Solar Irradiance Computation via Camera Pixel Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring solar irradiance distribution and assessing glint/glare in concentrating solar power systems are either expensive, impractical, or lack cost-effective solutions, particularly for solar power towers with numerous reflectors, which can lead to uneven radiation distribution and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing digital cameras to capture electronic images of the Sun and the receiver, allowing for the computation of solar irradiance distribution and glint/glare without sensors on the receiver's surface, by correlating pixel values from images of the Sun and the receiver, and applying filters to prevent saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flux gauges or calorimeters are affixed to the receiver surface to measure irradiance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the receiver surface by capturing images with a camera. The irradiance distribution is measured indirectly through image processing rather than direct contact measurement. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex sensor calibration while maintaining measurement capability through digital image analysis and pixel intensity correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system (flux gauges, calorimeters) with an optical imaging system. Instead of physical contact sensors that require calibration, the system uses camera images and computational algorithms to determine irradiance distribution, substituting mechanical measurement with optical-digital measurement.
2Ease of manufacture
If CCD cameras are used to measure irradiance distribution, then sensor cost is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to beam spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures an optical copy (image) of the entire receiver surface and the beam pattern simultaneously. By processing the image data and correlating pixel values with the known solar disk image, the system can accurately measure irradiance distribution even when the beam spills outside the receiver, as long as the spillage is captured in the image field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point or line-scanning measurement to two-dimensional surface imaging. This dimensional change allows simultaneous capture of the entire irradiance distribution pattern across the receiver surface, including spillage regions, enabling comprehensive measurement without requiring the entire beam to be confined to the receiver area.
3Area of stationary object
If flux scanners with rotating wands are deployed to map irradiance distribution, then comprehensive coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing the entire irradiance distribution pattern in a single static image before any analysis is performed. The complete spatial map of irradiance across the receiver surface is recorded simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential scanning operations and complex stitching procedures required by rotating wand systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a comprehensive two-dimensional optical copy of the irradiance distribution across the entire receiver surface in a single capture. This image-based copying approach provides complete area coverage without the mechanical complexity of rotating scanners, as the entire field of view is recorded simultaneously by the camera sensor.
4Ease of operation
If infrared cameras are used to infer irradiance from surface temperature, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to multiple uncertain parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based indirect measurement (infrared thermography) with optical-based direct measurement. Instead of measuring temperature and inferring irradiance through complex thermal models with multiple uncertain parameters, the system directly measures optical radiation intensity through camera images and correlates pixel values with solar disk intensity, providing more precise irradiance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from temperature (thermal domain) to optical intensity (optical domain). By measuring the actual optical radiation that causes the heating rather than the thermal response, the system avoids the need for complex thermodynamic models and material property assumptions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining non-contact operation.
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 accurate computation of solar irradiance distribution and identification of 'hot spots' on the receiver, as well as assessment of glint and glare, improving safety and operational efficiency without the need for expensive sensors or uniform beam capture.
Implementation Method 1
Solar radiation is reflected from the reflectors and concentrated at the central receiver
Implementation Method 2
A camera, which may be a video camera or still camera, can be employed to capture an electronic image of the Sun
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. At least one camera 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.