Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A heliostat array having a variable field density for use in a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant. Heliostats are arranged into subgroups and configured to track the sun and reflect light to a receiver tower. Heliostats are deployed onto structures, wherein the structures can be arranged in rows separated by a service gap. The structures can comprise cross members that can be varied in size. By altering the size of cross members in a structure, heliostats in one row can be deployed farther apart or closer together than heliostats in a different row. Heliostat field density can vary with distance from the receiver tower, wherein heliostats close to the receiver are more tightly packed and heliostats further from the receiver are spaced farther apart. Heliostat subgroups can exhibit variable heliostat density using one or more of the following features: variable spacing of heliostats within the same row, variable spacing of heliostats mounted to the same structure, or by varying the width of the service gap between rows. The result is a field configuration that reduces the blocking and shading of heliostats by their neighbors.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim