Shadow Receiver Sensor Arrangement for CSP Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in accurately tracking the sun due to construction inaccuracies, wear, and sensor limitations, leading to suboptimal energy collection and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising a housing with an inclination sensor and camera, mounted near the apex of a parabolic trough mirror, which includes a shadow receiver to accurately sense the shadow of the receiver tube, allowing for improved tracking and reduced maintenance through advanced image processing and thermal adjustment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems are used in CSP systems, then the system structure is simple, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to construction inaccuracies, wear, and sensor limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracking sensors (inclination sensor and shadow sensor) into a single integrated sensor arrangement mounted on the support structure. This merging approach improves tracking accuracy by cross-validating measurements from different sensor types while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages the complexity through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shadow receiver as an intermediary element that casts a shadow detectable by the shadow sensor. This intermediary mechanism translates positional information into optical signals that can be precisely measured, thereby improving tracking accuracy without requiring direct mechanical measurement of the receiver position.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision tracking sensors are implemented, then tracking accuracy improves, but maintenance costs increase due to sensor wear and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: the inclination sensor measures tilt angle, the shadow sensor detects receiver position, and together they provide comprehensive tracking data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby lowering maintenance requirements and costs while maintaining high tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities where the control unit processes signals from both sensors to detect anomalies and compensate for sensor drift or wear. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain accuracy over time without frequent external calibration or maintenance interventions.
3Measurement precision
If conventional shadow sensing is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to suboptimal sensor arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to shadow sensing by mounting the shadow sensor on the support structure at a elevated position, allowing it to detect the shadow of the receiver tube from above. This dimensional change enables more accurate shadow detection compared to conventional horizontal sensing arrangements, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If frequent maintenance is performed to address wear and inaccuracies, then reliability improves, but productivity deteriorates due to system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and alignment adjustments during manufacturing and initial installation, establishing accurate baseline measurements for both sensors. This preliminary action reduces the frequency of subsequent maintenance interventions needed to maintain reliability, thereby minimizing downtime and preserving productivity throughout the system's operational life.
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 solution enhances tracking accuracy, reduces maintenance costs, and improves energy collection efficiency by accurately positioning the CSP system relative to the sun, even in varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
said shadow receiver being arranged and adapted to receive the shadow of a solar system's receiver tube
Implementation Method 2
A parabolic trough comprises a linear parabolic reflector SP that concentrates light onto a receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line
Implementation Method 3
said housing comprising an inclination sensor and a camera
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor arrangement for tracking a solar collector assembly, the sensor arrangement comprising a housing; said housing comprising an inclination sensor and a camera; said sensor arrangement comprising a shadow receiver; said shadow receiver being arranged and adapted to receive the full shadow of a solar system's receiver tube; wherein the camera and the shadow receiver are arranged such that the camera may sense the full width of the receiver tube's shadow on the shadow receiver.