Advancements in solar power tower technology: innovations in optical systems and heliostat field design

Abstract

Solar Power Tower (SPT) technology is an important part of sustainable energy generation as a substitute for traditional forms of energy generation. Heliostat, as one of the key elements of the system, greatly affects the overall system efficiency. This review presents a detailed overview of advancements in optical systems, specifically heliostat design, layout, and field optimization. It categorizes and evaluates different heliostat field layouts (rectangular, circular, hexagonal, etc.), their corresponding optical losses (cosine, spillage, blocking, shading, attenuation, and reflective), and their mitigation strategies. Particular focus is given to recent developments in optimization techniques, including metaheuristics, reinforcement learning, and ray-tracing simulations, that considerably improve field efficiency, flux uniformity, and land utilization. The article also discusses real-time aiming, multi-tower layouts, and cost-optimized design strategies that minimize levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). As the global energy map shifts toward decarbonization, the review gives timely guidance to researchers, engineers, and policymakers related to the improvement of the overall performance of the SPT system by minimizing optical losses through different optimization tools.