The layout methods and optical efficiency calculation theory of the heliostat field in the solar power tower plant were investigated. A new optimization and design method based on no-blocking radial stagger layout was proposed. An optical model of heliostat field was established and validated. The heliostat field of the Gemasolar power plant in Spain was redesigned by usingthe new optimization method The optical performance of the heliostat field was analyzed.Comparing to the original heliostat field
the annual average optical efficiency of the new heliostat field is increased from 61.62% to 63.14%
and the annual maximum optical efficiency is increased from 66.87% to 68.45%. Furthermore
the heliostat field density is improved from 20.42% to 27.36%. The optical performance of the heliostat field is enhanced. The feasibility of the new optimization and design method is validated.
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