Mobile Camera Computing Solar Irradiance Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring solar irradiance distribution and glint/glare in concentrating solar power systems are costly and inefficient, lacking effective solutions for assessing potential hazards and uniform irradiance distribution across central receivers.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with a camera and input mechanism captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, using pixel values and direct normal irradiance to compute solar irradiance maps and glint/glare levels, providing graphics for user feedback on safety and irradiance distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors (flux gauge or calorimeter) are used to measure irradiance on the central receiver, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital camera to capture an image of the central receiver, creating a visual copy of the irradiance distribution. Pixel intensity values in the captured image serve as proxies for actual irradiance measurements, eliminating the need for physical flux gauges or calorimeters. This copying approach maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical sensors (flux gauge or calorimeter) with an optical-digital system (digital camera). Instead of using physical sensors to directly measure irradiance, the system uses image capture and pixel value analysis to infer irradiance distribution, substituting a mechanical measurement system with an optical-digital one.
2Area of stationary object
If a flux scanner is used to measure radiance distribution from the entire heliostat field, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital camera to capture a comprehensive image of the entire central receiver surface, creating a visual map of irradiance distribution across the full area. This single image capture provides complete spatial coverage without requiring the complex rotating wand and multiple sensor arrays of a flux scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital camera serves multiple functions: it captures the spatial distribution of irradiance, provides pixel intensity values for quantitative analysis, and enables visualization of the entire receiver surface. This single device performs what would otherwise require a complex flux scanner system with multiple sensors and rotation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If infrared camera is used to measure surface temperature and infer irradiance distribution, then non-contact measurement is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to multiple uncertain parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital camera to directly capture the optical image of the central receiver, obtaining pixel intensity values that are directly proportional to irradiance. This approach copies the optical information without the intermediate step of thermal conversion, maintaining direct correspondence between measured signal and irradiance input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of direct solar irradiance measurement into a benefit by using the digital camera's natural response to light. The camera sensor's sensitivity to optical energy, which could be considered a limitation for visible light imaging, becomes an advantage for directly measuring solar irradiance distribution without thermal conversion uncertainties.
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 allows for cost-effective, efficient measurement of solar irradiance and glint/glare, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in solar power systems by providing detailed irradiance maps and ocular hazard assessments without the need for expensive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the entity captured by the mobile computing device... using pixel values and direct normal irradiance to compute solar irradiance maps
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. A mobile computing device includes at least one camera that captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed by the mobile computing device.