REPORT FYP-01

Power Generation Using Front End Heliostat

GROUP MEMBERS:
1. MUHAMMAD MUDASSAR (63)
2. ASAD RASHEED (67)

STUDENT OF
EE-B12
INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY, ISLAMABAD

SUBMITTED TO:
SIR TARIQ MAHMOOD

0
Table of Contents:

1. Acknowledgment…………………………………………………………………03
2. Abstract…………………………………………………………………………...04
3. Introduction………………………………………………………………..…......04
4. General Working……………………………………………………...………….05
5. Types of Heliostat……………………………………………………………...…05
a. Serial types of heliostats………………………………………………...05
b. Parallel types of heliostats………………………………………………06
i. Octahedral hexapod………………………………………………………..06
ii. Universal Sun tracker……………………………………………………...06
iii. Google wire heliostat………………………………………………………07
iv. Liquid ballasted heliostat…………………………………………………..08
v. Wire heliostat………………………………………………………………08
c. Other types of Heliostats…………………………………………………….....09
i. Manually-Operated Heliostats……………………………………………..09
ii. Clockwork Heliostats………………………………………………………09
iii. Heliostats Controlled by Light-Sensors……………………………………09
iv. Computer-Controlled Heliostats…………………………………………...09
6. Main Components of Heliostat…………………………………………………..10
7. Tracking Control…………………………………………………………………10
i. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer
with closed loop Control…………………………………………………...11
ii. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer
with open loop Control……………………………………………………..11
iii. Central Computer with Closed Loop Control having Back Gazing………..12
iv. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat
Computer Control with open loop………………………………………….12
v. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat
Computer Control with Closed Loop………………………………………13
8. Structure Study…………………………………………………………………...14
9. Measurement Of Motor Parametres…………………………………………….15
i. Required Initial Torque…………………………………………………….15
ii. Rotary motion vs Linear motion…………………………………………...15
iii. Drive Circuit for Stepper motor……………………………………………15
iv. Movement Angles………………………………………………………….16
10. Position of the Sun………………………………………………………………...17
i. Local Standard Time Meridian (LSTM)……………………………………….17
ii. Time correction Factor(TCF)…………………………………………………..17
iii. Hour Angle (HRA)……………………………………………………………..17
iv. Declination Angle (δ)…………………………………………………………..18

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 v. Elevation Angle (α)…………………………………………………………….18
vi. Azimuth Angle…………………………………………………………………19
11. Calculated Sun Position Values…………………………………………………..19
i. Table-01…………………………………………………………………….20
ii. Table-02.........................................................................................................20
12. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….21
13. References………………………………………………………………………….22

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1. Acknowledgment:
We have taken efforts in this project till now as it consumes huge amount of research and work.
However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of our faculty
members. Therefore, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of them.

We are highly indebted to Mr. Tariq Mahmood for his guidance and constant supervision as well
as for providing necessary information regarding to this project. We would like to express our
special gratitude and thanks to workshop persons for giving us such attention and time.

Moreover, we would like to express our gratitude towards our parents and colleague for their kind
co-operation and encouragement which help us in progress of this project.

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2. Abstract:
As the increasing demands for the alternative sources of energy, solar light is considered as the
major source of energy. Flat mirror is used to collect the solar light. The collected light is directed
towards a specific receiver that is placed at some distance. Flat mirror is mounted on a structure
that is driven by two stepper motors moving it in azimuth and elevation angles that is programmed
in such a way so as to focus the sun light only at receiver throughout the day. The position of the
sun is calculated using different formulas and is fed to the microcontroller. Multiple mirrors are
used to focus the sun light so that huge amount of heat can be produced. Further that heat is utilized
for electricity generation purpose. This is a cost effective and life time system.

3. Introduction:
Heliostat is a device which consists of computer controlled mirrors. These mirrors track the sun
and reflects the sunlight onto a specific target throughout the day. Heliostats can be characterized
either as parallel or serial, based on the actuators mounting. In serial style of heliostat, the actuator
mounting is done in serial manner i.e. azimuth elevation (Az-El) drive. The Az-El heliostat is
shown in (figure 1 A). Another example of serial type is target aligned heliostat i.e. shown in
(figure 1 B). It has some advantages i.e. simple design and control. While it contains some
disadvantages also i.e. less stability. The second approach is a parallel style of heliostat in which
minimum of two actuators are linked with mirror and ground simultaneously i.e. shown in (figure
1 C). Its advantage is increased in stability. All these models have been proposed for solar power
tower, but the Az-El is the main concept and the only that have been applied in larger projects. It
has some benefits over AZ-El-type, it allows a heliostat double density field. An extra joint may
cause of more cost for its support structure as compared with Az-El type.

Figure: 1

A) Az-El type; B) Target Aligned heliostat; C) Parallel type heliostat

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In 1950 the first Az-El type heliostat is used in solar furnance at Odelio, France and it was builted
by Professor Felix Trombe. He utilize 45𝑚2 heliostat with Az-El. His concept was much similar
to those heliostats which were utilized in bigger solar power plants appeared in the 1980’s upto
2012

There are some basic design requirements for each heliostat design utilized in solar plants. i.e.

➢ Resistant structure
➢ High tracking accuracy
➢ High reflectivity
➢ High optical precision

Wind load presence increase the heliostat’s cost, so structure must be strong enough so that it can
resist these forces. Wind forces problem can be categorized into two sub-problems, firstly; wind
loads elastically distort the support structure of mirror, decreases the optical quality of the reflected
light beam. We call this problem as rigid problem. Secondly, there is possibility that wind load
break the structure due to wind gust which results in overload. We call this the strength-problem.
Furthermore, as wind load is always variable, so they cause vibrations which can destroy the
heliostat’s tracking control.

Thermal expansion of materials is another factor. Small deflections from the surface of mirror can
cause major deviations, so selection of materials must be done with proper care.

4. General Working:
The reflective surface of the mirror held at right angle to the bisector of the angle in between the
target as viewed from the mirror and sun’s direction. The target is stationary relative to the
heliostat, so the light can be reflected in a fixed direction. Concentrated sun rays striking a non-
reflective receiver produces an incredible amount of heat, which is used directly to drive a power
cycle. Current heliostat utilized the energy of absorbed sunlight to heat a circulating fluid i.e.
molten sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate or potassium nitrate. The fluid is passed through a power
block to produce electricity using the same boiler and steam-turbine.

5. Types of Heliostat:
There are various types of heliostats exists. Some well-known heliostats are as follows

a.) Serial types of heliostats

The serial sort of heliostat is one of the well-known heliostat. In its famous design one point is
mounted on pedestal and on its upper side it contains elevation and azimuth drives in motor
module. Its motor module contains a torque tube equivalent to the to the elevation axis. At right

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angle of the elevation axis torque tube and mirror glass are connected through a truss structure. In
large heliostats second and sometimes third grid of beams also used between trusses and mirrors.

b.) Parallel types of heliostats:

i. Octahedral hexapod

The octahedral hexapod also known as Stewart Gough platform, is six degree of freedom
analogous controller. Mostly it is used in flight emulators. The primary advantage with the
octahedral hexapod is that it is extremely stable. Figure:02 demonstrates a hexapod that is
appropriate for outdoor use.

Figure:02

Octahedral hexapod and Ultra-High-Precision Hexapod for Outdoor Operation

(Physik Instrumente, 2013)

ii. Universal Sun tracker

In 2010 a model was purposed on YouTube but no organization stand behind this purposed model.
The idea comprises of two actuators and five universal joints. In tilted plane actuators were fixed
in such a way so that the joints make a triangle shape. This idea need to be researched either this
is feasible or not as heliostat. Later on, mechanism was investigated by building a simple model.
Its movement work well when adjusted physically. The upper plane can be tilted in any direction
within the given similar to universal joints. Model is shown below in figure:03.

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 Figure: 03

Universal Sun Tracker

iii. Google wire heliostat

Google Corporation led its own particular heliostat improvement project 2010-2011 with a plan to
discover new inventive answers for their proposed own solar power tower plant. The task was
ceased in 2011, they distributed their results. Their proposition was a 6 m2 heliostat with focused
mirror. These mirrors were driven through two motors and two steel wires. Model is shown below
in Figure:04

Figure:04

Google Wire heliostat

(Google.org, 2011)

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 iv. Liquid ballasted heliostat

A proposal from the students at New Mexico Tech recommends a hemispherical formed ball with
numerous interior chambers. At the point when water is pumped between the chambers, its surface
will alter course when the focal point of gravity moves (Kolb, 2007). In fact this is a parallel sort
of heliostat. No less than three chambers are required for making the movement possible, and the
ball’s base act as a universal joint. The main advantages with this type is cost reduction because
no gears drives were used. It can endure high wind loads due to the spherical shaped backside, as
far as the ball does not lift from the ground. Design is shown below in figure:05

Figure:05
Liquid Ballasted Heliostat

v. Wire heliostat
A task supported by U.S. Department of Energy purposes an ultra-light heliostat, utilizing steel
wires instead of beam grids. The argument is that the quality of steel is best utilized in compression
and tension not in bending so that support structure’s weight can be reduced by 65%. A photo of
their second model is shown in figure:06

Figure:06

Wire Heliostat

(Solafect Energy, 2013)

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C.) Other types of Heliostats:
i. Manually-Operated Heliostats
These heliostats are the initial one and also the simplest. More than 4000 years ago, in ancient
Egypt, such heliostats were utilized for the purpose of provide lightning insides of Egyptian
buildings. And there were refined metal mirrors which are elaborately decorated, used to reflect
sunlight
ii. Clockwork Heliostats
This heliostat can be rotated by a clockwork mechanism about an axis and that is parallel with
the earth's axis of rotation. This is a semi-automatic heliostat which uses a mirror mounted.
The clockwork fits the mirror once in every 24 hours in the opposite direction to the rotation
of earth. The mirror is sloping so it returns the sunlight along the same polar axis as its rotation
axis.
iii. Heliostats Controlled by Light-Sensors
This is a practicable kind of heliostat that uses light-sensors to locate the sun in the sky. This
design use a principal axis of rotation that is associated to point at the target towards which
light is to be reflected. Signals send by the sensors to motors that turn around both axes so that
a small arm, resonant the sensors, points toward the sun. Alternative design use light-sensors
to control the position of the reflected light beam, rather than that of the sun. These sensors
located close to the target and are shaded so they respond only to light getting them from the
way of the mirror. On the start of every day, the mirror is aligned by hand. And then, if the
returned beam of light points away from the target, the sensors sense the error and send signals
to the motors that fit the mirror to the correct direction.

iv. Computer-Controlled Heliostats

The above designs of heliostat and other sensor-controlled and mechanical ones do exist; they
are not used in the huge majority of heliostats. In its place, most of heliostats are organized by
computers. The software calculates from astronomical theory, that where the sun is in the sky.
Here the sensors are not needed, and the calculation takes care of both the seasonal and daily
movement of the sun. The information that needed in this is simply the position of the heliostat on
the earth's surface, as longitude and latitude, and the date and time. The calculated position of the
sun is combined with the direction, by which the light is to be reflected, which is also has to be
given, for calculating the direction of the required angle-bisector. Then the computer sends control
signals to motors or actuators that rotate the mirror to the correct direction. This entire procedure
is repeated in every few seconds, so the mirror correctly aligned itself.

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6. Main Components of Heliostat:
There are the main components of heliostat

1. Mirrors
2. Drive Unit
3. Reflector
4. Tracking Control
The details of each component are as follows
• Mirrors:

There are two different types of mirrors exist: the customary flat glass mirror and the stressed
membrane mirror. The standard flat glass mirror is a 1-4 mm sheet of glass, with a reflective layer
on backside. Second layer of glass is attached on back to protect from degrading or backside is
painted with some protective paint.

The stressed membrane technology has flexible membrane which is made of aluminum or stainless
steel. A reflective material is fixed on this. Through vacuum pump or a mechanical linear actuator
its tension can be adjusted. The SM-heliostats can be in different sizes. They are normally circular
in shape. The technology supports lesser support structure and also lightweight heliostat. SM-
heliostat’s weight is almost the half of a flat-glass heliostat. But its cost is much higher than the
flat-glass heliostat. According to an analysis the SM-heliostat is 20 % more expensive. Alternative
option is use glass as material because their compressive strength is much larger than tensile
strength.

• Drive Unit:

The unit contains two motors which enable heliostat to move in two axis. The software gives
commands to the drive to use the motors to tack the sun just as it moves across the sky.

• Reflector Module:

It contains metal frame and mirrored glass which can simply attach with drive unit so that it can
be controlled precisely.

7. Tracking Control:
There are some methods by which we can trace our system’s position and then control it to the
exact position as we want it to be. There are five basic methods to control our system--the first level is at
the central computer and the second level is at the site of each heliostat.

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 i. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with closed loop Control
ii. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with open loop Control
iii. Central Computer with Closed Loop Control having Back Gazing
iv. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer Control with
open loop
v. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer Control with
Closed Loop

i. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with closed loop
Control
Closed-loop heliostat computer control with open-loop central computer control is used at the plant
named Solar One prototype. In this case, a central receiver gets a clock signal from a main radio
station. The central computer uses the clock signal and calculates the sun vector at every second
and sends the information to the heliostat computer by shielded cable via a middle field computer.
Then the heliostat computer calculates the elevation and azimuth angles for its position. Then the
stimulating signals applied to azimuth and elevation actuators. An incremental encoder recognizes
the axis position to exactly position the heliostat. Simply a status signal will be feed back to the
central computer from the heliostat. The block diagram is shown below in figure:07

Figure:07

(Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with closed loop Control)

ii. Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with open loop Control
In open loop heliostat computer control with open-loop central computer control method, the
computer control is different from the earlier control method due to its open-loop control of all
drive. For actuators Stepper motors are used in this system as the actuators track totally the position
instructions of the heliostat computer. Hence, the heliostat works in open loop, and there will no
information feedback from the actuator. As the method, does not require position feedback, so it
reduces the cost of a position sensor. The block diagram is shown below in figure:08

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 Figure:08

(Central Computer with open loop and Heliostat Computer with open loop Control)

iii. Central Computer with Closed Loop Control having Back Gazing
In this method closed-loop central computer control with back gazing, a video camera or image
sensor attached on the receiver tower which looks at the individual heliostats. If the heliostat is
properly pointed, the camera or sensor "sees" a constant image of the reflected sun. The image
may be digitized and the resulting signal may control the heliostat's position through dc motors or
hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. The system proposes an exact feedback control on every
heliostat if plenty of sensors can be fixed around the tower. Moreover, the heliostat also be
positioned to reflect an image to the sensor or camera. The advantage of this control method is that
the central computer would have the ability to directly control each heliostat. The block diagram
is shown below in figure:09

Figure:09

(Central Computer with Closed Loop Control having Back Gazing)

iv. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer
Control with open loop
In this open-loop heliostat computer control with open-loop minimal central computer control
method, a central computer creates all the mode-changing and addressing instructions, codes them,
and then sends them to a central transmitter where they are connected to a receiver located at each

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heliostat. Every heliostat is addressed uniquely and gets instructions proposed for itself. The open-
loop minimal central computer control places a larger amount of responsibility on the heliostat
computer in contrast to open-loop central computer control. First of all, the sun vector is calculated
from the received and digitized time signals. Then the improved computational power of the
current generation of control microcomputers enables the heliostat computer to consider
expectable errors and random disturbances in the computation of the azimuth and elevation angles.
The heliostat computer sends the heliostat position when demanded, via a heliostat transmitter to
a receiver at the position of the central computer. The central computer collects the information to
provide its position report on the heliostat positions in the entire field. The open-loop heliostat
computer shows that this method does not need position sensors at every heliostat as this method
includes stepper motors to give absolute positioning. The block diagram is shown below in
figure:10

Figure:10

(Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer with open loop)

v. Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer
Control with Closed Loop
The closed-loop heliostat computer control with open-loop minimal central computer control
method is same as the previous method but uses closed-loop control about the actuators. The
heliostat computer gets the position feedback. Thus, the heliostat is operated in a closed-loop
configuration. The block diagram is shown below in figure:11

Figure:11

(Minimal Central Computer Control with open loop and Heliostat Computer with Closed Loop)

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8. Structure Study:
We study various type of structures and their operating mechanism. They include universal
manually operated, Clockwork type, solar tracker, octahedral hexapod, Google wire, Liquid
ballasted and Wire heliostat as discussed each in above paragraphs. We purpose two our own
structures as well shown in figure:12

Figure:12

Purposed Structures

First structure contains two motors and one gear. One motor is used for the rotational motion of
the mirror along vertical axis. The motor is attaced with mirror through gears so that if heavy
mirror is used , motor can rotate it easily. Second motor is linked with mirror through a steel wire.
This motor is used to rotate the mirror rotationally along horizental axis.

Second structure contain three motors and two half mirrors very close to each other. Two small
motors in which each connected with mirror rotate the mirror vertically while the large motor is
connected to the beam aon which mirrors are installed. This motor is coonected through gear
mechanism. The purpose of gears rotatae the mirrors rotationally along vertical axis with less
power. The advantage of this structure is smooth working and ability to endure strong wind
gusts.The disadvantage of this structure is that we need one very large powerfull motor which
makes it quite costy.

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9. Measurement Of Motor Parametres:
i. Required Initial Torque:

We find the required torque for the rotational motion of the mirror along vertical and horizontal
axis. For this we measure the distance from the mirror center to the point where force is applied
and then multiply this with the initial force to move the mirror. We use spring balance to pull the
mirror and note the reading which is equivalent to weight or mass. Calculations are as follows

τ = r𝑋F
• Required torque for vertical movement:

r=26inch=26X0.0254=0.6604m

w=m=4kg

F=mg=(4)(9.81)=39.24N

τ = rXF = (0.6604)(39.24) = 25.914Nm

• Required torque for Horizontal movement:

r=20.8inch=20.8X0.0254=0.5283m

w=m=1.5kg

F=mg= (1.5)(9.81)=14.715N

τ = rXF = (0.6604)(14.715) = 7.774Nm

ii. Rotary motion vs Linear motion:

360
As the step angle of our motor is 1.80 so to rotate the motor one revolution we need = 200
1.8
step. First, we give the pulses through function generator directly and note that motor move 1.5mm
linear distance corresponding to one revolution. Then we use microcontroller Pic16f877A to give
pulses and again note the linear distance which was same 1.5mm.

Drive Circuit for Stepper motor:

As we are interfacing motor with microcontroller and the issue is each pin of microcontroller can
give 0nly 25mA while our motor requires 1.5-1.8A. To cater this problem, we need an intermediate
current booster circuit. We study various drive circuits which can increase current and then select
L298 IC. It is a dual H-bridge IC which can give up to 3A load current. It need two supply voltages,
one for itself which is 5V and second for the motor which can be 3-45V. Furthermore, IC has large
cooling rim with a hole in it. Software schematic to interface L298 with motor is shown in figure:13

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 Figure:13

Proteus Schematic

iii. Movement Angles:

As we are using azimuth and elevation angles to find the sun position on sky so it is necessary to
know movement angle of our frame. We install the mirror on frame and find the angle movement
corresponding to revolutions for vertical as well as horizontal motion.

• For Vertical Movement:

1. We find that our frame move 10 corresponding to 4 revolutions.
2. Maximum vertical movement angle is 400 .
3. So, required revolution =4X40= 160rev
• For Horizontal Movement:
1. We find that our frame move 10 corresponding to 2 revolutions.
2. Maximum horizontal movement angle is 290 .
3. So, required revolution =2X29= 58rev

10. Position of the Sun:

Position of the sun depend upon two key angles i.e. azimuth angle and elevation angle. So, to find
the sun position we must know these two angles throughout the day. We calculate these angles by
using Solar time. Local solar time (LST) is the time when sun is at its highest peak in the sky. LST
differ from Local time (LT) due to earth orbit’s eccentricity.

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 i. Local Standard Time Meridian (LSTM)

It is the reference meridian utilized for a specific time zone and it is quite similar to Prime
Meridian, which utilized in Greenwich Mean Time.

The LSTM can be calculated by using equation:

LSTM = 150 ∆TGMT

Where ∆TGMT is the time difference between Local time and Greenwich Mean time in hours.

As the axis of the earth is tilted, to correct this axial tilt and earth obit’s eccentricity we need
another equation known as Equation of time (EoT) i.e.

EoT = 9.87Sin(2B) − 7.53Cos(B) − 1.5Sin(B)

360
Where B = 365 (d − 81)

in degrees and d represent the day number i.e. d=1 for January 1, d=2 for January 2 and so on.

ii. Time correction Factor(TCF)

To cater the Local solar time variation within provided time zone because of the longitude changes
we need Time correction Factor. It also includes the equation of time. The equation to find TCF is
given as:

TCF = 4(Longitude − LSTM) + EoT

The multiplication term 4 comes because earth rotates 10 after every 4 minutes.

By using this correction, we can find Local solar time (LST) i.e.

TCF
LST = LT +
60
iii. Hour Angle (HRA)

The term Hour Angle is used to transform Local Solar time into degrees which the sun travels
through the sky. According to definition at solar noon Hour angle is00 . As the earth rotate 150 in
each hour, each hour away from the solar noontime corresponding to a rotational motion of the
sun in the sky of150 . Hour angle is negative in morning and positive in the afternoon. The formula
to find HRA is given as

HRA = 150 (LST − 12)

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 iv. Declination Angle (δ)

The declination angle is the angle between the line drawn from earth Centre to the sun’s Centre
and the equator. As the earth is tilted about its rotation axis as well it rotates around the sun so
declination angle also varies due to these facts. Declination angle will be zero if earth doesn’t tilt.
As the earth tilts 23.450 so the declination angle also varies ±23.450 . The declination angle
diagram is shown below in figure:14

Figure:14

δ=23.450 δ=00 δ=−23.450

The equation which is used to calculate declination angle is given as

360
δ = −23.450 ∗ Cos( ∗ (d + 10))
365

360
Where ‘d’ is the day number. We assume that orbit of the sun is perfect circle and the is used
365
to convert day number to the position in orbit.

v. Elevation Angle (α)

The angular height of the sun from horizontal axis is known as elevation or altitude angle. It is
shown below in figure: It is used to demonstrate the height in meters above sea level.it is 00 at
sunrise and 900 when the sun is at overhead. The elevation angle changes during whole day and it
depends upon day of the year and latitude of the location. The formula to find elevation angle is
given as:

α = Sin−1 [Sin(δ)Sin(φ) + Cos(δ)Cos(φ)Cos(HRA)

Where

• δ = Declination angle
• φ = Latitude of the location
• HRA =Hour angle

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The figure for elevation angle is shown in figure:15

Figure:15

Elevation angle

vi. Azimuth Angle:

The angle between the sun to the north measured clockwise about the viewer horizon is called
azimuth angle or it is the compass direction from which the sun rays are coming. The azimuth
angle at the time of sunrise is 900 and at 2700 at the time of sunset. It depends upon the latitude
and time of the year. The equation to find azimuth angle is given as
Sin(δ)Cos(φ)−Cos(δ)Sin(φ)Cos(HRA)
Azimuth = Cos −1 [ ]
COS(α)

This formula is applicable for the time ≤12 O-clock. For the time ≥12 the azimuth angle will be
360-azimuth.

11. Calculated Sun Position Values:

We find the sun position in three different ways and then compare results with each other.

1. First, we find by using mobile application “SunMoonCal”

2. Second, we find through online Calculator
3. Third, we find by using above equations

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 Obtained results are given below in Table-01

Position of IST,Islamabad: Longitude= 73.1759 and Latitude(𝛗)= 33.5204

∆Tgmt=5hour
Values for the day 9,Feb 2017
Local LSTM B EoT TCF LST HRA Declination Elevation Azimuth
time =15∆T angle (δ) angle α Angle
gmt
7 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 6.64 -80.46 -14.98 −0.530 107.690
8 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 7.64 -65.46 -14.98 11.050 116.440
9 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 8.64 -50.46 -14.98 21.710 126.690
10 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 9.64 -35.46 -14.98 30.880 139.230
11 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 10.64 -20.46 -14.98 37.720 154.730
12 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 11.64 -5.46 -14.98 41.220 172.980
13 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 12.64 9.53 -14.98 40.650 192.180
14 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 13.64 24.53 -14.98 36.150 209.790
15 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 14.64 39.53 -14.98 28.580 224.450
16 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 15.64 54.53 -14.98 18.940 236.290
17 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 16.64 69.53 -14.98 7.980 246.050
18 75 -39.45 -14.55 -21.84 17.64 84.53 -14.98 −3.790 254.520
Table-01

Azimuth and Elevation angles calculated through equation

The results obtained through mobile application and online calculator are given below in Table-
02

Position of IST,Islamabad: Longitude= 73.1759 and Latitude(𝛗)= 33.5204

∆Tgmt=5hour
Values for the day 9,Feb 2017

Local Through Online Calculator Through Mobile Application

Time
24Hour Elevation angle α Azimuth Angle Elevation angle α Azimuth Angle
(In Degrees) (In Degrees) (In Degrees) (In Degrees)

7 -0.77 107.53 -0.037 107.273

8 10.76 116.35 11.589 116.024
9 21.37 126.65 22.281 126.288
10 30.49 139.2 31.517 138.921
11 37.3 154.65 38.418 154.57
12 40.81 172.8 41.948 173.063

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Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad
 13 40.29 191.9 41.353 192.532
14 35.87 209.47 36.774 210.333
15 28.4 224.17 29.115 225.094
16 18.84 236.09 19.381 236.985
17 7.96 245.95 8.362 246.767
18 -3.73 254.52 -3.439 255.265
Table-2

Azimuth and Elevation angles through Online Calculator and Mobile Application

• Comparison

As from above tables we note that there is very minute difference between angles. The difference
between online calculator and the values calculated through equation is almost less than 0.50 and
the difference between Mobile application with other two methods is less than 10 . From these
three we can say our equations are accurate to find the azimuth angle elevation angles throughout
year.

12. Conclusion
As due to the energy crisis that we are facing today worldwide, people are moving more towards
the alternative energy sources. Solar electricity generation is one of the cheapest and easy source
of energy. This project was Power Generation Using Heliostat. We discussed the different types
of heliostat technologies and their advantages. This sensor less system is useful in a way that it
points the sun throughout the day regardless of the environmental conditions. It is cost affective
and it has many applications worldwide such as water heating, lightening purposes, Desalination,
indoor cultivation and the most important one is low cost electricity generation. The heliostat
system can be used on a bigger scale but this is an independent low cost system that can easily
replace the requirement utility of electricity during day time. It can be used for the places where
electricity is not accessible.

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Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad
13. References
[1] N. Björkman, “Heliostat Design,” pp. 1–156, 2014.
[2] D. Areas, “Solar Lighting System for Dark Areas,” no. June, 2016.
[3] Y. T. Chen and R. Buck, “Comparison of Two Sun Tracking Heliostat
Field,” vol. 126, no. 17, pp. 638–644, 2004.
[4] G. Kolb et al., “Heliostat Cost Reduction,” pp. 1–2.
[5] H. Cost, R. Opportunities, O. H. Design, T. R. Module, T. H. Frame, and T.
F. Layout, “Creation of a Bact.”
[6] H. Field et al., “RE < C : Heliostat Control and Targeting.”
[7] K. J. Malan, “A Heliostat Field Control System,” 2014.
[8] T. R. Mancini, “Catalog of Solar Heliostats,” no. Iii, p. 35, 2000.
[9] P. Ricklin, M. Slack, D. Rogers, and R. Huibregtse, “Commercial readiness
of eSolar next generation heliostat,” Energy Procedia, vol. 49, pp. 201–208,
2013.
[10] http://www.pveducation.org/pvcdrom/2-properties-sunlight/motion-sun

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Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad