Abstract:
Methods, systems, and devices for determining the placement of one or more lightning rods in one or more circles of non-interference in a solar field, where the placement is based on a determined location of one or more ungrounded triangular heliostat structures and one or more circles of interference, where the one or more circles of interference are areas within a range of motion of one or more heliostats disposed on corners of the one or more triangular heliostat structures in the solar field.
Abstract:
A network topology for powering and communicating with groups of heliostats in a concentrated solar power plant. Heliostats are arranged in rows and wired together with inter-drive cables that distribute power and data from a field electrical system and plant network. Data is transmitted to and from heliostat drive control boards via network switches connected to intelligent power distribution units. Power is transmitted from battery banks to said intelligent power distribution units. Communication interface modules supply a connection between intelligent power distribution units and the heliostat control boards of non-adjacent heliostat rows to create communication and data loops having improved redundancy and robustness in the event of single point component failures.