Session: 08-01: Deployment and Analysis of CSP Subsystems

Paper Number: 169998

169998 - Optimal Heliostat Size Analysis for a Solar Thermal Industrial Process Heat (Iph) Business Case 

Abstract: 

In this study, we present an illustrative case using an industrial process heat facility consuming heat at 565°C - 1550°C in Dagget, California and show both the near-optimal range of heliostat sizes for a given project size, as well as sensitivity of the results to variation in key cost and performance assumptions. The plant meets a specified annual thermal energy target using an optical performance correlation developed as a function of heliostat size, while receiver performance is modeled based on blackbody radiation. A surrogate cost model based on the bottom-up cost analysis of a baseline commercial heliostat design, incorporating volume production, price index, operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, is used to estimate individual component cost correlations. The findings reveal that heliostat size has a substantial impact on LCOH, with installation costs playing a critical role in determining the optimal size. This study highlights the need for continued research to integrate recent advancements and cost reductions in drives, controls, and communications for fully autonomous heliostats and to explore alternative heliostat designs.

Presenting Author: Ahmed Gamil National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Presenting Author Biography: Ahmed is a postdoc researcher at NREL working on the CSP techno-economic analysis and heliostat size optimization study.