Method and system for determining a state of a solar-thermal parabolic trough power plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat losses from absorber tubes in solar thermal power plants with parabolic trough collectors are significant due to defects like glass cladding tube fractures and vacuum losses, requiring frequent manual temperature measurements that are inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method using unmanned aircraft with infrared cameras to capture coherent image sequences of absorber tubes reflected on the parabolic trough collectors' reflective surface, allowing for rapid, cost-effective determination of relative temperatures and detection of defective tubes by radiometric evaluation, with the option to use dual cameras for visible and infrared ranges to enhance accuracy and reduce measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual temperature measurements are performed using thermal cameras, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but measurement time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reflective surface of the parabolic trough collector to create an optical copy (image) of the absorber tube. Instead of directly imaging the small absorber tube, the system captures its reflected image on the larger reflective surface, enabling indirect measurement with standard thermal cameras from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by moving from direct imaging in one dimension (close-up view of small absorber) to indirect imaging through reflection on the parabolic surface (enlarged virtual image at distance). This dimensional transformation allows use of conventional cameras without requiring proximity to the small absorber tubes.
2Measurement precision
If direct imaging of absorber tubes is performed from low altitude, then temperature measurement is possible, but flight safety and measurement efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface acts as a natural mirror, creating a virtual image of the absorber tube on the parabolic surface. This optical copying allows the thermal camera to capture absorber tube information from a safe distance without direct close-up imaging, improving both safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The parabolic reflective surface serves as an intermediary between the absorber tube and the thermal camera. Instead of the camera directly observing the small absorber, it observes the reflected image on the reflective surface, which acts as a mediator that enlarges and positions the image for easier detection.
3Reliability
If frequent inspections are conducted to detect defects early, then plant efficiency is maintained, but operational disruption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing reflected images of absorber tubes on the parabolic surface, the system enables rapid comprehensive inspection without physical contact or plant shutdown. The optical copying method allows inspection during normal operation, maintaining reliability while minimizing disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The parabolic trough collector's reflective surface, which is already present for solar energy collection, is utilized for the additional function of temperature monitoring. This self-service approach uses existing infrastructure to enable frequent inspections without requiring separate inspection equipment or plant shutdowns.
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 significantly reduces measurement time and labor, enabling weekly or monthly assessments of solar thermal fields, allowing for early detection of acute damage and degradation, and can be integrated into existing power plant operations with minimal disruption.
Implementation Method 1
determining an intensity of the thermal radiation of the respective absorber tube by radiometric evaluation of the recordings of the images of absorber tubes
Implementation Method 2
creating recordings of images of absorber tubes, which are reflected by the surface of the respective parabolic trough collectors
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining a state of a solar-thermal field with rows, arranged in parallel in a transverse direction of the field, of successively arranged parabolic trough collectors having a mirroring reflector surface, which each have, along their longitudinal extent, a focal point line in which at least one absorber pipe is arranged in each case. The following steps are performed: positioning a recording device to capture recordings at least in the infrared range at a predefined height above the field; creating, by means of the recording device, recordings of images of absorber pipes reflected by the parabolic trough collectors, the recording device being moved over the parabolic trough collectors in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal extent and the recordings being made by the recording device in the form of associated image sequences; and determining an intensity of the thermal radiation of the respective absorber pipe by means of radiometric evaluation of the recordings at least in the infrared range.