COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AZIMUTH-ELEVATION AND PITCH-ROLL HELIOSTAT TRACKING MECHANISMS

Zhou Zhi; Zhang Siyuan; Yang Genben; Xu Jianwei

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0343

PDF(4342 KB)

Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (7) : 530-536. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0343

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AZIMUTH-ELEVATION AND PITCH-ROLL HELIOSTAT TRACKING MECHANISMS

Zhou Zhi, Zhang Siyuan, Yang Genben, Xu Jianwei

Author information +

History +

Abstract

This study employs mathematical modeling and numerical simulation to quantitatively evaluate the kinematic characteristics and operational patterns of heliostats utilizing two distinct tracking modes： azimuth-elevation and elevation-roll. The simulation results and comparative analysis demonstrate that heliostats employing the pitch-roll tracking mechanism impose more stringent requirements on the actuator’s range of motion compared to those utilizing the azimuth-elevation mode. This leads to increased design complexity and higher manufacturing costs. However, by introducing a tilt angle to the primary axis of the pitch-roll tracking heliostat, the actuator’s range-of-motion requirements can be partially mitigated, thereby reducing mechanical constraints.

Key words

solar power tower generation / heliostat / solar tracking / dynamic simulation / pitch-rou tracking / actuator

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

Zhou Zhi, Zhang Siyuan, Yang Genben, Xu Jianwei. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AZIMUTH-ELEVATION AND PITCH-ROLL HELIOSTAT TRACKING MECHANISMS[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(7): 530-536 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0343

References

[1] 任卓亚, 郭宁, 解佗, 等. 我国清洁能源发展规律分析及其与经济系统的协调发展评价[J]. 电网与清洁能源, 2024, 40(12): 128-134.
Ren Z Y, Guo N, Xie T, et al.A study on the development patterns of clean energy in China and evaluation of its coordinated development with the economic system[J]. Power System and Clean Energy, 2024, 40(12): 128-134.
[2] 汪硕承, 谢开贵, 胡博, 等. 含光热电站的多能源系统混合储能容量优化配置[J]. 分布式能源, 2019, 4(5): 58-66.
Wang S C, Xie K G, Hu B, et al.Optimal configuration of hybrid energy storage capacity in multi-energy system with CSP integration[J]. Distributed Energy, 2019, 4(5): 58-66.
[3] 顾煜炯, 耿直, 张晨, 等. 聚光太阳能热发电系统关键技术研究综述[J]. 热力发电, 2017, 46(6): 6-13.
Gu Y J, Geng Z, Zhang C, et al.Review on key technologies of concentrating solar thermal power generation systems[J]. Thermal Power Generation, 2017, 46(6): 6-13.
[4] 张茂龙, 卫慧敏, 杜小泽, 等. 塔式太阳能镜场阴影与遮挡效率的改进算法[J]. 太阳能学报, 2016, 37(8): 1998-2003.
Zhang M L, Wei H M, Du X Z, et al.Modified algorithm of shadow and blocking efficiency for heliostat field of solar power tower[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2016, 37(8): 1998-2003.
[5] 赵科义, 向红军, 李治源, 等. 定日镜对太阳和空间目标跟踪运动的数学模型[J]. 太阳能学报, 2012, 33(S1): 163-166.
Zhao K Y, Xiang H J, Li Z Y, et al.Mathematical model of heliostat's track movement on sun and space target[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2012, 33(S1): 163-166.
[6] Guo M H, Wang Z F, Wang X Y, et al.Performance study of a general azimuth-elevation heliostat tracking formula[J]. Solarpaces 2018: International Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, 2019: 030024.
[7] Grigoriev V, Milidonis K, Blanco M.Sun tracking by heliostats with arbitrary orientation of primary and secondary axes[J]. Solar Energy, 2020, 207: 1384-1389.
[8] Grena R.An algorithm for the computation of the solar position[J]. Solar Energy, 2008, 82(5): 462-470.
[9] Reda I, Andreas A.Solar position algorithm for solar radiation applications[J]. Solar Energy, 2004, 76(5): 577-589.
[10] 杜春旭, 吴玉庭, 王普, 等. 塔式太阳能发电系统镜场跟踪角分析[J]. 工程热物理学报, 2012, 33(9): 1575-1579.
Du C X, Wu Y T, Wang P, et al.Analysis of the tracking angle of mirror field for solar power tower plant[J]. Journal of Engineering Thermophysics, 2012, 33(9): 1575-1579.
[11] 王心愉, 李岚, 郭明焕, 等. 方位-俯仰双轴跟踪定日镜的跟踪实践[J]. 太阳能学报, 2020, 41(11): 212-219.
Wang X Y, Li L, Guo M H, et al.Tracking practice of an azimuth-elevation dual-axis heliostat[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2020, 41(11): 212-219.