Development and Analysis of the Heliostat Curve Tracing Parametric Model (HCTPM) for Sustainable Solar Energy in Sun-Tracking Concentrated Solar Power Systems

Harnpon Phungrassami and Phairat Usubharatana ()
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Harnpon Phungrassami: Excellence Centre of Eco-Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Phairat Usubharatana: Excellence Centre of Eco-Energy, Chemical Engineering Department, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-21

Abstract: This study develops the heliostat curve tracing parametric model (HCTPM) to predict solar energy distribution in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems with sun-tracking capabilities. HCTPM uses curve tracing techniques to visualize flux distribution on mirrors and receivers, producing results that align closely with established models like HFLCAL, which use Gaussian and Tonatiuh ray-tracing methods. Simulations revealed that deviations in energy distribution increase as Sun shape error decreases, with greater impact on flux density and sensitivity. Variations in Sun disk radius caused notable deviations, especially in elliptical projections. The model’s flexibility in adjusting mirror shapes and sizes allows for the evaluation of spill losses, optimizing mirror designs for different positions. Spill loss analysis showed that larger mirrors reduce spill loss on mirrors but increase it on receivers, particularly when mirrors deviate from the north. Although total spill loss decreases with larger mirrors, this effect weakens as receiver spill loss grows. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing mirror and receiver design to maximize energy efficiency and minimize resource waste, contributing to more sustainable solar energy systems. The HCTPM model plays a crucial role in improving the sustainability of CSP systems by optimizing configurations based on Sun disk characteristics, reducing energy losses, and promoting efficient resource use.

Keywords: concentrated solar power (CSP); curve tracing; renewable energy; environmental parametric model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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