Theoretical derivation of heliostat tracking errors distribution

The tracking error probability distribution is derived on a pure theoretical basis. Methods of integral geometry and geometrical probabilities are used to this purpose. The distribution performs reasonably well when compared with measurements from a small database. The performance of the theoretical distribution is compared with that of other (empirical) probability distributions. The practical relevance of using the present approach is also explained. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved