Solar Receiver Flux Density & Hot-Spot Map

This simulation models the surface of an external cylindrical receiver atop a concentrated-solar-power (CSP) tower, where dozens of tracking heliostats superimpose their reflected sunlight into a flux-density map. Because the receiver is convex, each panel is only ever lit by heliostats on its own side of the field, and the resulting hot band is shaped by a deliberate aim-point spreading strategy: tightly-aimed mirrors create a narrow, intense hot spot, while spreading the aim points trades peak flux for a more even thermal load. A live steady-state energy balance — absorbed solar flux against radiative and wind-driven convective losses — drives each panel's colour and temperature in real time as you adjust the field size, aim spread, irradiance and wind speed.