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.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for optimizing the startup, shutdown, and running operation of a multiple receiver concentrated solar power (CSP) plant comprising a predicted variable from at least one receiver model, a predicted variable from a plant model, and a determined target from an optimizer based on the predicted variable from the at least one receiver model and the predicted variable from the plant model.
Abstract:
A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.
Abstract:
A system for regulating the temperature and flow rate of a heat transfer fluid for use in a hybrid steam-generating plant is described. A bypass section may be incorporated into the piping network of a primary steam-generating source to route heat transfer fluid from a hot source to a mixer downstream of at least one heat exchanger. Heat transfer fluid from the hot source may be mixed with cooler heat transfer fluid exiting the heat exchanger in the event that the supply from a secondary steam-generating source is lost or becomes intermittent. The result is a system that maintains a constant flow rate of heat transfer fluid through the heat exchangers while minimizing adverse temperature gradient effects that may result from steam production variability and plant operation outside of design point parameters.