Pattern-free heliostat layout optimization using a modified Artificial Bee Colony Algorithms: Comparison between staggered and spiral layouts

Abstract

This study develops and presents a novel pattern-free heliostat layout optimization technique based on a modified Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), a metaheuristic optimization method. In this respect, the PS10 solar power tower plant in Sanlúcar la Mayor, Spain, is used to compare the performances of two field layout, staggered and spiral. The annual insolation weighted heliostat field efficiency is considered as objective function for field layout optimization. The ABC algorithm is modified and adapted to achieve the highest annual optical efficiency of the heliostat field. The mathematical model of the optical efficiency, encompassing, cosine, shading blocking, attenuation and interception factors, is developed and validated against published data. The optimization is performed for a constrained case, where all heliostats must be kept inside the original PS10′s outer perimeter. Compared to the original PS10, the findings indicate that for both spiral and staggered layouts, the insolation weighted optical efficiency has increased by 1.46% and 1.05%, respectively, with 8.72% and 7.76% reduction in heliostat field area and consequently a reduction in LCOE by 3.89% and 4.14%.