Graphical Approach for Image Improvement on a Cylindrical Receiver by the Center-Oriented Aiming Strategy of a Heliostat

The size and shape of the sun’s image on the receiver surface is an essential aspect since it directly affects the optical performance and power generation in the central power tower. The combined graphical and Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) is performed to evaluate optical characteristics on the central cylindrical receiver by a center-oriented aiming strategy for heliostats. A graphical ray tracing (GRT) model is established to determine target vectors and the exact orientation of the heliostat with the receiver. It is followed by MCRT analysis which predicts image size and shape of the sun on the receiver surface. The recently developed Center-Oriented Spinning-Elevation (COSE) tracking method produces a compact and better profile on the receiver surface than Spinning-Elevation (SE) and traditional Azimuth-Elevation (AE) methods.