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Design and performance optimization of dual-tower and triple-tower heliostat fields

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  • Xu, Zhaoran
  • Duan, Liqiang

Abstract

As solar tower systems continue to develop towards larger scales, it is necessary to configure dual-tower and triple-tower fields with higher heat collection capacities. This paper designs and optimizes the performance of dual-tower and triple-tower heliostat fields. Two field arrangement strategies are employed to alter the distance between towers and results show that the heliostat field efficiency is the highest when two subfields are in a state of approximate tangency. The impact of heliostat receiver selection strategies on field performance is studied, and it is found that appropriate receiver selection strategies improve the efficiency of subfield connection areas. By rotating the dual-tower field in increments of 30°, six different arrangements are obtained, and the efficiency of each configuration is compared and calculated. It is found that the highest efficiency is achieved when the two towers are oriented east-west. Three types of triple-tower heliostat field are proposed: sequential, pyramid, and diamond type. The findings reveal that the pyramid type field has the superior efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Zhaoran & Duan, Liqiang, 2026. "Design and performance optimization of dual-tower and triple-tower heliostat fields," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:271:y:2026:i:c:s0960148126008505
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.126024
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