Modeling, Implementing, and Evaluating of an Advanced Dual Axis Heliostat Drive System

Abstract

Heliostat tracking is a critical component of the solar field of concentrating solar power tower (SPT) systems and can be the source of significant losses in power and profit when it lacks the necessary accuracy. This paper presents an advanced heliostat drive system for the SPT generation plant. An integrated model for the heliostat drive system based on dual axes tracking is proposed using an inexpensive angle sensor. The mathematical model of the integrated drive system is developed, including the solar, tower, and heliostat models. The MATLAB simulation model for the proposed integrated drive system is developed and evaluated. An experimental prototype for a dual-axis heliostat is built using Class-E DC choppers and an inexpensive Gyro angle sensor. The prototype is tested and considered in the Dhahran region in Saudi Arabia under different operating conditions. A comparative study between simulation and experimental results is conducted to assess the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed controller drive system and validate the developed integrated model. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed dual-axis trackers to follow the sunbeams throughout the year.

Research on optimized heliostat field based on dense circular arrangement

“…Detailed optical losses are mainly losses by blockage, shading, spillage, and atmospheric mitigation. And in this related paper [2] , the mathematical model of the integrated drive system is developed, including the solar, tower, and heliostat models. Then the optimal arrangement of the mirror field is calculated by using modern optimization algorithms such as simulated annealing algorithm, particle swarm algorithm, genetic algorithm, and so on.…”

Direct Torque Control of Induction Motor Using ConvLSTM Based on Gaussian Pillbox Surface

“…Here problem formulation is based on the efficiency optimization algorithm. e drift at extremely low-frequency operation can be compensated with the machine constant [14].…”