| Abstract: | An approximate generalized theoretical model is presented for the geometry and energy transfer of a solar thermal collector-central receiver system. Equations permit sizing the receiver, tower, and heliostat field. Cost functions correlate data from Department of Energy studies. Based on a set of assumed conditions, simplified, optimized sizing equations yield the minimum capital cost. The costs of the tower and central receiver will change with plant and equipment cost indices, while heliostat costs are expected to diminish as annual production increases. The heliostat cost is the major cost component even at lowest projected unit cost; therefore optimization tends toward minimum heliostat area. The model permits order-of-magnitude cost estimates to be made very quickly, compared to detailed simulation. |
