Heliostat error detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring optical errors in heliostat fields of concentrating solar power systems are inefficient and inaccurate, requiring weeks or months to survey an entire field and focusing on individual heliostat errors rather than providing a reliable in-situ characterization of optical errors across a utility-scale power-tower plant.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing photogrammetry techniques to determine optical errors in heliostat fields by capturing images of the receiver reflection in heliostat mirrors, calculating errors such as slope, canting, and tracking errors, and adjusting the heliostat orientations to maximize solar energy delivery, employing a camera and processor to analyze images and adjust mirror positions for improved alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing optical characterization methods (beam characterization systems, deflectometry methods, celestial-body-based reflective imaging, distant photogrammetry) are used to measure heliostat optical errors, then measurement capability is provided, but the survey time for an entire field becomes weeks or months and accuracy remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale heliostat field into individual heliostat units, and further segments each heliostat into multiple mirror facets. By measuring each facet independently using a portable camera system, the overall field measurement is broken into manageable segments that can be processed quickly and accurately, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and measurement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems (beam characterization systems, deflectometry equipment) with a simple portable camera system. This substitution uses optical imaging principles instead of mechanical scanning or complex optical setups, dramatically reducing measurement time while maintaining or improving accuracy through digital image analysis
2Measurement precision
If existing methods focus on individual heliostat errors using single-image analysis, then individual error measurement is possible, but the overall field characterization efficiency becomes low and takes weeks or months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a systematic periodic measurement approach where a portable camera captures images of multiple heliostats in sequence across the field. By establishing a regular measurement pattern and using automated image processing, the system efficiently characterizes individual heliostats while maintaining high overall field survey productivity, eliminating the weeks-or-months timeline of previous methods
3Ease of operation
If a portable camera system is used to capture images of receiver reflection in heliostat mirrors, then in-situ optical characterization becomes possible, but the system requires new measurement methodologies to achieve sufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the receiver itself as an intermediary reference object. By capturing the reflection of the receiver in each heliostat mirror, the system creates a natural reference that simplifies the measurement methodology. The receiver's known position and characteristics serve as a mediator between the camera and the mirror surface, enabling accurate optical error calculation without complex external reference systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the receiver's reflection in each mirror facet. By analyzing this reflected image copy, the system can determine mirror orientation and optical errors without physically interacting with the mirrors. This copying approach simplifies the measurement process while maintaining ease of operation in the field
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 approach enables efficient and accurate measurement of optical errors, reducing the time required for surveying and improving solar energy delivery by minimizing optical errors, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of heliostat fields.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of a reflection of the receiver in a mirror of the heliostat using a camera
Implementation Method 2
A method and system utilizing photogrammetry techniques to determine optical errors in heliostat fields by capturing images of the receiver reflection in heliostat mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes non-intrusive optical (NIO) characterization methods which efficiency measures optical errors (such as mirror surface slope error, mirror canting error, and heliostat tracking error) of a heliostat field. The methods utilize photogrammetry and deflectometry to analyze an image taken of a heliostat to determine optical errors and increase the amount of solar energy delivered by the heliostat to the receiver.