Sizing of a Heliostats Field of a Mini Solar Tower in Adrar Region (Algeria)

Authors

  • Mohamed Douak Laboratory of Applied Energetic Physics, Faculty of Material Sciences, Kasdi Merbah Ouargla University, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3473-4929
  • Abdelatif Gadoum LRPPS Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Material Sciences, Kasdi Merbah Ouargla University, Algeria | Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Electrical Engineering Department, Chlef University, Algeria
  • Zeroual Aouachria Applied Energy Physics Laboratory (LPEA), Department of Materials Science, Batna 1 University, Algeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2178-9672
Volume: 15 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 23062-23067 | June 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.10647

Received: 20 February 2025 | Revised: 31 March 2025 | Accepted: 2 April 2025 | Online: 15 April 2025


Corresponding author: Abdelatif Gadoum

Abstract

This study describes the design of a 10-kW solar tower for the Adrar region in southwest Algeria. The heliostats were arranged according to an offset radial pattern, safety distances between adjacent heliostats, surface density criteria, and the blocking factor of solar rays. The heliostat field was designed for a tower height of 18 m with an optical efficiency of 69%, and individual heliostat surfaces of 2.25 m². To model the optical behavior of the heliostat field and receiver, a code in FORTRAN was developed. The results show that a reflective surface of 81 m² of the 36 heliostats is necessary to reach the target power of 10 kW. This approach offers a comprehensive method for heliostat field design, optimizing solar radiation collection, and minimizing losses due to shading and blocking. The developed simulation tool also allows for quick evaluation and adjustment of system parameters, facilitating the design process for similar solar tower systems in other regions.

Keywords:

heliostats, sizing, radial staggered field, heliostat field efficiency, solar tower

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How to Cite

[1]
Douak, M., Gadoum, A. and Aouachria, Z. 2025. Sizing of a Heliostats Field of a Mini Solar Tower in Adrar Region (Algeria). Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research. 15, 3 (Jun. 2025), 23062–23067. DOI:https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.10647.

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