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Wind field effects on slope deviation of heliostat in solar thermal power plants: Mechanisms and prediction methods

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  • Wang, Zhao-Ting
  • Li, Meng-Jie
  • He, Ya-Ling
  • Fan, Xiao-Long
  • Jiang, Zhi

Abstract

Under the influence of the wind field, the surface of the heliostat undergoes deformation, resulting in slope deviation (SD), which affects concentration precision and reduces system efficiency. To study the effects of the wind field on the optical performance of the heliostat, this study investigates the individual and combined effects of gravity and wind loads on the SD of a pentagonal heliostat via integrated computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis. The results show that: the SD caused by gravity load (SDg) is directly proportional to the projected area of the heliostat in the direction of gravity (Ag); under certain elevation and azimuth angles, the wind-induced slope deviation (SDw) is proportional to the square of the wind speed (u); under a given u, SDw has a piecewise linear relationship with the windward area. Based on these results, the multiple regression method is applied to fit the SD, yielding a correlation equation for calculating the SD under combined gravity and wind loads. This equation comprehensively reflects the effects of gravity and wind loads on the deformation of the heliostat mirror, and enables a rapid calculation of the heliostat SD.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Zhao-Ting & Li, Meng-Jie & He, Ya-Ling & Fan, Xiao-Long & Jiang, Zhi, 2026. "Wind field effects on slope deviation of heliostat in solar thermal power plants: Mechanisms and prediction methods," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:259:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125026837
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125019
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