Heliostat Mirror Alignment Using Image Recognition Under Cloud Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heliostats in solar power plants face challenges in aligning and adjusting their mirrors to track the sun effectively, especially under varying conditions like cloud coverage, which requires precise and cost-effective solutions to maintain efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a two-dimensional image sensor device on the heliostat's mirror to align and adjust the mirror's position through image recognition, eliminating the need for angle transducers and allowing for automatic control, even under cloudy conditions, by generating virtual images of the sun and target area to determine precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional angle transducers are used to determine mirror position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle transducers with an optical image recognition system. The image sensor captures images of the sun and target area, and image processing algorithms calculate the mirror's angular position and alignment based on these visual data, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the physical system state. By capturing images of the sun and target area through the optical system, the patent creates a two-dimensional representation that contains all necessary information about mirror alignment, replacing direct mechanical measurement with indirect visual measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment systems are implemented, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical alignment systems with a software-based image processing approach. Standard image sensors and processors, combined with geometric calculations, achieve high alignment precision without requiring specialized mechanical components or transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-functional image sensor system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: determining mirror alignment, tracking sun position, and monitoring target area positioning. This single system replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system cost.
3Speed
If real-time image processing is performed, then alignment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the expected sun and target area positions based on time and geometric relationships. This allows the image processing to focus only on verifying and fine-tuning the alignment rather than calculating everything from scratch, reducing computational energy requirements while maintaining fast response.
4Measurement precision
If cloud coverage is detected, then tracking reliability deteriorates, but with virtual image generation, tracking precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates the expected position of the sun and target area based on time, location, and geometric relationships. When clouds obscure the actual images, the system uses these pre-calculated positions to generate virtual images, allowing continuous and precise alignment control without interruption from weather conditions.
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
This method enables precise, cost-effective, and automated alignment and adjustment of heliostat mirrors, ensuring optimal tracking of the sun and maintaining high efficiency across varying conditions, with reduced errors and the ability to function in all relevant operating points.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging device is associated with the image sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling the alignment of a heliostat with respect to a receiver, wherein an image sensor device is arranged on a mirror device of the heliostat, wherein the heliostat is aligned by the image sensor device using image recognition in such a way that a first angle of a first vector pointing towards the sun, relative to a prescribed vector of the mirror device, and a second angle of a second vector pointing towards a prescribed target area of the receiver, relative to the prescribed vector, are in a relationship to each other which is dependent upon the prescribed vector of the mirror device, and wherein images of the sun and the prescribed target area and their position relative to the prescribed vector are determined.