial solar tower power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 115-125.
    7. Ortega, Guillermo & Rovira, Antonio, 2020. "A new method for the selection of candidates for shading and blocking in central receiver systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 961-973.
    8. Merchán, R.P. & Santos, M.J. & Medina, A. & Calvo Hernández, A., 2022. "High temperature central tower plants for concentrated solar power: 2021 overview," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    9. Yang, Jingze & Yang, Zhen & Duan, Yuanyuan, 2022. "A review on integrated design and off-design operation of solar power tower system with S–CO2 Brayton cycle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    10. Cruz, N.C. & Salhi, S. & Redondo, J.L. & Álvarez, J.D. & Berenguel, M. & Ortigosa, P.M., 2018. "Hector, a new methodology for continuous and pattern-free heliostat field optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 1123-1131.
    11. Wang, Jianxing & Duan, Liqiang & Yang, Yongping, 2018. "An improvement crossover operation method in genetic algorithm and spatial optimization of heliostat field," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 15-28.
    12. Ashikuzzaman, A.K.M. & Adnan, Sakib, 2021. "Optical efficiency comparison of circular heliostat fields: Engender of hybrid layouts," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 506-519.
    13. Maiga, Mahamadou & N’Tsoukpoe, Kokouvi Edem & Gomna, Aboubakar & Fiagbe, YesuenyeagbeA.K., 2024. "Sources of solar tracking errors and correction strategies for heliostats," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).

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