Comparison of alternative washing systems for heliostats

Technical Report · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6601966· OSTI ID:6601966

Kerstein, A.

Two methods have been proposed for washing heliostat mirrors in a solar central receiver facility. One method involves truck-mounted washing mechanisms continuously traversing the heliostat field, washing mirrors sequentially on a fixed schedule. The other concept involves a washing unit affixed to each heliostat, permitting near-simultaneous washing of all heliostats on demand. The former, scheduled washing system has the advantage of lower capital costs, while the latter, responsive system has more operational flexibility. Cost-benefit evaluation of the two systems, taking into account the random nature of rainfall patterns and soiling processes, indicates that the scheduled system is preferable.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6601966
• Report Number(s): SAND81-8207
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140702* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems-- Central Receiver
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CLEANING
COST
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
CSP
Concentrating Solar Power
DUSTS
EQUIPMENT
HELIOSTATS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
OPERATION
OPTIMIZATION
RAIN
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUPPORTS
VEHICLES
WASHING