Concentration solar power optimization system and method of using same
| DWPI Title: Solar optimization system for characterizing mirror of concentrating solar power (CSP) system, has refinement unit that refines determined mirror parameter to characterize mirror, and sides of screen are positioned to pivot |
| Abstract: A system and method for optimizing at least one mirror of at least one CSP system is provided. The system has a screen for displaying light patterns for reflection by the mirror, a camera for receiving a reflection of the light patterns from the mirror, and a solar characterization tool. The solar characterization tool has a characterizing unit for determining at least one mirror parameter of the mirror based on an initial position of the camera and the screen, and a refinement unit for refining the determined parameter(s) based on an adjusted position of the camera and screen whereby the mirror is characterized. The system may also be provided with a solar alignment tool for comparing at least one mirror parameter of the mirror to a design geometry whereby an alignment error is defined, and at least one alignment unit for adjusting the mirror to reduce the alignment error. |
| Use: Solar optimization system for characterizing and/or aligning mirrors of concentrating solar power (CSP) system. |
| Advantage: The refinement unit refines determined mirror parameter to characterize mirror such that the parameter of the mirror is used to design geometry to define the alignment error, and the alignment error is reduced by adjusting the mirror, and hence the characterization and/or alignment of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems are enhanced. Thus, the accurate measurement and/or characterization, estimation and refinement capabilities, fast computations, adjustable systems, manufacturing and/or maintenance capability, hi-speed operability, portable systems and real-time alignment of the solar optimization system can be achieved effectively. |
| Novelty: The system (300a) has a screen that displays light patterns for reflection by a mirror (106). A camera (110) receives a reflection of light patterns from the mirror. A characterizing unit of a solar characterization tool (102) determines mirror parameter of the mirror based on an initial position of camera and screen. A refinement unit refines the determined mirror parameter based on an analytically adjusted position of the camera and screen such that the mirror is characterized. The sides of the screen are positioned to a pivot. |
| Filed: 7/19/2010 |
| Application Number: US2010838551A |
| Tech ID: SD 11313.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
| Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Clarivate content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Clarivate. Clarivate and its logo, as well as all other trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners and used under license. |