Current Advancement of Heliostats

Abstract

This paper looks at the advancements made in Solar Power Towers and Heliostat Fields since 2017 and summarizes the current problems in various subsections. Heliostat fields capturing concentrated solar power (CSP) have been looked at for decades as a reliable renewable energy source that can balance out the variability of wind and photovoltaic cells. In recent years, many studies have researched possible improvements in CSP technology. Uniform methods have been developed to better estimate wind loads in various conditions. Gap size and hinge height to cord ratio have been studied to optimize structural strength. Coatings and cleaning schedules have been developed to increase the optical efficiency of plants. However, there are many studies that still need to be done to better understand wind and optics for solar power towers. While the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of power tower systems has decreased dramatically in recent years, more research and development need to be done to reach the Sunshot Initiative’s goal of 5 cents per kilowatt hour. A large area of improvement for future research comes from heliostat manufacturing costs which make up around 40% of energy plant costs. By lowering this cost from the current value of approximately $100/m2 to the Sunshot Initiative’s goal of $50/m2, the LCOE of concentrated solar thermal energy will be drastically reduced.