Solar Mirror Soiling and Heliostat Inspection from a Mobile Imaging System and Mobile Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing and correcting heliostat mirror soiling and canting errors in solar power tower fields are inefficient, time-consuming, and often require manual, tedious measurements, leading to reduced energy production and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile imaging system with a camera mounted on a platform, capable of acquiring reference and reflected images of heliostat facets, transmitting data for analysis to determine performance parameters, allowing for in-situ correction of canting errors and mirror soiling assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods (inclinometers, photogrammetry, laser scanning) are used to assess heliostat canting errors, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the heliostat and creates a digital copy of the mirror surface. By analyzing the reflected image of a calibration target in the captured photo, the system can assess canting errors without physical contact or manual measurement devices, significantly speeding up the inspection process while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (inclinometers, laser scanners) with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical instruments that require manual operation and complex calibration, the system uses a camera to capture images and processes them computationally to determine heliostat alignment, eliminating the need for mechanical measurement tools.
2Measurement precision
If multiple targets are applied to the heliostat surface for photogrammetry or fringe reflection methods, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of the inspection process increases and becomes impractical for large fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex multi-target photogrammetry systems. Instead of requiring multiple targets distributed across the heliostat surface, the system uses a single calibration target whose reflection is captured by the camera. The measurement information is extracted from the reflected image geometry, simplifying the system while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration target serves multiple functions: it provides reference geometry for determining canting errors, establishes scale for measurements, and enables both canting assessment and mirror soiling detection. This single element replaces the need for multiple specialized targets required by traditional photogrammetry methods.
3Measurement precision
If traditional reflectometer methods are used to assess mirror soiling, then soiling measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming requiring multiple measurements per facet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera to capture an image of the heliostat mirror surface and creates a digital record of the reflected light distribution. By analyzing the intensity and uniformity of the reflected calibration target image, the system can assess mirror soiling across the entire facet in a single capture, replacing the need for multiple point measurements with a reflectometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines canting error assessment and mirror soiling detection into a single imaging operation. The same camera image that reveals alignment errors through geometric analysis also provides information about surface cleanliness through intensity analysis, eliminating the need for separate measurement processes.
4Productivity
If ad-hoc energy production monitoring is used to determine soiling, then soiling detection is possible, but the method relies on subjective judgement and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an active feedback system where a calibration target is deliberately reflected by the heliostat onto a camera sensor. This provides direct, quantifiable feedback about the mirror's optical properties and alignment, replacing indirect and subjective energy production monitoring with precise, measurable optical data.
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
Enables fast and accurate assessment and correction of heliostat errors, improving energy production efficiency and reducing maintenance costs by allowing for in-situ measurements and real-time feedback for optimal heliostat performance.
Implementation Method 1
acquire a second image that is a reflected image from at least one facet of the one or more facets
Data Source
AI summary
A system or method for an imaging system is provided for inspecting a heliostat. The imaging system includes a platform and a camera mounted on the platform and a heliostat having one or more mirrored facets. The camera is positioned to acquire a first image that serves as a reference image and a second image that is a reflected image from at least one facet. The camera stores image data associated with the first image and the second image, and wirelessly transmits the stored image data to a computing apparatus. The computing apparatus compares the first image with the second image and determines a performance parameter associated with the heliostat.