Fundamental Design Considerations for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Fields

The performance of a concentrated solar power (CSP) field is examined by inspecting various design parameters, such as the shape of the field, location of the field with respect to the tower, height of the tower, and heliostats positioning. Performance quality is evaluated in terms of captured solar energy per unit area. A two-dimensional analysis is initially considered to derive mathematical models that consider optical efficiency and maximum possible captured energy, leading to the establishment of fundamental design constraints. The analysis is then expanded to three dimensions to approach a more practical scenario. Realistic study is presented for a presumed location of the CSP field in Amman, Jordan.