Analysis and Study on the Interference Effect of Tower Heliostats Based on Computational Wind Engineering

Abstract

Heliostats serve as essential light-collecting components within tower solar thermal power stations. These power stations are typically located in windy and sandy environments, the strong winds can lead to deflection, deformation, or even collapse of heliostats, significantly impacting the light-gathering efficiency of the entire power generation system and causing substantial economic losses. Therefore, understanding the influence of wind on heliostats and their surroundings is crucial for designing wind-resistant heliostat structures, optimizing their layout, and enhancing power generation efficiency. This research employs computational wind engineering (CWE) for the study of wind-related phenomena in heliostat arrays under varying spatial conditions. This research employs three mathematical models for inlet boundary conditions in wind engineering, distinct from empirical expressions. Corresponding user-defined function (UDF) programs simulate conditions consistent with wind tunnel tests. The analysis aids in determining entrance boundary conditions tailored to the geomorphological characteristics of heliostats, laying the foundation for subsequent 3D numerical wind tunnel construction and simulation. It calculates wind load coefficients under various spatial positions, determining the maximum force coefficients for each component and identifying optimal deflection positions under adverse wind conditions. Based on heliostat structure dimensions and radiation grid layouts, the research calculates radial and circumferential distances that ensure no mechanical collisions or shielding losses occur between adjacent heliostats. This information aids in determining optimal heliostat spacing.