Effect of azimuth angle on annual energy production of CSP-PTC

Dear Paul, 

Recently I have conducted a parametric analysis on the effect of azimuth angle on the annual energy production of CSP-PTC. I noticed that for most of the cases, the azimuth angle that can generate most energy is often in the range of -10 and 10 degree, which means that the CSP-PTC is facing south if I am not mistaken?If this is the case, then it actually suits what I found from the literature review.

However, there are some cases which oppose this finding. Those locations with the best azimuth angle out of this range are Dunhuang and Huanghe Hainan Solar Park in China. Their best azimuth angle is 70 and -19 degree. Are the best azimuth angles should be always facing 0 degree (south)? These locations are also located beyond latitude of 40 degree N, does this actually mean that further away from the equator (0 degree N), the best azimuth angle will be deviating further away from south?

Best regards,
Weng Pin.

 

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your reply!

Then if I set the annual energy production to be the desired outcome, the azimuth angle that can result in highest annual energy production might not always be 0 degree (facing south)?

Best regards,
Weng Pin.