Problem: Optimizing the heliostat field layout results in substantial cost savings Technology: The invention presents a new model to calculate the optical efficiency of a heliostat field accounting for all significant factors affecting the performance of central receiver solar thermal systems like projection losses shading and blocking aberration and atmospheric attenuation. It also proposes an improved biomimetic pattern for heliostat placement inspired by the spirals of the phyllotaxis disc pattern.
1) A model and a biomimetic pattern for heliostat layout optimization are introduced 2) Optimization results in improved heliostat field efficiency and ground coverage 3) The biomimetic pattern is based on the phyllotaxis disc pattern of plant life 4) The spiral pattern outperforms the popular radially staggered heliostat pattern 5) The land area required by solar fields is significantly reduced