Continuous optimisation techniques for optimal aiming strategies in solar power tower plants

Abstract

Optimising the aiming strategy is crucial for Solar Power Tower plants, in order to maximise the energy generated, whilst also preventing catastrophic damage to receiver components. In this work, a bi-objective optimisation model is developed to find optimal aiming strategies for a Solar Power Tower plant. The primary objective to maximise the radiation captured by the receiver is offset by a secondary objective to minimise the deviation from a desired target distribution, which is designed by solar plant operators to improve plant efficiency. A numerical method is proposed to solve the optimisation problem, and an illustrative example is presented to show functionality of the model and the numerical method. Conclusions are drawn on the model presented, extensions are considered and current work is discussed.