Sensor devices and optimized tracking for concentrated solar power systems

Abstract

A sensor device (1) for tracking a solar collector assembly includes a housing (2) that includes a tilt sensor and a camera device (13); the sensor device (1) includes a shadow receiver (6); the shadow receiver (6) is arranged and adapted to receive the full shadow of a receiver tube (R) of a solar system; wherein the camera device (13) and the shadow receiver (6) are arranged such that the camera device (13) can sense the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube on the shadow receiver (6).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for tracking the sun using a system that utilizes concentrated solar energy. The term "concentrated solar power" ("CSP") is commonly used as a general term for this technology. In such systems and methods, direct solar radiation is typically focused onto a receiver or solar absorber by means of a reflector. Because the sun's position changes over time, the alignment of the system components must be adjusted accordingly; that is, the system must be used to track the sun.

[0002] CSP systems focus direct solar radiation by focusing incident sunlight onto a focusing reflector region on an absorber. The reflector and absorber are fixed in place and track the sun together. The system collects solar energy over a large area of ​​the reflector and concentrates that energy onto a relatively small area of ​​the receiver. For example, the reflector or collector will focus the incident sunlight onto a 60m... 2 Radiation concentrated over an area to 1m 2 The receiver area is large. Therefore, low loss and high temperature can be achieved by using the ratio of large collector area to small receiver area.

[0003] In so-called solar field power generation equipment, heat is collected in many absorbers or receivers distributed over a large area; however, in, for example, solar tower power generation equipment or parabolic power generation equipment, solar radiation is focused to a focal point by means of a point concentrator. All these systems differ in many ways from, for example, direct solar power systems or solar power generation equipment such as photovoltaic power generation equipment, and from, for example, solar thermal power generation equipment such as thermoelectric equipment that does not require focusing.

[0004] The CSP system within the scope of this invention particularly and preferably includes a system comprising one or more parabolic trough collectors or Fresnel collectors, so-called linear concentrators, connected in parallel. For example, in the collector array, a heat transfer medium, such as heat transfer oil or superheated steam, is heated. The heated heat transfer medium is then supplied to, for example, a turbine and a generator for generating electrical energy.

[0005] Figure 1 An exemplary system of a parabolic trough power generation device is illustrated. The parabolic trough includes a linear parabolic reflector SP that focuses light onto a receiver positioned along the focal line of the reflector. The receiver is typically positioned above the center of the parabolic mirror and is filled with a working fluid. The reflector follows the sun during the day by tracking along a single axis. The working fluid (e.g., molten salt or oil) is heated to 150°C to 400°C (oil) or 200°C to 550°C (molten salt) as it flows through the receiver. The hot fluid can be used for many purposes. Typically, the working fluid is piped to a heat engine that uses thermal energy to drive machinery or generate electricity, or it is piped to a thermal energy storage device (TES).

[0006] A parabolic trough is a type of solar collector that is straight in one dimension and curved into a parabola in the other two dimensions, for example, by lining a polished metal mirror. Sunlight entering the mirror parallel to its plane of symmetry is focused along the focal line and thus concentrated on a receiver tube that extends along the length of the trough at its focal line and contains a fluid intended for heating.

[0007] Parabolic troughs are typically aligned along a north-south axis and rotate to track the sun as it moves across the sky each day. Parabolic trough concentrators have a simple geometry, but for the same reception angle—that is, for the same overall tolerance of the system to various errors—the focusing power of a parabolic trough concentrator is about one-third of its theoretical maximum. However, existing systems suffer from suboptimal tracking due to tolerances, for example, in the overall construction of the parabolic trough, within the powertrain of the tracking system, and due to suboptimal tracking algorithms and / or tracking sensor devices.

[0008] A parabolic trough is made up of multiple solar collector modules (SCMs) – also known as solar collector elements (SCEs) – which are fixed together to move as a solar collector assembly (SCA) SP. SCMs can have lengths up to 16 meters or more. Approximately several dozen or more SCMs make each SCA up to, for example, 160 meters or even 200 meters in length. Each SCA is an independently tracked parabolic trough.

[0009] SCMs can be made as monolithic parabolic mirrors or assembled with multiple smaller mirrors arranged in parallel. Additionally, V-shaped parabolic grooves exist, which are made of two mirrors and positioned at an angle toward each other.

[0010] As shown, the parabolic trough collector SP focuses sunlight So onto an absorber tube or a so-called receiver R extending along the focal line (see right illustration). In the absorber tube, the concentrated solar radiation is converted into heat and dispersed into a circulating heat transfer medium. The heat medium then passes through pipes (solar field pipes) for further use or energy generation (conversion), as mentioned above. For cost reasons, parabolic troughs typically track the sun only on a single axis. Therefore, parabolic troughs are arranged in a north-south direction and track the sun throughout the day or tilted only according to the sun's altitude. This is in... Figure 2 The diagram is shown schematically. This system, as well as other SPs or SCMs further described herein, can be advantageously used with or as part of this invention.

[0011] A parabolic groove or parabolic groove mirror has a cross-section arranged substantially in a parabolic manner, preferably in a section perpendicular to the groove axis. Mirrors of this shape have the characteristic that all rays incident parallel to their axis of symmetry are reflected at the focal point of the parabola (see...). Figure 1 (See the right illustration in the image). This geometric principle applies to parabolic (grooved) mirrors, which use a parabolic region including a reflecting surface (mirror) to focus incident sunlight at a focal point, or, in the case of a parabolic grooved mirror, at a focal line. The focused sunlight energy is absorbed by a so-called receiver mounted along the focal point or focal line and, for example, converted into heat for further energy conversion. Known parabolic grooved mirrors essentially consist of: a grooved or curved mirror (or multiple mirrors forming a groove together) called a reflector; an absorber tube called a receiver; and a supporting structure or base.

[0012] Solar collector modules (SCMs) of solar collector assemblies (SCAs)—also known as parabolic troughs (SPs)—typically form only half of the parabolic trough when viewed from the longitudinal axis of the trough, and may leave a gap at the deepest point of the trough. In this case, preferably, a beam, such as a so-called torsion tube, can extend along the longitudinal axis of the trough at that point (of the cross-section). This can be achieved, for example, from... Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c , Figure 3d and Figure 3e As inferred from the illustration. The beam is closely connected to the support structure or guide matrix of the SCA and can form part of the support structure or guide matrix of the SCA. Preferably, the beam extends parallel to the pivot axis, which in turn preferably extends along the deepest point of the groove, and the groove can pivot along this deepest point to achieve optimal orientation toward the sun. Alternative embodiments of the overall design are known. For example, there may be no beam or torsion tube as mentioned above, and a gap may only exist at the deepest point of the groove between the SCMs forming the SCA. Furthermore, there may not even be a gap, and the parabolic groove may close at its deepest point. The discussion of the invention herein includes, but is not limited to, the designs previously described.

[0013] Because solar radiation is concentrated over a relatively small receiver area, precise alignment and focusing of solar radiation are necessary. Another criterion is the variation in the sun's position, and therefore, the variation in the angle of incidence of solar radiation based on time and solar altitude. Thus, tracking devices to follow the sun and systems to concentrate solar energy are required. In this regard, a calculated sun position is typically used as the actual value. However, this leads to practical problems.

[0014] In particular, actual solar radiation may deviate from the solar radiation expected as a result of calculated solar positions. This deviation is not astronomically caused, but rather due to, for example, the refraction of solar radiation in atmospheric layers with significant temperature differences. Furthermore, deviations from pre-calculated or calculable radiation paths occur due to: structural inaccuracies during system construction; structural inaccuracies arising during operation, such as base movement; structural inaccuracies caused by actuator wear; and inaccuracies due to difficulties in perceiving the actual position.

[0015] Therefore, the system components must meet numerous requirements. For example, maintaining the substructure of the reflector and / or receiver is crucial for their accurate positioning. Consequently, high requirements must be met regarding dimensional accuracy, weather resistance, wind load, grounding, and weight. Tracking systems, whether intermittent or continuous, must also meet requirements regarding startup accuracy, hold accuracy, energy consumption, fault protection, and policy compliance. System components, particularly the substructure and tracking device components, are especially important for addressing the structural inaccuracies mentioned above in tracking.

[0016] To mitigate or eliminate the volumetric and other tracking issues mentioned above, a system is used to determine the actual position of the sun and the actual solar radiation deviating from the expected solar radiation. In this regard, the angle of incidence of solar radiation onto the reflector is particularly important.

[0017] To address this, on the one hand, it is known to use completely independent systems that are not connected to the structures to be aligned separately and to determine the actual position of the sun. These systems include, for example, sundials. However, this usually cannot overcome at least the problems mentioned above caused by structural inaccuracies, wear, or aging.

[0018] Alternatively, it is known to integrate position measurement with system design and perform relative position measurement of the sun relative to the concentrating system. Regarding this measurement, methods of directly measuring radiation at the receiver are known. However, this is not a feasible option. In particular, the radiation intensity / density at the receiver is extremely high, making the requirements that the sensors and components must meet exceed what is generally acceptable—both economic and technical standards. In terms of usability, the component lifespan is extremely short.

[0019] It is also known to observe shadows using specific sensors that analyze projected shadows. In this regard, the shadows cast by the blind plate are analyzed using sensors comprising two photovoltaic (PV) cells. When the shadow extends symmetrically along the center line of the PV array, the tension of the two cells has the same value. When the shadow migrates away from the center due to the movement of the collector or the sun, the tension of the cell that is more shaded than the other cell decreases.

[0020] Such a system typically includes a PV cell sensor connected via wiring to a signal amplifier, which in turn connects to a separate control unit in the solar field for signal processing, housed in a separate enclosure. A space-based program analyzes the signal values ​​and transmits the results via wiring to a control room through an interface. Control signals are then sent to the equipment to adjust the system's alignment accordingly.

[0021] However, such a system has proven to be disadvantageous in several ways. Firstly, it is complex, and its installation and maintenance are costly and service-intensive. For example, such a system must be cleaned two or more times a day. Secondly, the system's resolution and accuracy are insufficient. Furthermore, the system's lifespan is limited, and high costs arise due to construction-related maintenance and repairs, as well as software-related maintenance. Finally, the installation of the entire system is complex and involves significant disruption to the existing system architecture.

[0022] WO 2016 / 107882 discloses a solar radiation collection system (CSP) including a reflector, i.e., a parabolic trough mirror; and a receiver tube for concentrating solar radiation incident on the reflector onto a receiver. The CSP system includes a shadow blind plate and a shadow receiver; a camera device arranged to detect the shadow cast by the shadow blind plate on the shadow receiver to determine the deviation between the actual shadow position and the target shadow position; and a tracking device configured to adjust the positions of the reflector and receiver based on the deviation. The reflector and receiver are connected to and held by a supporting substructure. The shadow blind plate is the receiver itself, and the reflector is the shadow receiver. Furthermore, a T-beam and, preferably, a torsion tube in the substructure, serve as the shadow receiver. The CSP system, sensor device, and corresponding tracking method of WO 2016 / 107882 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] While this system represents an improvement over other technologies known from the prior art, it still has some drawbacks. For example, the tracking accuracy can only be as good as the accuracy of the sensor installation location. This places high demands on installation accuracy and carries the risk of deterioration over time, such as due to structural and / or sensor drift, for example, drift based on temperature or age.

[0024] In view of this, the present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved CSP system. This system should preferably overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the system is designed to be simple to construct and operate, economical, durable, and accurate. Furthermore, or alternatively, it is designed to enable improved tracking accuracy and to enable improved operation of solar fields comprising two or more CSP systems.

[0025] This problem is specifically addressed by improved sensor assemblies and improved SCA and tracking methods having such sensor assemblies. Preferably, the problem is addressed by the features of the independent claims and aspects. The dependent claims and aspects, as well as the features described below, are preferred additional or alternative embodiments.

[0026] In particular, the present invention provides a sensor device and a method for tracking a CSP system. Preferably, such a CSP system comprises one or more parabolic trough collectors. Such a parabolic trough can be made of multiple solar collector modules (SCMs) – also referred to as solar collector elements (SCEs) – which are fixed together to move as a solar collector assembly (SCA) – also referred to herein as an SP. Each SCA is an independently tracked parabolic trough. Many SCAs can constitute a solar power generation device or a solar field.

[0027] As shown, the parabolic trough collector SP focuses sunlight So onto an absorber tube or a so-called receiver R extending along the focal line. In the absorber tube, the concentrated solar radiation is converted into heat and dispersed into a circulating heat transfer medium.

[0028] Parabolic troughs typically track the sun along only a single axis. Therefore, parabolic troughs are preferably arranged in a north-south direction and track the sun throughout the day or tilted only according to the sun's altitude. This tracking or tilting is achieved by tilting / pivoting the parabolic trough / SCA around the tracking axis or tilting axis (e.g., Figure 2 (Shown schematically).

[0029] A solar collector assembly (SCA)—also known as a parabolic trough (SP)—typically forms only half of the parabolic trough when viewed from the longitudinal axis of the trough, and may leave a gap at the deepest point of the trough. The SCA is positioned, supported, and guided by a support structure or guide matrix that holds the solar collector element (SCE). Furthermore, there may not even be a gap, and the parabolic trough may close at its deepest point. The discussion of the invention herein includes, but is not limited to, the designs previously described.

[0030] This invention particularly relates to a sensor device for tracking a concentrated solar power (CSP) system, preferably a solar collector assembly (SCA), comprising a housing. The housing includes, preferably, a tilt sensor and a camera. The sensor device may also include a shadow receiver, preferably connected to the housing. The shadow receiver is arranged and adapted to receive the full shadow of the receiver tube of the solar system, wherein the camera and the shadow receiver are arranged such that the camera can sense the shadow of the receiver tube on the shadow receiver, preferably the full-width shadow.

[0031] The sensor device is preferably adapted to allow it to be mounted in the vertex region of the parabolic trough mirror, i.e., near the vertex of the parabolic trough mirror, and to receive the shadow of the receiver tube.

[0032] Preferably, the sensor device is adapted to allow it to be mounted in the vertex region of the outer side of the parabolic groove mirror, in other words, behind (when viewed from the focal line) or below (when viewed from the perspective of gravity), wherein the parabolic groove is in a neutral position of the sensor device, for example as... Figure 2 (As seen in the middle). The sensor device is then preferably mounted to a support structure—also known as a torsion box of a parabolic trough. Alternatively, the sensor device may be mounted inside a parabolic trough mirror, preferably to a support structure that extends from the apex of the trough and supports the receiver tube.

[0033] The sensor device may include at least one, preferably two, and preferably substantially parallel side shields. The side shields may extend along at least the entire length and / or height of a side portion of the housing. The side shields may also extend beyond the side of the housing and beyond its boundaries. The side shields may be spaced apart from the housing.

[0034] Side shielding protects the sensor from focused sunlight that could impact it and cause overheating. While the optimal location for the sensor is to be primarily in shadow, particularly the shadow of the receiver tube, the device could be in a path of excessive solar emission or reflection, for example, in a secondary focal path, especially during startup. This could lead to overheating and damage.

[0035] Preferably, each side shield is spaced apart from the housing by means of at least one spacer. This spacer may be made of or comprise a heat-resistant material with low thermal conductivity, such as PTFE. The side shields may be made of metal or alumina.

[0036] The side shield may include at least three slits. This can increase air circulation, reduce vibration, and prevent tension or buckling.

[0037] The housing of the sensor device is preferably substantially prismatic or box-shaped. The camera and tilt sensor are arranged within the housing. A shadow receiver may be attached to or only partially contained within the housing but extends from it.

[0038] The shadow receiver is preferably a planar, flat component. The shadow receiver preferably has a matte finish or color (e.g., white, off-white, champagne). The shadow receiver should preferably reflect the RGB spectrum uniformly.

[0039] The camera device is preferably positioned at an angle to the shadow receiver, said angle is preferably less than 90°, and preferably about 30° to 60°, preferably about 35° to 55°, preferably about 40° to 50°, and for example, about 45° or less.

[0040] The angle can be selected based on given parameters such as the focal length of a camera device.

[0041] The camera device can be a single-line or multi-line CCD or CMOS camera device. Multi-line is preferred because it allows for multi-line analysis, which can be beneficial for identifying and ignoring artifacts and / or contamination in shadowed images. As a camera sensor, a sensor such as the SONY Exmor IMX323 with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a lens of 3.6mm (F: 1.4) has proven suitable.

[0042] The distance between the camera device and the shadow receiver is preferably such that the camera device senses the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube on the shadow receiver at at least one point in time during the course of the shadow of the receiver tube relative to the shadow receiver throughout the day. Due to the advanced image processing algorithm preferably used with the sensor device of the present invention, it is preferably possible to sense the full width of the shadow on the shadow receiver at a single point in time, even if only one side or boundary of the shadow can be sensed and / or even if the shadow is quite diffuse or weak.

[0043] The sensor housing may include two interfaces, preferably two (bus) interfaces, such as LAN TCP / IP and CAN bus.

[0044] The sensor housing preferably includes means for cooling and / or heating the camera device and / or tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components such as a PCB.

[0045] For example, the sensor housing may include a heating cylinder or heat pipe for heating components. To optimally distribute heat, the sensor device may include a copper plate. This copper plate is preferably used to conduct heat and / or cold to and / or from the camera device and / or tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components. The copper plate may be made of different materials suitable for conducting heat and / or cold. The copper plate preferably connects the camera device and / or tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components to a heat source and / or cooling component, such as a heating cylinder. The plate may be about 1 mm thick, may have a width between about 15 mm and 23 mm, particularly depending on the PCB size and underbody structure, and / or the plate may have a length of about 195 mm, preferably without bending when unfolded. This allows for effective temperature control at a reasonable cost and with minimal space consumption.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor housing may include structures for dissipating heat from the imaging device and / or tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components such as voltage regulators (DC-to-DC steppers). This can be advantageous to prevent components from overheating in particularly hot environments and / or to achieve optimal operating conditions in hot or cold environments. Furthermore, in areas where there are significant temperature variations between day and night, the sensor device can be prevented from freezing at night and / or overheating during the day. This benefits both operating conditions and storage conditions.

[0047] Preferably, the housing includes a main carrier on which a camera and a tilt sensor are mounted. This helps improve the predefined positioning of the camera relative to the tilt sensor. Furthermore, the main carrier can also serve as a mounting base for a shadow receiver and / or for mounting the housing to a solar power system. This can further improve the accuracy and reliability of the sensor output, and thus lead to improved tracking, and consequently, improved efficiency of the SCA or solar field.

[0048] One or more sensor devices, preferably three sensor devices, are installed to each SCA. The sensor devices are controlled by a controller. The controller can be a local controller, which may be located, for example, in the solar field and can control, for example, two or four SCAs, or the controller can be a central controller, which may control, for example, the entire solar field. The central controller may be located locally, in a control building at the solar field, or near a control building at the solar field, or in a remote location. Communication between the sensor devices and the controller can be based on a wired connection or a wireless (including the Internet) connection. The controller can additionally control the tracking of the SCAs, for example, by controlling the tracking of the SCAs according to the desired temperature of the working fluid by controlling the corresponding mechanical or hydraulic actuators. The working fluid temperature is sensed by a respective temperature sensor, preferably for each SCA, preferably at the fluid inlet (inlet temperature) entering the receiver tube and the fluid outlet (outlet temperature) of the receiver tube.

[0049] Information sensed by sensors, such as images and tilt values, is transmitted to a controller. The controller (which may also be a server) can store individual sensor data or all sensor data, preferably along with additional operational data from the SCA / solar field. The controller also provides time data, i.e., system time, which can be allocated to all sensed and / or stored information. This system time is also used to calculate the corresponding tracking action based on the sun's position. The sensor array is used to control the SCA's position (tracking angle).

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for adjusting / referencing sensor devices for tracking a concentrated solar power system—preferably a solar collector assembly (SCA)—preferably a system of the present invention as described above and / or including sensor devices as described above. The method may include the steps of: mechanically adjusting the sensor devices on the CSP system; and thermally adjusting the sensor devices together with the CSP system. More specifically, the mechanical adjustment involves adjusting the mounting position of the sensor devices on the CSP system and the alignment of the sensor devices with the CSP system, particularly the mounting position of the sensor system on the solar collector assembly (SCA), preferably as described above. Thermal adjustment of the sensor devices together with the CSP system may particularly involve: determining the optimal position of the solar collector assembly (SCA) relative to the sun based on the heat output of a heating fluid; and aligning it with corresponding sensor data such as inclinometer data, camera data, and / or time data. Such thermal adjustment can be performed once, preferably for multiple SCAs or one SCA in a solar field, to provide control information, thereby enabling improved tracking for multiple tracking cycles of more than one, preferably all, SCAs in a solar field.

[0051] The method preferably includes the steps of: mounting a sensor device to the solar collector assembly (SCA), preferably in the region of the apex of the parabolic trough mirror, i.e., near the apex of the parabolic trough mirror, to be able to receive the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube, as already mentioned above. Preferably, the sensor device is mounted outside the parabolic trough, i.e., behind or below the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to a support structure such as a torsion box or inside the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to a support structure supporting the receiver tube. Additional steps may include: adjusting the SCA and / or the sensor device such that the shadow of the receiver tube is received at its full width by the shadow receiver of the sensor; and / or using a tilt sensor included in the sensor device to measure a tilt value; and using a camera included in the sensor device to acquire and store the time, and preferably the date, and a photograph of the full width of the shadow.

[0052] Mounting the sensor device to the support structure, particularly to the torsion box, allows for reliable and easy fixation of the sensor device to the SCA, and thus, installation of the sensor device to the SCA within very low tolerances and in a predefined relationship with each other. Typically, the support structure of the SCA has high accuracy, especially because the support structure of the SCA carries both the reflector mirror and the receiver tube, which must be mounted in predefined positions relative to each other to achieve high efficiency as required. Furthermore, the spatial proximity of the sensor device relative to the vertex of the parabolic groove of the SCA increases the reliability and accuracy of the sensor position. Finally, an improved structure including the sensor device further improves reliable relative positioning and reduces the risk of misalignment: the camera device, tilt sensor, and shadow receiver are housed in a single unit or housing, and preferably all are carried by a single base carrier. Optimal installation can be achieved with sufficient accuracy based on visual judgment. Alternatively, a mounting cover can be provided.

[0053] The SCA is preferably adjusted such that the shadow of the receiver tube, including the entire width of the shadow, moves along the shadow receiver, for example by moving the SCA from a first maximum tilt angle to a second maximum tilt angle or from shadow entry to shadow exit on the shadow receiver. Simultaneously, it preferably senses angular position data of the shadow and the SCA received by the shadow receiver, and transmits and stores this data obtained by the camera device and tilt sensor along with associated time data on a local controller or central controller. The time data can be provided from a controller to which the sensor device can be directly or indirectly connected. This allows for optimization of the sensor device's measurement range settings and adjustment of the relative positions of the sensor device and the SCA, including its receiver tube, relative to each other.

[0054] Adjusting the SCA may involve the following steps: storing information including: sensing the first shadow portion or boundary received on the shadow receiver—also known as shadow entry; sensing the shadow center when full shadow is received on the shadow receiver; and sensing the last shadow portion received on the shadow receiver—also known as shadow exit—along with the associated angular position sensed by an inclinometer, an associated shadow image taken by a camera, and the last sensed time, preferably the date. This allows for consideration of scene specificities such as the point in time and absolute sun position, the tilt and absolute position of the SCA, and also takes into account gravity.

[0055] The above method steps are preferably performed twice or at least twice, once from east to west and once from west to east, in other words, in opposite directions. This can particularly allow for the detection of torsion along the parabolic groove and / or directional clearance in the bearings and / or transmission system. Once such effects are observed, they can be easily taken into account when interpreting and processing the sensed data during system operation, preferably without involving complex and costly maintenance. Preferably, such information is stored by the controller. Such information can then be used as direct position information or calculated based on the stored measurement data for subsequent tracking and positioning of the SCA.

[0056] The mounting of the sensor device to the SCA can be achieved with a tolerance of + / -2°, preferably + / -1.5°, and more preferably + / -1° or less, of the desired or reference orientation of the sensor. Similarly, the mounting of the sensor device to the SCA can be achieved with a tolerance of approximately + / -3mm to 5mm of translational displacement perpendicular to the tracking axis, preferably approximately + / -2mm to 3mm of the desired or reference position of the sensor.

[0057] Translational displacement along the tracking axis (pivot axis) has no relevant effect. Translational displacement orthogonal to the tracking axis—if it has a relevant effect—can be changed during thermal conditioning / reference, as discussed further below.

[0058] Preferably, three sensor devices are mounted to a single SCA. More preferably, one sensor device is mounted at each end of the SCA and one sensor device is mounted in the middle of the SCA, as seen along the longitudinal axis of the parabolic groove. This allows for optimized control of the SCA's positioning along its entire length, as well as the identification of, for example, torsional variations or other artifacts, thereby improving system output. If the SCA includes two, three, or more sensor devices mounted thereto, the corresponding method steps apply to two, three, more, or all of the sensors. Torsion can be detected using at least two sensors, with one of the at least two sensors preferably mounted at the drive end / drive position (which is typically in the middle of the SCA).

[0059] In addition to the mechanical adjustments mentioned above, or alternatively, thermal regulation can be performed. This involves sensing the temperature of the heating fluid heated by at least one, and preferably only one, SCA (especially when considering solar fields with multiple SCAs). To describe the positioning of the SCA, a tilt angle can be used, which can correspond to the tilt angle sensed by a tilt sensor. For example, a 90° angle can refer to the eastward direction of the SCA (especially the parabolic trough opening). 270° can indicate the westward direction, while 180° can refer to the upright position reflecting the midday sun (see...). Figure 2(Middle). Based on a given range of angular positions for collecting solar energy during a day's process, including, for example, from 110° to 250°, angular positions at, for example, 110°, 145°, 180°, 215°, and 250° can be used as reference positions. Here, the positions can be approached incrementally, i.e., in angular steps. The steps are preferably in the range of 0.01° to 1°, more preferably from 0.05° to 0.5°, and even more preferably from 0.1° to 0.2°, while continuously measuring the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures and calculating the temperature difference between the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures for each step / position. The time between two steps preferably allows for temperature changes in the working fluid from the receiver tube inlet (inlet temperature) to the receiver tube outlet (outlet temperature), particularly an increase or decrease, to approach a stationary state. Based on the measured temperature difference, an optimal position, i.e., the position with the highest temperature difference, can be determined. Preferably, the camera senses shadow information and the inclinometer senses angle information at all corresponding angular positions, and this information is preferably stored in a central system, such as the controller discussed above, to which the sensors send the corresponding information, for example, via an interface. Each corresponding shadow information can then be considered to represent a corresponding energy state (based on, for example, sensed temperature and tilt angle information, preferably together with solar position and time information), so that in subsequent control, the energy output level of the SCA can be adjusted based on the shadow information. Therefore, assigning reference thermal output information to the shadow information improves the processing of shadow images and the effective positioning of the SCA relative to the sun. Since the mechanical and structural behavior of one SCA in a solar field can be considered substantially corresponding to each other, information obtained through thermal conditioning of one SCA can be transferred to other SCAs under corresponding conditions, such as one SCA in a solar field. Therefore, thermal conditioning enables improved interpretation of information from the camera (based on shadow images). Furthermore, in use, this enables improved control, particularly regarding the percentage of the maximum energy level at which the SCA is positioned. This applies to a single desired output temperature, but also allows for the creation of optimized, personalized performance curves, thereby improving the positioning of one or more SCAs in a solar field relative to a specific target output temperature. In this way, the control temperature at the working fluid outlet is improved, and thus provides an improvement in the performance level of the SCA or the solar field.

[0060] Independent of the thermal conditioning preferably performed only for one SCA in a field of multiple SCAs discussed above, the SCA or each SCA in the SCA field can be further conditioned by sensing the temperature of the heating fluid heated by (or each) SCA, wherein, for a given angular position of shadow entry on the shadow receiver, the angular position is progressively approached (in angular steps), preferably in the range of 0.01° to 1°, more preferably in the range of 0.05° to 0.5°, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1° to 0.2°, while continuously measuring the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature and calculating the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature, as mentioned above. The time between two steps preferably allows the temperature change from inlet to outlet to be close to a stationary state, wherein once the temperature difference exceeds 1K, preferably 2K, 4K, or 6K, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is stored, preferably together with the corresponding time and / or solar position data, and the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is considered to represent the daily start position of tracking for the corresponding SCA. The maximum temperature rise for each desired tracking location can be 25K. Therefore, alternatively or additionally, the tracking SCA can be progressively repositioned until the maximum temperature change from inlet to outlet in a stationary state is achieved, storing the corresponding angular positions and / or corresponding camera images, preferably along with the corresponding time and / or solar position data, and the corresponding angular positions and / or corresponding camera images are considered to represent the daily start position for tracking the corresponding SCA. Depending on the step size, this can generate up to about 12 steps at a preferred 2K step size to establish a first performance curve. This curve can be mirrored to obtain corresponding information for the opposite tilt direction. Alternatively, more step sizes can be taken to similarly obtain information beyond the optimal position, thus providing a performance curve for reducing performance beyond the optimal tracking point. This makes it easy and reliable to determine a reference starting position for each SCA. This process can only be performed once for setting up the SCA and its control. However, for example, annual revisions, the process can be run again. Seasonal differences, etc., can be accounted for by calculation, but readjustment is not necessarily required.

[0061] If an SCA includes more than one sensor device, the method steps discussed above are performed simultaneously for all sensor devices of an SCA.

[0062] Performance curves—e.g., from 0-100%—can be determined based on the sensed information according to the methodological steps described above. Performance curves applicable to one or more or all SCAs in a solar field can be advantageously used for the optimized control of a single SCA or the entire solar field.

[0063] In the case of tracking a concentrating solar field comprising two or more SCAs, as described above, each SCA preferably includes sensor devices as discussed herein. The method for regulating and / or controlling the solar field is preferably based on the methods discussed above. In particular, mechanical regulation and / or thermal determination of the inlet location are preferably performed for more than one, preferably all, SCAs. However, thermal regulation is preferably performed for fewer than all, preferably one, SCA.

[0064] For a solar field comprising multiple SCAs, performance profiles are determined for one or more SCAs, and the concentrated solar field is thermally balanced by individually controlling the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid for each SCA. The performance profiles can be determined for one or more or all SCAs, or determined for one or more SCAs and then applied in the same way to the remaining SCAs.

[0065] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely schematic diagrams for illustrating specific aspects and generally do not depict other (optional) elements or consider different alternative interconnections in a single illustration. In this regard, the same reference numerals refer to equivalent, similar, comparable, or identical components in the illustrated embodiments.

[0066] The described embodiments can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. It should be noted that the features of the foregoing embodiments can be combined in a single embodiment. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the embodiments of the invention, the embodiments of the invention may include all or only some of the foregoing features. The disclosure of the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. In the following, preferred embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a parabolic trough power generation device is shown.

[0068] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the alignment of a parabolic trough power generator according to the sun's position.

[0069] Figure 3a An example showing the shadow cast by the receiver tube of the parabolic groove in the collector.

[0070] Figure 3b A simplified rendering illustration of the shadow cast by the receiver tube of a parabolic trough device in the collector.

[0071] Figure 3c This shows a simplified rendering detail of the shadow cast by the receiver tube of the parabolic slot device in the collector.

[0072] Figure 3dA simplified rendering of the shadow cast by the receiver tube of a parabolic trough device in the collector.

[0073] Figure 3e This shows a simplified rendering detail of the shadow cast by the receiver tube of the parabolic slot device in the collector.

[0074] Figure 4 An example using receiver tube shading illustrates the geometry of projected shadows.

[0075] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary shadow cast by a receiver tube on a shadow receiver is provided, in which the central shadow and the side penumbra are highlighted.

[0076] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of an exemplary housing of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown.

[0077] Figure 7 Showing a top view of the casing,

[0078] Figure 8 It shows that line AA passes through Figure 7 The cross-section of the shell,

[0079] Figure 9 A side view of the housing is shown.

[0080] Figure 10 A side view of the housing with the shadow receiver is shown.

[0081] Figure 11 Showing according to Figure 10 Bottom view of the shell,

[0082] Figure 12 Show along Figure 10 The cross section intercepted by the CC line in the image.

[0083] Figure 13 Show along Figure 10 The cross section cut by the DD line in the middle.

[0084] Figure 14a , Figure 14b and Figure 14c An illustrative image shows a shadow falling on a shadow receiver, wherein, Figure 14a The shadow of the receiver tube entering the shadow receiver from the left is shown. Figure 14b This shows the shadow of the receiver tube that is fully received on the shadow receiver. Figure 14c The shadow of the receiver tube is shown moving to the right away from the shadow of the receiver.

[0085] Figure 15 A side view of the housing with a shadow receiver and two side shields 8 is shown.

[0086] Figure 16 Show along Figure 15 The cross section intercepted by line AA in the middle.

[0087] Figure 17 Showing the front view of the main carrier,

[0088] Figure 18 It shows that line AA passes through Figure 17 The cross-section of the main carrier,

[0089] Figure 19 Show Figure 18 Side view of the main carrier.

[0090] Figure 20 As shown Figure 17 The central line AA passes through the cross section of the main carrier and the heating element.

[0091] Figure 21 Show Figure 20 Side view of the main carrier.

[0092] Figure 22 Showing with Figure 20 The cross-section corresponding to the cross-section shows the main carrier and heating element, as well as exemplary cooling elements associated with the relevant electronic components.

[0093] Figure 23 The sensor housing shown is part of the support structure for mounting to the receiver tube.

[0094] Figure 24 The sensor housing, which is shown as a support structure mounted to the receiver tube, is illustrated.

[0095] Figure 25 A sensor housing with a shadow receiver and side shielding is shown, as well as

[0096] Figure 26 shows a comparison of solar field outputs, in which, Figure 26a This illustrates conventional, known control and regulation of individual loops, and in which, Figure 26b The control and regulation according to the present invention are illustrated.

[0097] Figure 27 shows the temperature difference distribution for thermal measurements of the SCA, where... Figure 27a The temperature difference distribution determined by stepwise tilt measurements is shown, and wherein, Figure 27b The temperature difference distribution determined by a single test inclination is shown.

[0098] Figure 28 The installation status is shown.

[0099] As discussed above and within the context of this invention, the invention also relates to features of the invention and features relevant to the invention. Figure 1 The image exemplarily illustrates a parabolic trough system, namely, a solar collector assembly (SCA). A parabolic trough or solar collector assembly (SCA) includes: a linear parabolic reflector SP, which is made of multiple solar collector modules (SCMs) fixed together to move as a single SP, which focuses light onto a receiver positioned along the focal line of the reflector. A receiver tube is positioned directly above the parabolic mirror at the midpoint of its focal line and is filled with a working fluid. The reflector follows the sun during the day by tracking along a single axis. The working fluid, such as molten salt or oil, is heated to 150°C to 400°C (oil) or 200°C to 550°C (molten salt) as it flows through the receiver. The hot fluid can be used for many purposes. Typically, the working fluid is piped to a heat engine that uses thermal energy to drive machinery or generate electricity, or it is piped to a thermal energy storage device.

[0100] Parabolic troughs are typically aligned on a north-south axis and rotate from east to west to track the sun as it moves across the sky each day (compare). Figure 2 ).

[0101] Figure 3a An example of the shadow cast by the receiver tube in the collector is shown. In the illustrated alignment of the receiver and collector in the SCA, the shadow S of the receiver tube R (not visible in the figure) is not directly on the collector mirror but on the beam T of the lower structure. In a conventional parabolic trough design, the trough is formed by two rows of mirrors made of curved mirrors or solar collector components SP and arranged symmetrically with respect to the centerline. The mirrors SP are arranged on opposite sides of the beam T, which extends longitudinally from the center. When the trough is optimally aligned with the sun, the shadow S of the receiver tube R... R It falls on the beam at the center, as according to Figure 3a As indicated in the illustration. According to the sensor device and method of the invention, the shadow preferably falls on the shadow receiver of the sensor device, as will be discussed below. It is clear that any shadow receiver can be used in place of the beam T exemplarily mentioned herein, particularly for illustrating the general context of sensing the shadow of the receiver tube.

[0102] according to Figure 3b The illustration is shown in a rendered version according to Figure 3a The scenario is illustrated below. For clarity, supporting components of the collector assembly (such as, for example, the support struts of the receiver tube, which appear to float freely but are actually mechanically fixed in place by means of the receiver tube support structure) have been omitted. Besides... Figure 3a In addition to the illustration, Figure 3b The reflection Refl from the receiver tube R on mirror SP is shown. This is in contrast to the shadow S, which is independent of the observer's position. R In contrast, this reflection changes depending on the observer's position. Figure 3c It shows that according to Figure 3b The details of the rendered illustrations, in Figure 3c The receiver tube is invisible.

[0103] Figure 3d It shows that according to Figure 3a Another exemplary view of the rendered version of the scene. For the sake of illustration, the supporting components of the collector device (such as, for example, the struts of the receiver tube, which appear to float freely but are actually mechanically fixed in place by means of the receiver tube support structure) are omitted again. Figure 3d The reflection Refl on the receiver tube R on the mirror SP is also shown. Due to the different positions of the viewer, the reflection is in one position but in another.

[0104] Figure 3e It shows that according to Figure 3b or Figure 3c The details of the rendered illustrations, in Figure 3e The support pillar R that forms the receiver support structure for the receiver tube R can be seen in the image. ST Just like their respective reflections.

[0105] Figure 4 The geometric conditions of projected shadows are depicted using the example of the shadow of a receiving tube, and Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the meaning of the terms or areas of shadow (KS) and penumbra (HS). Figure 4 The penumbra is depicted as the distance on the shadow receiver between the point where the two lines intersect the sun and the point on the side of the receiver. These lines are tangents at a point on the opposite side of the sun and on one side of the receiver, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 The illustration shows the penumbra on the right side of the diagram. The left penumbra is formed separately using tangents on opposite sides of the receiver tube. The shadow is the area between the penumbras.

[0106] The width of the penumbra depends on the distance between the shadow blind plate and the shadow receiver. All shadow parameters can be calculated using the following: Sun diameter d sonne Receiver diameter d Rohr / Receiver (Pipe diameter in the diagram), distance h between the receiver and the shaded receiver, such as beam T. Rohr (e.g., beam T), and the planetary distance h between the sun and the shadow receiver. sonne . Figure 5An exemplary illustration shows the shadow cast by the receiver tube on a shadow receiver, wherein the central shadow and the lateral penumbra are highlighted, along with the indicated preferred dimensions. The sensor apparatus and method according to the invention analyze the geometry and intensity of the shadow to track SCA, as discussed in WO 2016 / 107882, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] For the purpose of determining the deviation of the collector position from the optimal position, the position of the shadow cast by the shadow blind plate on the shadow receiver is determined, preferably the position of the shadow cast by the receiver tube on the shadow receiver.

[0108] According to the present invention, a camera device K, preferably an IP camera device, is used in the sensor apparatus for detecting shadows on a shadow receiver. Preferred camera devices include line scan cameras or other digital sensors for color and brightness.

[0109] Determining two possible deviations is particularly preferred alternatives in the analysis of shadows. On the one hand, the absolute deviation of the shadow (the actual position compared to the target position) can be determined, resulting in an angular deviation, for example in degrees, or a positional deviation from the center or centerline. On the other hand, a deviation with only a tendency (e.g., to the left or right) can be determined as a result. Both methods are preferred and suitable for reducing and preferably eliminating tracking deviations. Image processing of shadows sensed by the camera device is preferably performed at a remote location, including a control server or a network-based program.

[0110] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of an exemplary housing 2 of the sensor device 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 7 A top view of housing 2 is shown, with cross-sections indicating the hidden structure. Figure 8 It shows that line AA passes through Figure 7 The cross-section of the shell. Figure 9 A side view of the housing is shown, with cross-sectional lines indicating concealed structures. The housing 2 has a general rectangular or box-like shape and preferably features a protrusion 3 for accommodating and / or positioning a camera device at the front side 5 of the housing. Figures 6 to 9(Not shown in the image). The housing preferably provides support for the imaging device at an angular position α relative to the preferably flat back surface 4, preferably about 30° to 60°, preferably about 35° to 55°, preferably about 40° to 50°, and for example about 45°, thus positioning the plane of the housing. The housing preferably has a length l: preferably about 100 mm to 250 mm, more preferably about 150 mm to 200 mm, for example about 158 ​​mm to 163 mm. The housing height h, excluding the protrusion 3, is preferably about 20 mm to 50 mm, more preferably about 30 mm to 40 mm. The height p of the protrusion 3 is about 70 mm to 110 mm, preferably about 85 mm to 95 mm. The width w of the housing 2 is preferably about 60 mm to 90 mm, preferably 65 mm to 85 mm, and preferably about 80 mm. These dimensions have proven particularly beneficial regarding the limited dimensions and improved options for positioning the housing within the SCA, while allowing sufficient space to accommodate the required components and enabling simple and reliable parts.

[0111] Figure 10 A side view of a housing 2 with a shadow receiver 6 disposed at its bottom end is shown, the bottom end of the housing 2 opposite to its top end, i.e., the end where the protrusion 3 is located. The shadow receiver 6 is disposed according to... Figure 11 It is particularly clearly visible in the bottom view. The shadow receiver 6 is preferably a planar, flat component, the material or color of which is suitable for allowing the identification of shadows falling on it, and preferably has good contrast. The shadow receiver 6 preferably has a matte finish or color (e.g., white, off-white, champagne).

[0112] This specifically allows for optimal shadow receiving characteristics to optimize sensing by the camera device. The material has advantageously high corrosion resistance. Furthermore, coating materials can be used.

[0113] Figure 12 It shows along Figure 10 The section cut by line AA in the middle faces upward, that is, away from the shadow receiver 6 towards the protrusion 3 and just below the protrusion 3. Figure 13 It shows along Figure 10The cross-section of line BB is downward, i.e., towards the shadow receiver 6 away from the protrusion 3. The shadow receiver 6 extends from the housing 2 in the same direction as the protrusion 3. The shadow receiver 6 extends from the housing 2 at an angle of approximately 90° to the preferably flat back surface 4 of the housing, and thus positions the plane of the housing 2. As mentioned above, the preferred angle α of the camera axis relative to the preferably flat back surface 4 and thus the plane of the housing 2 can therefore be easily translated at an angle β between the shadow receiver 6 and the camera position and the camera axis (90°-α), respectively. This in particular allows for the optimal viewing angle of the shadow received by the camera or falling on the shadow receiver 6 in terms of image quality and size, thereby resulting in optimized image recognition.

[0114] As measured from the back 4 of the housing, the shadow receiver 6 preferably has a length (lsr) of about 120 mm to 300 mm, preferably 160 mm to 260 mm, and for example, about 210 mm. The shadow receiver 6 preferably has a width (wsr) of about 100 mm to 300 mm, preferably 160 mm to 210 mm, and for example, about 185 mm. The actual dimensions may depend on the receiver tube size and / or the distance between the shadow receiver and the receiver tube. These dimensions particularly ensure sufficient length and width to reliably receive the shadow from the receiver tube, thus allowing for a sufficiently large image size (especially in length) to be captured by the imaging device to enable optimized image processing, and / or to allow the shadow to move (laterally) along the shadow receiver 6 while being processed. Furthermore, the shadow receiver is particularly suitable for placement at the aforementioned reference position on the SCA.

[0115] Figure 14a , Figure 14b and Figure 14c An illustrative image shows a shadow S falling on a shadow receiver. Figure 14a The shadow S of receiver tube entering the shadow receiver 6 is shown. R The right boundary or end 7a of the shadow is clearly visible. Figure 14b The shadow S of the receiver tube being fully received on the shadow receiver 6 is shown. R The left and right boundaries or ends 7a and 7b of the shadow are clearly visible. Figure 14c The shadow of receiver tube 6 is shown as the shadow of receiver tube 6. R The left boundary or end 7b of the shadow is clearly visible.

[0116] Figure 15A side view of a housing 2, provided with a shadow receiver 6 as discussed above and two side shields 8, is shown. The side shields 8 are connected to and extend along opposite sides of the housing 2, preferably at an angle of approximately 90° to the back surface 4 and thus positioning the plane of the housing 2, and preferably also at an angle of approximately 90° to the shadow receiver 6 (e.g., ...). Figure 16 (See in the middle). Figure 16 It shows along Figure 15 The section cut by line AA, facing upwards, i.e., away from the shadow receiver 6, faces and passes through the protrusion 3. (As from...) Figure 16 It can be readily concluded that the side shields 8 are preferably parallel to each other. The side shields 8 preferably extend along at least their entire length and / or height, and preferably extend beyond the housing. In the preferred embodiment shown, the side shields 8 have a length lss of about 100 mm to 250 mm, preferably about 150 mm to 200 mm, and preferably about 185 mm to 195 mm, and / or a maximum height hss of about 90 mm to 130 mm, preferably about 105 mm to 115 mm. Preferably, the side shields 8 are spaced apart from the housing.

[0117] The side shielding is preferably designed to improve the shielding of the sensor housing against thermal effects and heat induced, for example, by the secondary focal line of the SCA.

[0118] The side shield 8 is preferably spaced apart from the housing by means of at least one spacer 9. The spacer 9 is made of or comprises PTFE. However, other heat-resistant materials with low thermal conductivity may be used alternatively. The side shield 8 is preferably made of metal or alumina. This allows for improved thermal insulation of the housing 2 from the side shield 8, and preferably optimizes the reflection of heat absorbed by the side shield 8.

[0119] Preferably, as in Figure 15 As can be seen, the side shield 8 includes at least three slits 10, and here includes seven slits 10. The slits can have different or the same length and / or width. This can increase air circulation, reduce vibration, and prevent tension or buckling.

[0120] Figure 17 A front view of the main carrier 12 is shown. Figure 18 It shows that line AA passes through Figure 17 The cross-section of the main carrier. Figure 19A side view of the main carrier 12 is shown. The main carrier 12 is used to house components 1 within the housing 2 and to support the sensor device 1. Such components include the camera device 13, a tilt sensor (not shown), an interface structure (not shown), etc. The main carrier 12 can be manufactured with high accuracy and allows for improved and stable relative and / or predefined positioning of the components connected to it, such as the positioning of the camera device relative to the tilt sensor. Furthermore, the main carrier can also serve as a mounting base for a shadow receiver and / or for mounting the housing to a solar power system. This can further improve the accuracy of the relative positioning of these components relative to each other and thus improve the reliability of the sensor output, resulting in improved tracking. The length lmc of the main carrier 12 can be approximately 90 mm to 130 mm, preferably approximately 100 mm to 120 mm, and preferably approximately 112 mm. The longitudinal extension of the camera device relative to the main carrier (along its measured length lmc, see, for example...) Figure 18 or Figure 20 The angle α between them is preferably the one mentioned above, for example... Figure 8 The angle mentioned, α.

[0121] Figure 20 As shown Figure 17 The central line AA passes through the cross section of the main carrier 12, and Figure 21 This is a side view of the main carrier 12. The main carrier 12 basically corresponds to the view about Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The main carrier 12 is shown and discussed, but also includes a heating element 14. The heating element 14 is a plate, preferably a copper plate, adapted to transfer heat between and from different locations along the main carrier 12 and components connected to it—particularly the camera device 13, the tilt sensor (not shown, preferably mounted at position 20), and other electronic components such as printed circuit boards (PCBs, not shown), converters (not shown), etc. The heating element 14 can be heated directly (as a heat pipe) or indirectly (heated and transferred by additional heating elements) to transfer heat to relevant components of the sensor device. This can help ensure that these components maintain their required storage and / or operating temperatures.

[0122] Figure 22 It shows the relationship with Figure 20The cross-section corresponding to the diagram shows the main carrier 12 and the heating element 14, and additionally shows an exemplary cooling element 15 associated with the relevant electronic components. For example, cooling element 15' may be associated with a tilt sensor (not shown, e.g., at position 20) and its PCB (indicated at 16'). An additional cooling element 15" may be associated with a camera device 13 and its PCB (indicated at 16"). Furthermore, additional cooling elements 15 may be assigned to additional electronic components, such as, for example, cooling element 15"' may be associated with a converter PCB (indicated at 16"') such as a DC-to-DC voltage regulator (preferably step-down). The heating element 14 is heated by the heater 17 and transfers heat to the components in question. Furthermore, active or inactive cooling may be provided. In the preferred embodiment discussed, the cooling pad 15 enables improved heat dissipation and thus cooling of the relevant components.

[0123] The sensor device according to the invention can be easily installed into existing SCAs or integrated into new SCAs. The sensor device can be easily manufactured with low cost and high accuracy. For example, the shadow receiver can be made into a simple laser-cut component. The sensor housing can be made of a temperature-resistant and UV-resistant plastic material, which can be easily injection molded at low cost. The accuracy of the housing is not critical because the relevant components are supported by the main carrier and positioned relative to each other. No fixing structures are required for assembling various sensors or other components. In terms of housing design, no special consideration is needed for moisture absorption or mechanical loads. The modular, platform-like structure of the sensor assembly has general advantages and allows for the installation of different components as needed.

[0124] The sensor device can be easily mounted to a support structure, such as a support receiver tube, preferably near the apex of the SCA, i.e., at the bottom and inside of the slot. Alternatively, the sensor device can be attached to the support structure, for example, to a beam T as mentioned above, or at the location of the beam T shown in the discussion and reference figures above. Preferably, the sensor device is in the apex region of the SCA but outside the SCA—i.e., behind or below the SCA—in the gap region between the SCMs. This mounting to the support structure has proven to have significant advantages. Notably, the positioning accuracy of the support structure relative to the parabolic mirror assembly of the SCA is the highest, and high positioning and sensor accuracy, as already mentioned, are reliably maintained because the relative positions of the tilt sensor, camera device, and shadow receiver are predefined within the sensor device and do not need to be changed during field installation to the SCA. Installing the sensor device requires neither highly skilled personnel nor specific tools.

[0125] Figure 23This illustrates mounting to, for example, at a location near the bottom of the SCA slot. Figure 24 The housing 12 of the support structure 18 for the receiver tube shown (without side shielding, however, this is advantageous) is as previously described. When viewed in the front view, the housing 12 is preferably provided with four mounting members 19 extending laterally from both the upper and lower corners of the housing. Figure 25 A housing 2 with a shadow receiver 6 and a side shield 8 is shown. The housing 12 can be mounted to a support structure of the SCA near the bottom of the slot but outside the slot by means of a mounting device (not shown) provided on the back of the housing.

[0126] This installation configuration on the SCA's support structure Figure 28 The graph is visualized in [the image]. Figure 28 Figure a illustrates a sensor device 1 according to the present invention. Arrows point from sensor device 1 to the position / location on the SCA, as shown. Figure 28 b、 Figure 28 c. Figure 28 d and Figure 28 Figure e shows a portion of the SCA with the mirror element SP / module SCM, the receiver tube R, and the gap G (as discussed herein) forming a notch at the deepest point of the slot. Furthermore, Figure 27 indicates the support structure ST to which the sensor device is mounted (also as discussed herein). It should be noted that... Figure 28 The mounting of a sensor device in the region of gap P at the end of the parabolic groove is shown. However, as previously described, the mounting of the sensor device may also act on a support structure ST, for example, in the middle of the SCA or spaced apart from its ends.

[0127] The housing 12 may include a humidity buffer (not shown) for maintaining the humidity within the housing within a constant range by receiving humidity from the ambient air or by supplying humidity to the ambient air.

[0128] The sensor device according to the invention described herein, particularly the modular shadow sensing device provided by means of a camera device combined with a tilt sensor, enables improved tracking of a single SCA and multiple SCAs in a solar field. Tracking can become particularly easier and more reliable. In particular, repeatability of the SCA's positioning quality can be easily achieved, whether at the maximum energy location or at a defined decreasing energy location, thereby closely following the sun and achieving an optimized position relative to the sun. For example, the sensor accuracy of the sensor device of the invention has been demonstrated to be about 0.003°. Typically, and depending on the SCA setup, the accuracy of the sensor device may exceed that of an accuracy tracking driver, which is typically a hydraulic driver. However, optimized absolute position of the SCA relative to the sun, i.e., optimized tracking, can be achieved by means of the sensor device and method described herein.

[0129] An example of a preferred camera device is the Sony Exmor IMX323 sensor on the PCB of the Hi3516 V200 CCTV-IP-Camera.

[0130] An example of an inclinometer used in conjunction with this invention is the BWL 315S CAN bus monoaxial inclinometer.

[0131] For example, the sensor device according to the invention does not require specific reference or adjustment regarding the construction of the SCA or the external reference tilt sensor. Instead, the sensor device according to the invention can be adjusted / referenced relative to the sun (rather than relative to a part of the construction or a reference sensor). This reference can be made at any point in (solar) time.

[0132] Because known systems suffer from various drawbacks in accuracy, such as sensor temperature drift, aging drift of sensors or other components, changes in base / foundation position, tension, and resulting structural positional changes, adjustments or references to such systems last only a limited time. In contrast, this sensor device and the resulting adjustments improve upon it and do not suffer from these drawbacks. The requirements for positioning accuracy during installation are lower. Adjustment does not require monitoring or observation by a technician. No special equipment is required for installation, sensing, and / or adjustment. Furthermore, no additional reference sensor is needed. Reference data can be centrally stored, for example, in a database, and reference data related to the solar field can also be considered as needed. Adjustments or references can be automatically repeated at predefined time intervals, or preferably automatically repeated when inaccuracies are observed, such as based on positioning changes of structural components and / or foundation construction.

[0133] According to the preferred reference method discussed above, the present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a sensor device to track a concentrated solar power (CSP) system, preferably a solar collector assembly (SCA). The solar system is preferably a system including the sensor device of the present invention as mentioned above. The method may include the steps of: mechanically adjusting the sensor device on the CSP system; and / or thermally adjusting the sensor device along with the CSP system. More specifically, the mechanical adjustment involves adjusting or referencing the mounting position of the sensor device on the CSP system, particularly the mounting position of the sensor system on the solar collector assembly (SCA), preferably as mentioned above. The thermal adjustment of the sensor device along with the CSP system may specifically involve: determining the optimal position of the solar collector assembly (SCA) based on the heat output of the heating fluid; and aligning it with corresponding sensor data such as inclinometer data, camera data, and / or time data. This subsequently enables improved tracking and optimization of the SCA's positioning relative to the sun, and thus "harvesting" maximum solar energy, i.e., simply heating the working fluid to the highest possible or desired temperature based on the shadow of the receiver tube via image processing and / or the output of the tilt sensor.

[0134] The method of mechanically referencing the sensor device to the SCA preferably includes the following steps: mounting the sensor device to the solar collector assembly (SCA), preferably in the region of the apex of the parabolic trough mirror, i.e., nearby, to be able to receive the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube, as already mentioned above. Preferably, the sensor device is mounted outside the parabolic trough, i.e., behind or below the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to a support structure such as a torsion box or inside the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to a support structure 18 supporting the receiver tube. Additional steps may include: adjusting the SCA and / or the sensor device such that the shadow of the receiver tube is received at its full width by the shadow receiver of the sensor; and / or using a tilt sensor included in the sensor device to measure the tilt value; and using a camera included in the sensor device to acquire and store the time, and preferably the date, and a photograph of the full width of the shadow.

[0135] Mounting the sensor device to the support structure, particularly to the torsion box, allows for reliable and easy securing of the sensor device to the SCA. Consequently, the sensor device can be mounted to the SCA with very low tolerances and predefined relationships, preferably + / - 2°, more preferably + / - 1.5°, and even more preferably + / - 1° or less, of the desired or reference angular position of the sensor. Similarly, the mounting of the sensor device to the SCA can be achieved with a tolerance of approximately + / - 3 mm to 5 mm of translational displacement perpendicular to the tracking axis, preferably approximately + / - 2 mm to 3 mm of the desired or reference position of the sensor.

[0136] Advantageously, potential translational displacements orthogonal to the tracking axis can be balanced by thermal adjustment / reference, as discussed in this paper.

[0137] Typically, the support structure of the SCA (Self-Driving Avatar) has high accuracy, particularly because the SCA support structure must support both the reflector mirror and the receiver tube, which must be mounted in predefined positions relative to each other to achieve high efficiency as required. Furthermore, the spatial proximity of the sensor device relative to the vertex of the parabolic slot of the SCA increases the reliability and accuracy of the sensor position. Finally, an improved structure comprising the following sensor device improves reliable relative positioning and reduces the risk of misalignment: the camera device, tilt sensor, and shadow receiver are housed within a single unit or housing, and preferably all are supported by a single base carrier.

[0138] As an additional step in the mechanical adjustment, the SCA is preferably adjusted such that the shadow of the receiver tube, including the entire width of the shadow, moves along the shadow receiver, for example, by moving the SCA from a first maximum tilt angle to a second maximum tilt angle or from shadow entry to shadow exit on the shadow receiver. Simultaneously, preferably, angular position data of the shadow and the SCA received by the shadow receiver are sensed, and this data, along with associated time data, obtained by the camera device and the tilt sensor, is stored. The time data can be retrieved from a controller to which the sensor device can be connected, as discussed above.

[0139] This allows for optimization of the sensor device's measurement range settings and adjustment of the relative positions of the sensor device and the SCA, including its receiver tube, relative to each other. Figure 14a , Figure 14b and Figure 14c The individual steps of a shadow moving on a shadow receiver (from left to right here) are illustrated exemplarily. Figure 14a The shadow 7 of the receiver tube entering the shadow receiver 6 is shown, wherein the right boundary or end 7a of the shadow is clearly visible. Figure 14b The image shows the shadow 7 of the receiver tube being fully received on the shadow receiver 6, wherein the left and right boundaries or ends 7a and 7b of the shadow are clearly visible. Figure 14c The shadow 7 of the receiver tube leaving the shadow receiver 6 is shown, wherein the left boundary or end 7b of the shadow is clearly visible.

[0140] In addition to these steps, information is stored, including: sensing of the first shadow portion or boundary received on the shadow receiver—also known as shadow entry; sensing of the shadow center when full shadow is received on the shadow receiver; and final sensing of the last shadow portion received on the shadow receiver—also known as shadow exit—along with the associated angular position sensed by the inclinometer, the associated shadow image taken by the camera device, and the associated time, preferably the date, along with additional data as needed. This allows for consideration of scene specificities such as the point in time and absolute sun position, the tilt and absolute position of the SCA, and also takes into account gravity, etc.

[0141] These steps are performed simultaneously for all, preferably three, sensor devices on an SCA, as already mentioned herein. Preferably, the above method steps are performed twice or at least twice, once from east to west and once from west to east, in other words, in opposite directions. This can particularly allow for the detection of torsion along parabolic grooves and / or directional clearances in bearings and / or transmissions. Once such effects are observed, they can be easily taken into account when interpreting and processing the sensed data during system operation, preferably without involving complex and costly maintenance work.

[0142] As discussed earlier, three sensor devices are mounted to a single SCA, preferably one sensor device at each end of the SCA and one sensor device in the middle of the SCA, as seen along the longitudinal axis of the parabolic groove. This allows for optimized control of the SCA's positioning along its entire length, as well as the identification of artifacts such as torsional variations, thereby improving system output. If the SCA includes two, three, or more sensor devices mounted thereto, the corresponding method steps apply to two, three, more, or all of the sensors.

[0143] In addition to or alternatively to the mechanical conditioning mentioned above, automatic thermal conditioning can be performed. The purpose of such thermal conditioning can be to: determine the SCA location that achieves the highest heat output, i.e., the maximum temperature difference between the fluid inlet and outlet of the receiver tube for (one or more) given solar locations; and to determine performance curves based on sensed information according to the methodological steps discussed herein, advantageously from 0% to 100%. Performance curves applicable to one or more or all SCAs in a solar field can be advantageously used for the optimized control of a single SCA or the entire solar field. In particular, this enables the improvement of the thermal balance of the solar field by precisely controlling the working fluid outlet temperature for each SCA (also referred to as the loop in the solar field) for any solar location. Furthermore, the risk of damage to the working fluid due to excessively high temperatures can be significantly reduced while achieving the highest output of the solar field.

[0144] Figure 26 shows a comparison of the output of a solar field with 20 loops, or 80 SCAs (one loop contains four SCAs). The individual curves show the working fluid temperature exiting each loop and the resulting temperature "mixing temperature," i.e., the temperature of the working fluid that finally leaves the solar field. Figure 26a The diagram illustrates conventional, known control and regulation of a single loop, where three loops shut down when the working fluid flowing through them reaches a critical temperature (here, for example, close to 410°C; for example, hot oil might deteriorate from such a temperature range). This is particularly due to the lack of capability to control individual loops (or SCAs) to provide a specific hot fluid temperature. Therefore, for safety reasons, those loops reaching the critical temperature are moved to a safe position where the receiver tube is outside the focal line and the fluid flowing there is no longer heated. Consequently, the overall fluid temperature of the fluid exiting the solar field (see the thick diagram “Mixing Temperature”) is significantly reduced. On the other hand, Figure 26b The control and regulation according to the invention (referred to herein as the "active sensor system") allows for more precise control of all individual loops, and thus allows for higher output from the solar field. It is readily apparent that no loop must be shut down. Instead, based on information known from the references described above, the individual loops (the SCAs forming the loops) are controlled to slightly shift to reduce the fluid temperature to a value outside the critical range, but still close to / at the optimal desired temperature, as can be derived from the peak Q of some loops where the temperature is significantly close to the critical temperature. Therefore, no loss occurs due to the shutdown of the individual loops. Furthermore, from Figure 26b As can be seen, all loops are more precisely controlled to achieve the desired maximum efficiency, as can be seen from the denser overall curves and the resulting “mixing temperature” just above 400°C. In other words, the structure and method according to the invention enable both more precise and closer control over the tracking of a single SCA and improved control over the entire solar field with multiple SCAs.

[0145] According to thermal regulation, the temperature of the heating fluid heated by at least one, and preferably only one, SCA or alternatively a single loop is sensed (especially when considering a solar field with multiple SCAs). To describe the positioning of the SCA, a tilt angle can be used, which can correspond to the tilt angle sensed by a tilt sensor. For example, an angle of 90° can refer to the eastward direction of the SCA (especially the parabolic trough opening). 270° can indicate the westward direction, while 180° can refer to the upright position that reflects the midday sun. Based on a given range of angular positions for collecting solar energy during the course of a day, including, for example, from 110° to 250°, angular positions at, for example, 110°, 145°, 180°, 215°, and 250° can be used as reference positions. Here, these positions can be approached incrementally, i.e., in angular steps. The step size is preferably within the range of 0.1° to 0.2°, and the step size width can also be adjusted empirically based on the components and conditions used (a larger step size can be selected when there is more experience with a given setting, and a smaller step size can be selected when there is less experience). Simultaneously, the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures are continuously measured, and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures for each step / position is calculated. The time between two steps preferably allows for temperature changes in the working fluid from the receiver tube inlet to the receiver tube outlet, particularly increases or decreases, to approach a static state. Based on the measured temperature difference, an optimal position, i.e., the position with the highest temperature difference, can be determined. Preferably, the camera senses shadow information, and the inclinometer senses angular information at all corresponding angular positions, and this information is preferably stored at a central system, to which the sensors send the corresponding information via an interface. Furthermore, corresponding time information can be stored. Each corresponding shadow information can be considered to represent a corresponding energy state, so that in subsequent control, the energy output level of the SCA can be adjusted solely based on the shadow information. Therefore, assigning reference thermal output information to shadow information can significantly improve the processing of shadow images and the effective positioning of the SCA relative to the sun. Since the mechanical and structural behavior of one SCA in a solar field can be considered substantially corresponding to each other, information obtained through thermal conditioning of one SCA can be transferred to other SCAs under corresponding conditions, such as one SCA in a solar field. Therefore, thermal conditioning enables improved interpretation of information from the camera device (based on shadow images and the position of the shadow on the shadow receiver, i.e., relative to the position of the camera device). Furthermore, in use, this allows for improved control, particularly regarding the percentage of maximum energy level at which the SCA is positioned.

[0146] Independent of the thermal conditioning discussed above, each SCA in the SCA field can be further regulated by sensing the temperature of the heating fluid heated by the SCA (or all of them), wherein, for a given angular position of shadow entry on the shadow receiver, the angular position is progressively approached in angular steps, preferably in the range of 0.1° to 0.2°, while continuously measuring the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures and calculating the temperature difference between the fluid inlet and outlet temperatures, as mentioned above. The time between two steps preferably allows the temperature change from inlet to outlet to be close to a stationary state, wherein once the temperature difference exceeds 2K, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is stored, preferably along with the time, and the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is considered to represent the daily start position for tracking the corresponding SCA. This makes it easy and reliable to determine the reference starting position for each SCA. This process can only be performed once for setting up the SCA and its control. However, for, for example, annual adjustments, the process can be run again. Seasonal differences, etc., can be accounted for by calculation, but readjustment is not necessarily required.

[0147] When an SCA includes more than one sensor device, the method steps discussed above are performed simultaneously on all sensor devices of an SCA.

[0148] The method of this invention allows for the measurement and / or calculation of the offset (in degrees, millimeters, or pixels) between the target position of the SCA (e.g., based on manufacturing master data) and the actual position of the SCA relative to the sun. This offset can be stored in a controller and used for optimized control of the SCA's tracking and positioning. Alternatively or additionally, raw data generated by the adjustment method according to the invention can be stored, including time data, tilt values, and time. This allows for consideration of various factors that may cause deviations from the target position, including manufacturing, construction, environmental, etc.

[0149] Suppose that the tracking algorithm, which is typically independent of the actual SCA being used, changes, for example through updates, and the offsets calculated based on the previous, older algorithm may no longer be valid. However, recalculating based on the stored original data along with the updated algorithm can produce updated offsets without requiring a readjustment process, which would otherwise be necessary.

[0150] In the case of tracking a concentrating solar field comprising two or more SCAs, as described above, each SCA preferably includes sensor devices as discussed herein. The method for regulating and / or controlling the solar field is preferably based on the methods discussed above. In particular, mechanical regulation and / or thermal determination of the inlet location are preferably performed for more than one, preferably all, SCAs. However, thermal regulation is preferably performed for fewer than all, preferably one, SCA.

[0151] For a solar field comprising multiple SCAs, performance profiles are determined for one or more SCAs, and the concentrated solar field is thermally balanced by individually controlling the outlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid for each SCA. The performance profiles can be determined for one or more or all SCAs, or determined for one or more SCAs and then applied in the same way to the remaining SCAs.

[0152] In addition to or alternative to the methods discussed above, thermal conditioning of the SCA system may involve orienting one or more SCAs to a test tilt angle before the sun has reached them. Preferably, the test tilt angle is at least 2°, 5°, 10°, or 15° west of the sun's tilt angle. More preferably, the test tilt angle is at least 2° and at most 5° west of the sun's tilt angle. Then, as the sun passes through this test tilt angle, the exit and inlet temperatures of the SCAs are recorded to create a temperature variation distribution along with an image of the full-width shadow taken by a camera included in the sensor array. The resulting temperature difference distribution can be time-adjusted according to the flow rate of the fluid within the receiver and the distance of the temperature sensor from the SCA to correspond to the actual tilt angle of the sun and the corresponding shadow image taken by the camera. Other data, such as time, SCA position, calculated tracking angle, flow rate within the receiver, inlet temperature, exit temperature, DNI (Direct Normal Illumination), optical offset of the ATS (Active Tracking System), and images of the ATS, can be collected during this test as raw data and / or other data. Preferably, the temperature variation distribution is provided within a time period of 5 to 30 minutes, more preferably 10 to 25 minutes, and even more preferably 15 to 25 minutes.

[0153] Figure 27 shows an example of the temperature difference distribution for an SCA using two thermal conditioning techniques. For example... Figure 27a As shown, a stepwise method for creating a temperature difference distribution is conceptually illustrated. Here, as previously described, the SCA is oriented stepwise to multiple different tilt angles, and then an output temperature (preferably subtracted from the input temperature) is provided. This output temperature can be used to locate the maximum heat output along with associated data, such as those mentioned above (e.g., associated shadow images taken by a camera device, etc.).

[0154] like Figure 27bAs shown, a single test tilt for thermal regulation is conceptually illustrated. The test tilt of the SCA remains constant while temperature data is collected during the sun's transit. The temperature difference distribution can be divided into multiple stages. In stage zero, the sun's tilt varies by too many degrees, thus initiating a correlated temperature rise. In stage 1, the outlet temperature begins to rise. In stage 2, the highest temperature is reached, representing the optimal tilt of the SCA relative to the sun's position, thus maximizing energy efficiency. In stage 3, the temperature begins to decrease as the sun moves away from the SCA's tilt angle. In an optional stage 4, the SCA system can be adjusted to a new tilt for further testing or operation. Taking into account the flow of the temperature medium and parameters such as flow rate, receiver tube diameter, and / or receiver tube length, the measured temperatures can be assigned to corresponding images captured by a camera device.

[0155] Based on the resulting temperature difference distribution, not only can the optimal tilt angle of the SCA system be improved, but also, alternatively, valuable operational information about the SCA itself can be derived. For example, the width of the highest temperature peak in stage 2 can be measured to derive the individual tilt angle tolerance for each SCA. The form of the temperature peaks also contains information that distinguishes the highest temperature with a natural curve from the highest temperature plateau. The curvature of the peak region can be an indicator of the optical quality of the SCA, such as mechanical function, reflection quality, and receiver condition. A comparison of the temperature difference distribution in stage 1 with that in stage 3—for example, whether stages 1 and 2 exhibit symmetrical temperature increases and decreases—can also provide information about the quality of the SCA. The form of the stages can also help identify misalignment and / or wear of the SCA to indicate when maintenance may be needed. For example, the slope of the curve, inflection points, stage distribution, etc., can be determined and used to interpret the temperature profile.

[0156] It should be noted that temperature phase identification from the temperature difference distribution can also be performed directly during data acquisition, rather than after acquisition. For example, by achieving a certain slope or curvature in the temperature difference distribution, transitions from one phase to the next can be identified. Extracting the temperature difference distribution for each SCA can be performed individually or simultaneously to derive the overall operating temperature difference distribution.

[0157] The retrieved data can be used to optimize SCA control during operation. In particular, tracking can be controlled by tilting the SCA so that the current shadow image closely matches the shadow image associated with the highest temperature output during thermal conditioning.

[0158] Preferred alternatives and / or additional features of the present invention can be deduced from the following preferred aspects:

[0159] 1. A sensor device for tracking a concentrated solar power generation system, preferably a solar collector assembly, the sensor device comprising a housing; the housing including a tilt sensor and a camera device; the sensor device being adapted to house and / or cooperate with a shadow receiver; the shadow receiver being arranged and adapted to receive the shadow of a receiver tube of the solar system, preferably full shadow; wherein the camera device and the shadow receiver are arranged such that the camera device is capable of sensing the shadow of the receiver tube on the shadow receiver, preferably full-width shadow.

[0160] 2. The sensor device according to the foregoing aspect, wherein the sensor device is adapted to allow mounting the sensor device in the vertex region of the parabolic trough mirror and to receive the shadow of the receiver tube.

[0161] 3. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor device is adapted to allow mounting of the sensor device in the vertex region outside the parabolic groove of the parabolic groove mirror, preferably to a support structure, or mounting inside the parabolic groove mirror, preferably to a support structure supporting the receiver tube.

[0162] 4. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor device includes at least one, preferably substantially parallel, side shield, wherein the side shield preferably extends along at least the entire length and / or height of the housing, and / or wherein, preferably, the side shield is spaced apart from the housing.

[0163] 5. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the side shield is spaced apart from the housing by means of at least one spacer, wherein, preferably, the spacer is made of or comprises a heat-resistant material having low thermal conductivity, such as PTFE, and / or wherein, preferably, the side shield is made of metal or alumina.

[0164] 6. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the side shielding member includes at least three slits, preferably five slits, and preferably seven slits.

[0165] 7. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the housing is substantially cuboid or box-shaped, and wherein the camera device and the tilt sensor are arranged within the housing, and wherein the shadow receiver is attached to (and / or only partially contained in the housing but extending from the housing) and extends from the housing.

[0166] 8. In the sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, the shadow receiver is a planar, flat component, preferably having a matte surface finish.

[0167] 9. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the camera device is positioned at an angle to the shadow receiver, the angle preferably being less than 90°, and more preferably about 45°.

[0168] 10. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the distance between the camera device and the shadow receiver is such that the camera device senses the shadow of the full shadow width of the receiver tube on the shadow receiver at at least one time of day.

[0169] 11. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes two interfaces, preferably two bus interfaces.

[0170] 12. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes means for cooling and / or heating the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

[0171] 13. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes means for cooling and / or heating the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

[0172] 14. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes a heating cylinder.

[0173] 15. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes a copper plate, the copper plate preferably being used to conduct heat and / or cold to and / or the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components and / or conduct heat and / or cold from the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

[0174] 16. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor housing includes a structure for dissipating heat from the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

[0175] 17. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the housing includes a main carrier, and the camera device and the tilt sensor are mounted on the main carrier.

[0176] 18. The sensor device according to aspect 17, wherein the main carrier further provides means for connecting the shadow receiver and / or for mounting the housing to a solar power generation system.

[0177] 18a. The sensor device according to any one of aspects 17 or 18, wherein the main carrier 12 is adapted to achieve stable relative and / or predefined positioning of the components connected thereto, preferably the positioning of the camera device relative to the tilt sensor, and more preferably, in addition, the positioning of the shadow receiver and / or the SCA to which the shadow receiver is mounted.

[0178] 18b. The sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the sensor device is a separate unit.

[0179] 19. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system, preferably a solar collector assembly (SCA), to track the sun, the system / assembly preferably including a sensor device according to any of the foregoing aspects, the method comprising the steps of: mechanically regulating the sensor device and the CSP system; and thermally regulating the sensor device and the CSP system.

[0180] 20. A method for adjusting a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, the method comprising: adjusting the mounting position of the sensor device on the CSP system, particularly the mounting position of the sensor system on the solar collector assembly (SCA).

[0181] 21. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein thermal regulation of the sensor device together with the CSP system involves: determining the optimal position of the solar collector assembly (SCA) relative to the sun based on the heat output of the heating fluid; and aligning the optimal position with corresponding sensor data, camera data, and / or time data, such as inclinometer data.

[0182] 22. The method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to aspect 21, wherein such thermal regulation is performed once, preferably for one of a plurality of SCAs or one SCA in a solar field, to provide control information thereby enabling improved tracking for multiple tracking cycles for more than one, preferably all, SCAs in a solar field.

[0183] 23. A method for regulating a concentrating solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, the method comprising: mounting the sensor device to the solar power generation system, preferably a solar collector assembly (SCA), preferably mounted near the apex of the parabolic trough mirror to receive the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube, more preferably, mounting the sensor device outside the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to the support structure, or mounting it inside the parabolic trough, preferably mounted to the support structure supporting the receiver tube; adjusting the SCA such that the shadow of the receiver tube is received at its full width by the shadow receiver of the sensor; measuring a tilt value using a tilt sensor included in the sensor device; and acquiring and storing images of the time and the full width of the shadow using a camera device included in the sensor device; the method preferably comprising transmitting data and information to a controller and having the controller store the data and information.

[0184] 24. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, comprising the steps of: adjusting the SCA such that the entire shadow of the receiver tube moves along the shadow receiver, for example, from a maximum tilt angle to a second maximum tilt angle or from shadow entry to shadow exit, while preferably sensing the shadow received by the shadow receiver of the sensor and sensing angular position data, and storing the time data obtained by the camera device and the tilt sensor and associated therewith, preferably by transmitting and storing the data obtained by the camera device and the tilt sensor together with the associated time data on a local controller or central controller.

[0185] 25. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, the method comprising the steps of: storing information including: sensing of a first shadow portion (shadow entry) received on the shadow receiver; (when full shadow is received on the shadow receiver) sensing of the shadow center; and sensing of the last shadow portion (shadow exit) received on the shadow receiver together with the associated angular position sensed by the inclinometer, an image of the shadow taken by the camera device, and associated time; and preferably, transmitting and storing these data obtained by the camera device and the tilt sensor together with associated time data on a local controller or a central controller.

[0186] 26. The method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the method steps are performed at least twice, once from east to west and once from west to east, i.e., in opposite directions.

[0187] 27. A method for adjusting a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the installation of the sensor device to the SCA is achieved with a tolerance of + / -2°, preferably + / -1.5°, and more preferably + / -1° of the reference orientation position, and / or wherein the installation of the sensor device to the SCA is achieved with a tolerance of approximately + / -3 mm to 5 mm of translational displacement perpendicular to the tracking axis, preferably approximately + / -2 mm to 3 mm of the desired position of the sensor or reference 25.

[0188] 28. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the installation to the SCA comprises: installing three sensor devices to the SCA, preferably one sensor device at each end of the SCA and one sensor device in the middle of the SCA, as seen along the longitudinal axis of the parabolic groove.

[0189] 29. The method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein if the SCA includes two, three or more sensor devices installed thereto, the corresponding method steps are applicable to the two, three, more or all of the sensors.

[0190] 30. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the temperature of a heating fluid heated by the system, preferably by the SCA, is sensed, and wherein, based on a given angular position range for collecting solar energy during a day, including, for example, from 110° to 250°, for example, 110° corresponds to the morning and 205° to the evening during the operation of the solar power generation system throughout the day, angular steps are taken approximately at 110°, 145°, 180°, 215°, and 250°, said steps preferably falling within the range of 0.01° to 1°, more preferably from 0.05° to 0.5°, and even more preferably from 0.1° to 0.2°. Simultaneously, the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured, and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated. The time between two steps preferably allows the temperature rise from the inlet to the outlet to approach a steady state. An optimal position, i.e., the position with the highest temperature difference, is determined based on the measured temperature difference. The camera senses shadow information, and the inclinometer senses angular information at the corresponding angular position and stores the corresponding information. Preferably, the corresponding shadow information is considered to represent the corresponding energy state, for example, based on the sensed temperature information and tilt angle information, preferably together with solar position and time information, such that in subsequent control, the energy output level of the SCA will be adjusted based on the shadow information.

[0191] 31. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the temperature of a heated liquid heated by the SCA or all system SCAs is sensed, and wherein, for a given angular position where a shadow enters on the shadow receiver, the angular position is approached in angular steps, the steps preferably being in the range of 0.01° to 1°, more preferably in the range of 0.05° to 0.5°, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1° to 0.2°, while the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated, wherein the time between the two steps preferably allows the temperature change from inlet to outlet to approach a steady state, and wherein, once the temperature difference exceeds 1K, preferably 2K, 4K, or 6K, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is stored, preferably together with the corresponding time and / or solar position data, and the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is considered to represent the daily start position for tracking the SCA.

[0192] 32. A method for adjusting a solar collector assembly (SCA) to track the sun, the assembly including a sensor device, preferably including a sensor device according to any of the preceding aspects, the method comprising the steps of: thermally adjusting the sensor device to the CSP system, wherein thermally adjusting the sensor device includes continuously recording the position of the shadow on the shadow receiver for a test angular position of the SCA, wherein continuously measuring the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature and calculating the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature and providing the temperature difference as a temperature difference distribution, wherein storing the corresponding test angular position and / or the corresponding shadow camera image.

[0193] 33. A method for adjusting an SCA according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein, for the test angle position of the SCA, the position of the shadow on the shadow receiver is continuously recorded, wherein the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated and the temperature difference is provided as a temperature difference distribution, wherein the corresponding test angle position and / or the corresponding shadow imaging device image is stored.

[0194] 34. The method for adjusting SCA according to aspect 32 or aspect 33, wherein the shadow entering the camera image is correlated with the temperature difference distribution such that the peak value of the temperature difference distribution can be associated with one or more of the shadow entering the camera image.

[0195] 35. The method for adjusting the SCA according to any one of aspects 32 to 34, wherein the test angle position of the SCA is at least 2° west of the measured position of the sun, preferably, wherein the test angle position of the SCA is at least 5° west of the measured position of the sun, more preferably, wherein the test angle position of the SCA is at least 10° west of the measured position of the sun.

[0196] 36. The method for adjusting SCA according to any one of aspects 32 to 35, wherein the temperature difference distribution is recorded over a time period of 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 10 to 25 minutes, and more preferably 15 to 25 minutes.

[0197] 37. The method for adjusting an SCA according to any one of aspects 32 to 36, wherein the temperature difference distribution is used to evaluate the optical quality of the SCA, preferably wherein the shape of the peak of the temperature difference distribution is related to the optical quality of the SCA.

[0198] 38. A method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the method steps are performed simultaneously for all sensor devices in a system / SCA.

[0199] 39. The method for regulating a concentrated solar power generation system according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein a performance curve is determined based on sensed information.

[0200] 40. A method for tracking a concentrated solar field, the concentrated solar field comprising two or more SCAs, each SCA preferably comprising a sensor device according to any of the foregoing sensor component aspects, the method preferably being the method according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the method steps according to any of aspects 19 to 29 and 31 to 33 are performed for more than one, all systems / SCA, and wherein the method steps according to aspect 30 are performed for less than all, preferably only one system / SCA.

[0201] 41. The method according to any one of aspects 31 to 37, comprising: determining a performance curve for any of the SCAs; and thermally balancing the concentrated solar field by individually controlling the outlet temperature of the heat fluid for each SCA.

[0202] 42. The method for adjusting an SCA according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein the offset between the target position of the SCA and the actual position of the SCA relative to the sun is measured and / or calculated, preferably in degrees, millimeters or pixels.

[0203] 43. The method according to aspect 42, wherein the offset is stored in a controller and used for optimized control of the tracking and positioning of the SCA when controlling the position of the SCA.

[0204] 44. The method for adjusting SCA according to any of the foregoing method aspects, wherein raw data generated by the adjustment method steps is stored, including time data, tilt values, and time.

[0205] 45. A solar collector assembly comprising: a solar collector element forming a parabolic groove supported by a support structure, the parabolic groove; a receiver tube; and a sensor device according to any of the above-described aspects of the sensor device.

[0206] 46. ​​A solar energy field comprising a plurality of solar collector components as described in aspect 45.

[0207] 47. The method described in any of the above method aspects, wherein the method is applicable to one or more solar collector components of the solar collector assembly according to aspect 45 and / or the solar field according to aspect 46.

[0208] The system and method according to the invention have proven advantageous, particularly compared with solutions known from the prior art.

[0209] The use of the term "substantially" in the foregoing description also covers embodiments that fully or completely implement the corresponding features. The terms "a plurality" or "several" should be understood to mean "at least two," i.e., two or more. Regarding the indication of specific values, slight deviations from these values ​​are preferably also covered, such as, for example, deviations of ±10% or ±5% of the corresponding values. Various aspects of the invention can form independent inventions and can also be protected in this form.

Claims

1. A sensor device for tracking a solar collector assembly, the sensor device comprising: Housing; the housing includes a tilt sensor and a camera device; The sensor device includes a shadow receiver; The shadow receiver is arranged and adapted to receive full shadow of the receiver tube of the solar energy system; The camera device and the shadow receiver are arranged such that the camera device can sense the full width of the shadow cast by the receiver tube on the shadow receiver; and in, The shadow receiver is attached to the housing and extends from the housing, or The shadow receiver is only partially contained within the housing and extends from the housing.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device is adapted to allow it to be mounted in the vertex region of the parabolic trough mirror and to receive the shadow of the receiver tube.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device is adapted to allow it to be mounted in the vertex region outside the parabolic groove of the parabolic groove to the support structure of the parabolic groove, or mounted inside the parabolic groove to the support structure supporting the receiver tube.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device includes at least one side shield, wherein the at least one side shield is spaced apart from the housing.

5. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor device includes two side shields.

6. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one side shield extends along at least the entire length and / or height of the housing.

7. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one side shield is spaced apart from the housing by means of at least one spacer.

8. The sensor device according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one spacer is made of or includes PTFE.

9. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein, The side shield includes at least three slits.

10. The sensor device according to claim 9, wherein, The side shield includes at least five slits.

11. The sensor device according to claim 10, wherein, The side shield includes at least seven slits.

12. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The camera device is positioned at a certain angle to the shadow receiver.

13. The sensor device according to claim 12, wherein, The angle is less than 90°.

14. The sensor device according to claim 13, wherein, The angle is approximately 45°.

15. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor housing includes means for cooling and / or heating the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

16. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor housing includes a copper plate, and wherein the sensor housing includes a structure for dissipating heat from the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

17. The sensor device according to claim 16, wherein, The copper plate is used to conduct heat to the camera device and / or the tilt sensor and / or associated electronic components.

18. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a main carrier, on which the camera device and the tilt sensor are mounted.

19. A method for regulating a solar collector assembly of a concentrated solar power system to track the sun, the assembly comprising a sensor device according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: Mechanically adjust the sensor device and the concentrated solar power generation system; and Thermal regulation of the sensor device and the concentrated solar power generation system; in, The mechanical adjustment includes the following steps: mounting the sensor device to the solar collector assembly; adjusting the solar collector assembly such that the shadow of the receiver tube is received by the shadow receiver of the sensor device at its full width; and measuring the tilt value using the tilt sensor included in the sensor device. And to acquire and store time and full-width shadow photographs using the camera device included in the sensor device; The thermal regulation involves: determining the optimal position of the solar collector assembly based on the heat output of the heating fluid of the concentrating solar power generation system; and aligning the optimal position with corresponding tilt sensor data, camera data, and / or time data.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The sensor device is mounted to the solar collector assembly at the vertex region of the parabolic trough mirror to receive the full width of the shadow of the receiver tube.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The sensor device is mounted outside the parabolic groove to the support structure of the parabolic groove, or inside the parabolic groove to the support structure supporting the receiver tube.

22. The method of claim 19, the method comprising the steps of: adjusting the solar collector assembly such that the shadow of the receiver tube moves along the shadow receiver, while sensing the shadow received by the shadow receiver of the sensor device and sensing angular position data; The method includes storing data obtained by the camera device and the tilt sensor, as well as associated time data, and the method includes the steps of: storing information, the information including a first sensing of a first portion of a shadow received on the shadow receiver when the shadow enters the shadow receiver; Sensing of the center of the shadow when the shadow receiver receives the full shadow; And sensing of the last portion of the shadow received on the shadow receiver when the shadow exits the shadow receiver, along with the associated angular position sensed by the tilt sensor, the image of the shadow captured by the camera device, and the associated time.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The temperature of the heated liquid heated by the solar collector assembly is sensed, and wherein, based on a given angular position range including 110° and 250° for collecting solar energy during a day's process, the angular positions are approached at 110°, 145°, 180°, 215° and 250° with angular steps, while the fluid inlet temperature and fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated, and an optimal position is determined based on the measured temperature difference; the camera device senses shadow information and the tilt sensor senses angular information at the corresponding angular position and stores the corresponding information; Wherein, the given angle position in the given angle position range is the angle position at which the shadow enters on the shadow receiver; The 90° angle within the given angular position range refers to the direction in which the parabolic trough opening of the solar collector assembly faces east; and The 270° angle in the given angular position range refers to the westward direction of the parabolic slot opening of the solar collector assembly.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.01° to 1°.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.05° to 0.5°.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.1° to 0.2°.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The time between two approach operations with the angular step size approaching the angular position allows the temperature rise from the inlet to the outlet to approach a near-static state.

28. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The temperature of the heated liquid heated by the solar collector assembly is sensed, and wherein, for a given angular position where a shadow enters on the shadow receiver, the angular position is approached in angular steps, while the fluid inlet temperature and fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated, wherein when the temperature difference exceeds 1K, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image is stored, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image being regarded as representing the daily start position of tracking for the solar collector assembly; The 90° angle within the given angular position range refers to the direction in which the parabolic trough opening of the solar collector assembly faces east; and The 270° angle in the given angular position range refers to the westward direction of the parabolic slot opening of the solar collector assembly.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.01° to 1°.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.05° to 0.5°.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The step size is in the range of 0.1° to 0.2°.

32. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The time between two approach operations with the angular step size approaching the angular position allows the temperature rise from the inlet to the outlet to approach a near-static state.

33. The method according to claim 28, wherein, Along with the corresponding time and / or solar position data, the corresponding angular position and / or the corresponding camera image are stored.

34. A method for adjusting a solar collector assembly to track the sun, the solar collector assembly comprising a sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising the steps of: orienting the parabolic slot opening of the solar collector assembly to a test angle position to which the sun is to reach, and thermally adjusting the sensor device and a concentrating solar power generation system, wherein, The thermal regulation sensor device includes continuously recording the position of shadow entry on the shadow receiver for the test angle position of the solar collector assembly, wherein the fluid inlet temperature and fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured and the temperature difference between the fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature is calculated and the temperature difference is provided as a temperature difference distribution, wherein the corresponding test angle position and / or corresponding camera image indicating the shadow entry are stored.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The images from the camera device are correlated with the temperature difference distribution, such that the peak value of the temperature difference distribution can be associated with one or more of the images from the camera device.

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The test angle position of the solar collector assembly is at least 2° west of the measured position of the sun.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, The test angle position of the solar collector assembly is at least 5° west of the measured position of the sun.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The test angle position of the solar collector assembly is at least 10° west of the measured position of the sun.

39. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured over a period of 5 to 30 minutes, and the temperature difference distribution over this period is recorded.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein, The fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured over a period of 10 to 25 minutes, and the temperature difference distribution over this period is recorded.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, The fluid inlet temperature and the fluid outlet temperature are continuously measured over a period of 15 to 25 minutes, and the temperature difference distribution over this period is recorded.

42. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The temperature difference distribution is used to evaluate the optical quality of the solar collector assembly.

43. A solar energy collector assembly, comprising: Solar collector elements forming a parabolic trough, supported by a support structure; Receiver tube; And the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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