CSP Reflector Soiling and Tracking Detection Using Single Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in accurately tracking the sun due to construction inaccuracies and soiling of reflectors, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs, with existing solutions being complex, costly, and having limited accuracy and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A CSP system incorporating a digital camera to acquire images of both the reflector and shadow receiver, allowing for simultaneous determination of soiling and orientation adjustments, using a controller to analyze images and adjust the cleaning routine based on soiling identification, thereby improving tracking accuracy and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate systems are used for tracking and soiling detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tracking and soiling detection functions into a single camera-based system. The camera captures images that are processed to determine both the shadow receiver position (for tracking) and the reflector surface condition (for soiling detection), eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects the shadow receiver position for tracking accuracy, analyzes reflector surface characteristics for soiling detection, and provides visual documentation for maintenance planning. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors
2Productivity
If frequent cleaning is performed, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary soiling detection by capturing images of the reflector surface and analyzing them for contamination levels. This preliminary assessment allows the system to determine whether cleaning is actually needed, enabling cleaning operations to be performed only when necessary rather than on a fixed schedule, thus reducing water consumption while maintaining energy harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors reflector soiling conditions through image capture and analysis, providing feedback on surface cleanliness. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of cleaning schedules based on actual soiling rates and conditions, optimizing the balance between maintaining productivity and minimizing resource consumption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances tracking accuracy, extends equipment lifespan, and optimizes cleaning routines, leading to increased efficiency and reduced operational expenses by using a single camera for soiling and orientation determination, simplifying maintenance and improving energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
CSP systems focus the direct solar radiation by using focusing reflector areas that focus the incident sunlight onto an absorber
Implementation Method 2
a shadow receiver arranged and adapted to receive the, preferably full, shadow of the receiver tube
Data Source
AI summary
A concentrated solar power (CSP) system includes a reflector, a receiver tube, a shadow receiver arranged and adapted to receive the, shadow of the receiver tube; a first digital camera attached to the CSP system to acquire a first image of the reflector and of the shadow receiver, and a controller. The controller identifies a first portion of the first image that comprises the reflector and a second portion of the first image that comprises the shadow receiver, determines a degree of soiling of the reflector based on the first portion of the first image and, ignores all information contained in the second portion of the first image for determining said degree of soiling, and determines an adjustment of the orientation of the reflector based on the second portion of the first image and, ignores all information contained in the first portion of the first image for determining said adjustment.