Heliostats on hanging roof with low receiver

Building integrated CSP configurations cannot be evaluated by only considering the CSP technology (collectors, receivers, distribution, storage, controls, etc.) independent of building structure and form. The building structure, foundation, and geo-technical factors are significant factors, along with the building form-application.

 

For example, comparing a roof top small heliostats system with a roof top solar bowl with hanging roof structures for the tropics and similar plan size is considered. The foundation stability requirements for the exacting imaging solar bowl reflector substrate are very strict and the bowl roof sag is deeper than for a small heliostats adjustable on a shallow dish-shaped roof platform. Only a small center roof drain is needed for the heliostats roof whereas a large opening for infrequent receiver replacement is advantages. A two-way cable structure may have economy over a radial cable structure with center circular tension ring. An elevated heliostats fixed receiver is far more compact than a 2-axis tracking bowl linear receiver. A shallow dish roof for heliostats would be a much easier construction than a bowl roof. And there is a more graceful ceiling expression from a shallow dish hanging roof that compliments the economy of structure for long-spans.

 

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