RE<C: Heliostat Control and Targeting

Overview Control systems for heliostat fields are designed to accurately direct sunlight at a specific target. They track the sun’s movement across the sky while simultaneously correcting for wind, foundation shifting and thermal expansion. In addition, control systems monitor and adjust the amount of thermal power reaching the receiver. The receiver converting solar heat into power needs to operate in a specific temperature range — too little and the power conversion is inefficient, too much and expensive damage could occur. It is the job of the control system to operate the concentrating solar power (CSP) system at this most profitable point of power generation.