First Self-Aligned Heliostat Prototype at the Plataforma Solar de Almeria

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v1i.742

Keywords:

Heliostat Canting, Facet Self-Aligned Process, Heliostat Set-up Optimization

Abstract

It is a generally admitted fact that the optical aligning process of faceted heliostats in a Solar Power Tower Plant (SPTP), also called heliostat canting, introduces an assembly time penalization as well as a potential error in heliostat optics conformation [1, 2]. This double penalization influences both the solar field setup time and the optical quality of the SPTP. Aware of this fact, in 2014 the Plataforma Solar de Almeria (PSA) developed and patented a method to self-align facets and thus avoid the critical canting phase of a heliostat [3]. To experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of the self-aligning facet process, a small reflector composed of six facets and 9m2 of reflecting surface was designed and fabricated. The success of that experience has led to the development of a first 18.5m2 prototype of a self-aligned heliostat, which has been installed at the CESA-1 Heliostat Field (PSA) in 2022.

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References

González, C. and Moleres, L. Canting calculations using inclinometers. ASINEL AS/WIS-4M-002, October, 29th 1986.

Julius Yellowhair, Clifford K. Ho. Heliostat Canting and Focusing Methods: An Overview and Comparison. ASME 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, May 17–22, 2010 Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Monterreal et al. Self-alignment facets technique for heliostat optics in solar thermal power plant. International 20th SolarPACES Conference, 16–19. September 2014, Beijing, China.

Monterreal, R. A new computer code for solar concentrating optics simulation. Journal de Physique IV France 9 (1999).

UNE 206016. Paneles reflectantes para tecnologías de concentración solar. Madrid: AENOR; 2018.

IEC 62108. Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies – design qualification and type approval. Geneva: IEC; 2007.

SolarPACES Reflectance Guideline: Parameters and Method to Evaluate the Reflectance Properties of Reflector Materials for Concentrating Solar Power Technology under Laboratory Conditions. Version 3.1. April 2020. SolarPACES Reflectance Guidelines.

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Published

2024-03-14

How to Cite

Monterreal, R., Enrique, R., Barrera, G., Sanchez-Moreno, R., Reche, T. J., & Rodriguez, J. (2024). First Self-Aligned Heliostat Prototype at the Plataforma Solar de Almeria. SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, 1. https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v1i.742

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