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 performance in solar power tower fields are inefficient, requiring manual and time-consuming measurements, and lack in-situ capabilities, leading to reduced energy production and increased maintenance costs due to issues like mirror soiling and canting errors.
Innovation Solution
A mobile imaging system using a camera mounted on a platform, such as a drone, acquires reference and reflected images to determine performance parameters like canting errors and reflectance ratios, allowing for fast and accurate in-situ corrections while the heliostat field remains operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods (inclinometers, photogrammetry, laser scanning) are used to assess heliostat performance, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming processes and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the heliostat and creates a digital copy/reflected image for analysis. Instead of manual physical measurements, the system photographs the heliostat facets and uses image processing to determine canting errors, significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (inclinometers, laser scanners) with an optical imaging system. The camera-based system substitutes complex mechanical measurement apparatus with a simpler optical capture and computational analysis approach, improving both speed and ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If multiple targets are applied to heliostat surfaces for measurement, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impracticality in large fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from physical targets attached to the heliostat surface. Instead of requiring targets to be placed on each facet, the system uses the natural reflection of sunlight or a light source from the heliostat facets themselves, eliminating the need for target application while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The heliostat facets serve their dual purpose: they are both the optical elements being measured and the reflective surfaces that provide the measurement signal. The facets reflect light back to the camera, allowing the system to use the heliostat's own optical properties for self-assessment without external targets
3Reliability
If frequent mirror cleaning is performed to address soiling, then reliability of energy production is improved, but loss of substance increases due to water and chemical consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of heliostat optical performance by capturing images and analyzing reflectance ratios. This feedback mechanism tracks soiling accumulation over time and provides data-driven insights into when cleaning is actually needed, enabling condition-based maintenance rather than frequent scheduled cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of soiling conditions through image analysis before cleaning operations are initiated. By measuring reflectance ratios and detecting soiling early, the system can plan and optimize cleaning operations only when necessary, reducing unnecessary water and chemical consumption
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
The system enables efficient assessment and correction of heliostat errors, improving energy production and reducing maintenance costs by allowing for real-time, in-situ measurements and corrections, thereby optimizing heliostat performance and extending the lifespan of solar power tower plants.
Implementation Method 1
a camera mounted on a platform, such as a drone, acquires reference and reflected images to determine performance parameters
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 a plurality of 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.