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Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators

Patent ·
OSTI ID:978687
 [1]
  1. Albuquerque, NM
+ Show Author Affiliations
A Theoretical Overlay Photographic (TOP) alignment method uses the overlay of a theoretical projected image of a perfectly aligned concentrator on a photographic image of the concentrator to align the mirror facets of a parabolic trough solar concentrator. The alignment method is practical and straightforward, and inherently aligns the mirror facets to the receiver. When integrated with clinometer measurements for which gravity and mechanical drag effects have been accounted for and which are made in a manner and location consistent with the alignment method, all of the mirrors on a common drive can be aligned and optimized for any concentrator orientation.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
7,667,833
Application Number:
11/761,396
OSTI ID:
978687
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (9)

Photogrammetry: An Available Surface Characterization Tool for Solar Concentrators, Part II: Assessment of Surfaces journal November 1997
Test results: SEGS LS-2 solar collector report December 1994
A New High-Temperature Solar Research Furnace journal August 1983
3D Reconstruction of Cameras and Structure book January 2011
Optical Evaluation Techniques For Reflecting Solar Concentrators conference October 1977
Advances in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Technology journal April 2002
The Helios model for the optical behavior of reflecting solar concentrators report March 1979
Development and Characterization of a Color 2F Alignment Method for the Advanced Dish Development System conference January 2009
Optical Evaluation of Composite-Based Reflector Facets for Parabolic Trough Concentrators conference December 2008

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