VSHOT: a tool for characterizing large, imprecise reflectors

Conference · Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:396613

Jones, S A; Neal, D R; Gruetzner, J K; Houser, R M; Edgar, R M ^[1]; Wendelin, T J ^[2]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
2. National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)

A prototype Video Scanning Hartmann Optical Tester (VSHOT) has been developed to characterize the optics of dish-type solar concentrators. VSHOT is a flexible platform that may characterize any large reflector with a focal length over diameter ratio (f{number_sign}) greater than 0. 45, and RMS optical error in the 0. I - I 0 milliradian range. The VSHOT hardware, software, and operation are described. Measurement uncertainty and preliminary test results are discussed. Another potential application being explored for the VSHOT is the quality assurance of slumped-glass automobile windshields. Preliminary test results from a reference optic and a section of a windshield are presented.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 396613
• Report Number(s): SAND-96-2272C; CONF-960848-29; ON: DE96014886
• Resource Relation: Conference: Denver `96: 1. conference on space processing of materials, at SPIE International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) annual international symposium on optical science, engineering, and instrumentation, Denver, CO (United States), 4-9 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
TESTING
GLASS
OPTICS
AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
OPTICAL SCANNERS
DATA COVARIANCES