Heliostat cost optimization study

This paper presents a methodology for a heliostat cost optimization study. First different variants of small, medium sized and large heliostats are designed. Then the respective costs, tracking and optical quality are determined. For the calculation of optical quality a structural model of the helio...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: von Reeken, Finn, Weinrebe, Gerhard, Keck, Thomas, Balz, Markus
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer simulation
Cost analysis
Costs
Electricity pricing
Energy costs
Finite element method
Heliostats
Optimization
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Summary:This paper presents a methodology for a heliostat cost optimization study. First different variants of small, medium sized and large heliostats are designed. Then the respective costs, tracking and optical quality are determined. For the calculation of optical quality a structural model of the heliostat is programmed and analyzed using finite element software. The costs are determined based on inquiries and from experience with similar structures. Eventually the levelised electricity costs for a reference power tower plant are calculated. Before each annual simulation run the heliostat field is optimized. Calculated LCOEs are then used to identify the most suitable option(s). Finally, the conclusions and findings of this extensive cost study are used to define the concept of a new cost-efficient heliostat called ‘Stellio’.
ISSN:0094-243X
1551-7616
DOI:10.1063/1.4949259