In systems with multiple receivers, we observe that minor differences in efficiency among heliostats lead to systematic receiver aimpoint assignments that cause larger images to hit a single receiver, smaller to hit another, and so on. While this solution to the aimpoint optimization problem is the optimal solution, it is not always practical, as receivers in a single system often require consistent flux profiles among all receivers.
For example, the following 3 receiver flux profiles are drawn from a system with identical receiver geometry but with slight displacement of 2 receivers on the z axis. Images are in order - Top, Middle, Bottom
The aimpoint strategy for this field gives evidence as to the difference between receivers:
A strategy should be implemented that modifies heliostat assignments to encourage more consistent flux results among receivers.
In systems with multiple receivers, we observe that minor differences in efficiency among heliostats lead to systematic receiver aimpoint assignments that cause larger images to hit a single receiver, smaller to hit another, and so on. While this solution to the aimpoint optimization problem is the optimal solution, it is not always practical, as receivers in a single system often require consistent flux profiles among all receivers.
For example, the following 3 receiver flux profiles are drawn from a system with identical receiver geometry but with slight displacement of 2 receivers on the z axis. Images are in order - Top, Middle, Bottom
The aimpoint strategy for this field gives evidence as to the difference between receivers:
A strategy should be implemented that modifies heliostat assignments to encourage more consistent flux results among receivers.