We study a class of quasilinear elliptic equations suggested by C.H. Derrick
in 1964 as models for elementary particles. For scalar fields we prove some new
nonexistence results. For vector-valued fields the situation is different as shown by
recent results concerning the existence of solitary waves with a topological constraint.
This paper summarizes the collaborative work done by CENER, Fraunhofer ISE and CRS4 within the scope of the STAGE-STE project related to heliostat field generation algorithms and their application to small heliostats (<10 m2). Radially staggered heliostat field layouts have been commonly applied to real solar fields with known results. However, their use in conjunction with small heliostats or the use of brand new ways for heliostat allocation, such natural pattern based algorithms, is still unknown. Herein, the most promising heliostat field generation algorithms are studied and compared, in annual optical efficiency terms, for different scenarios. These efficiencies correspond to the best heliostat layouts found by the optimization process that each generation algorithm can create, for three scenarios. Results show that the fields from the selected algorithms lead to similar optical efficiencies. The slight differences are not enough evidence to nominate one of the algorithms as the best choice, taking into account the inherent error of the simulation tools, the optimization process and further requirements needed in commercial applications (e.g. access paths) not coped in this study.
In this work, a geometrical model is used to evaluate the sun radiation reflected from the heliostats toward the aim point on the tower top, by taking into account the shading and blocking between neighboring heliostats. This results in an analytical expression for the heliostats efficiency, which can provide very useful informations for the optimization of the heliostat field. In particular, we obtain a very simple and exact expression of the maximal energy collectable by the solar field and present effective strategies to reach such maximum.