Pattern-free heliostat layout optimization using a modified Artificial Bee Colony Algorithms: Comparison between staggered and spiral layouts

•Novel Pattern-Free Heliostat Field Optimization by introducing a pattern-free layout optimization method using a modified Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm.•Demonstrates, for the first time, that pattern-free optimization can be effectively applied to spiral heliostat fields.•Validates the appr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy Vol. 299; p. 113694
Main Authors: Arrif, Toufik, Guermoui, Mawloud, Belaid, Abdelfetah, Bezza, Badraddine
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2025
Subjects:
Artificial Bee Colony (ABC)
Heliostat field
Optimization
Pattern Free
Staggered and spiral layouts
Heliostat field
Staggered and spiral layouts
Artificial Bee Colony (ABC)
Optimization
Pattern Free
ISSN:0038-092X
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Summary:•Novel Pattern-Free Heliostat Field Optimization by introducing a pattern-free layout optimization method using a modified Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm.•Demonstrates, for the first time, that pattern-free optimization can be effectively applied to spiral heliostat fields.•Validates the approach against established models, proving its efficiency in real-world CSP applications.•Enhanced Optical Performance and Land Utilization by Achieving up to 1.46% in optical efficiency and 8.72% reduction in field area, leading to improved land utilization.•The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is reduced by up to 4.14%, improving economic feasibility. This study develops and presents a novel pattern-free heliostat layout optimization technique based on a modified Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), a metaheuristic optimization method. In this respect, the PS10 solar power tower plant in Sanlúcar la Mayor, Spain, is used to compare the performances of two field layout, staggered and spiral. The annual insolation weighted heliostat field efficiency is considered as objective function for field layout optimization. The ABC algorithm is modified and adapted to achieve the highest annual optical efficiency of the heliostat field. The mathematical model of the optical efficiency, encompassing, cosine, shading blocking, attenuation and interception factors, is developed and validated against published data. The optimization is performed for a constrained case, where all heliostats must be kept inside the original PS10′s outer perimeter. Compared to the original PS10, the findings indicate that for both spiral and staggered layouts, the insolation weighted optical efficiency has increased by 1.46% and 1.05%, respectively, with 8.72% and 7.76% reduction in heliostat field area and consequently a reduction in LCOE by 3.89% and 4.14%.
ISSN:0038-092X
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2025.113694