Profile control on solar parabolic troughs

Year: 2014

Authors: Sansoni P., Fontani D., Francini F., Mercatelli L., Jafrancesco D., Sani E.

Autors Affiliation: CNR-INO National Institute of Optics, Largo E. Fermi 6, Firenze 50125, Italy

Abstract: Linear parabolic collectors usually need profilometric control since the reflector surface can be imperfectly manufactured. Optical profile assessment is generally addressed to detect small localised defects. The paper proposes two optical devices that were developed simulating profile measurements on linear parabolic mirrors. Solar troughs are employed in thermal plants and concentrating photovoltaic systems. The profilometer examines the reflector surface operating on a plane transversal to the linear axis of the trough collector. Then the detection is repeated displacing the optical device along the linear collector axis. The first profilometer includes a source of parallel rays and a target placed at the collector focal distance. The second profilometer has a fixed target and a linear source, which is approximately located in the focal position of the solar mirror. Ray-tracing simulations and practical tests are illustrated for both optical devices.

Conference title: 2014 Fotonica AEIT Italian Conference on Photonics Technologies
Place: Naples, Italy, May 12-14, 2014

KeyWords: Mirrors; Photovoltaic cells; Solar energy, Concentrating photovoltaic systems; Linear-parabolic; Optical Metrology; Optical profiles; Profile measurement; Profolometry; Ray tracing simulation; Reflector surfaces, Profilometry
DOI: 10.1109/Fotonica.2014.6843911

Citations: 2
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