Session: 18-03 HelioCon Solar Field

Paper Number: 132202

132202 - Design of Experiment to Evaluate the Beneficial Effects of Heliostat Shading on Desert Ecosystems 

Abstract: 

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants have incurred considerable costs protecting endangered species such as the desert tortoise. Ivanpah Solar Energy Plant was reported in 2012 to have spent $56 million protecting and translocating tortoises (Los Angeles Times, December 28, 2012). Despite the great expense and intentions, the outcomes of the translocated tortoises were mixed.  Tortoises have a homing instinct and can become distressed, weakening the immune system. Today, vegetation has regrown at Ivanpah and several species of animals coexist within the heliostat field. It is hypothesized that shading from heliostats is beneficial to natural desert habitats as global warming increases drought and the intensity and frequency of heat waves. The objective of this work is to inform methods of heliostat field preparation and operations and maintenance that more effectively protect desert tortoises at lower cost. This paper will discuss the initial conversations with biologists, environmentalists, field operators, unpiloted aerial vehicle (UAV) technology developers, and officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the methods and requirements of a biological study and the feasible influence it could have on rules and policies regulating the CSP industry. 

The study will measure environmental factors that are highly correlated with the availability of food and hydradration of animals including temperature, soil moisture, and sunlight. The initial study proposes to include the publicly available data provided by Ivanpah biologists, direct measurements of vegetation in a statistically significant number of quadrats inside and outside of heliostat fields or similarly shaded areas, and will leverage developing technologies that use UAVs to record/estimate existing tortoise populations in areas where projects are proposed for comparison with post-project development. 

This initial phase proposes a methodology to use indirect data to determine how environmental conditions such as solar insulation, precipitation, and soil moisture influence plant species that are critical forage for tortoises. The work will assess or recommend strategies for siting, site preconstruction, infrastructure and management (operations and maintenance) of these projects to facilitate co-existence with wildlife (specifically desert tortoise and protected flora).  A methodology will be proposed to determine the cost of complying with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Environmental Protection Act, and Endangered Species Act relative to impactful heliostat deployment/O&M operations and procedures. A comparative study will be defined to compare the natural impact of management techniques between fields that use heavy machinery such as trucks to wash facets and those that use manual methods.

Presenting Author: Jeremy Sment Sandia National Laboratories

Presenting Author Biography: Jeremy Sment is a mechanical engineer and researcher at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He focuses on heliostat field deployment, and concentrating solar tower systems integration and cost modeling. Currently, Jeremy is the project lead for the Generation 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) and also focuses on thermal energy storage using flowing particles. Jeremy holds a Masters of Science Degree from the University of New Mexico.

Authors:

Jeremy Sment Sandia National Laboratories
Peter David Sundance Consulting Inc.
Alexander Zolan National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Guangdong Zhu National Renewable Energy Laboratory