A distributed computer control configuration for a heliostat array filed

The control requirements of a Heliostat Array Field are given and a distributed computer network which fulfills these requirements is presented. Westinghouse is implementing the described computer configuration to control two second generation heliostats, which are being built for the Department of Energy. The same control algorithm developed for the two heliostats can be used nearly unchanged to control an array of several thousand heliostats. The heliostats will be tested for performance by Sandia Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The results of these tests and the experience provided by operating these prototypes will be used to verify and optimize the overall system design.