On the optimization of flux distribution with flat receivers: A distributed approach

In this paper, a distributed optimization algorithm that computes the aim points for the heliostat field to obtain a uniform flux density distribution and maximize the solar irradiation collected by the receiver is presented. The algorithm is tested using a model of the heliostat field of the CESA-1 solar tower plant at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) in southern Spain. Simulation results show that substantial reduction of the computational time is achieved while similar performance to that obtained with the centralized approach is attained.