Optimum Selection of a Lattice Central’s Tower for a Heliostat’s Field

The lattice structure optimization is based on the modification of three parameters: sizing, configuration and topology. Sizing is about the cross-sectional area of each element, configuration delimits the position of each node and topology is the structural shape that can be made by the position of the elements. The topology is essential in order to obtain not only a minimum weight, but also a structure with an efficient use of its free spaces, with an easy way to be built, with minor costs of production and transportation and with a modular construction. Before the use of a sizing and configuration optimization, the election of the best topology is useful as a pre-optimization.

Thinking about the factors before mentioned, three structural shapes (topologies) were used in mathematical models of steel towers. These three were elaborated with the same requests and total loads. The model “A” has the same topology than experimental Solar-Plant in Sonora. The model “B” has a hexagonal shape simulating a double spatial grid. Model “C” has a hexagonal shape with a structure based in lateral restricted frames. The topologies were analyzed by the Mexican constructive steel standards. All models were compare in terms of their solar efficiency, building time, weight, displacement allowed, quantity and length of members, capability of been a modular structure and their characteristics to be optimized. The better topology is the one that uses the hexagonal shape with lateral restricted frames. It has the minimum weight, this has better characteristics to be optimized, members easily of being transportable and better behavior in solar efficiency.