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Title: Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators

Abstract

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.

Inventors:
 [1]
  1. Albuquerque, NM
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
978687
Patent Number(s):
7,667,833
Application Number:
11/761,396
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
DOE Contract Number:  
AC04-94AL85000
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING

Citation Formats

Diver, Richard B. Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators. United States: N. p., 2010. Web.
Diver, Richard B. Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators. United States.
Diver, Richard B. 2010. "Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/978687.
@article{osti_978687,
title = {Alignment method for parabolic trough solar concentrators},
author = {Diver, Richard B},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/978687}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 23 00:00:00 EST 2010},
month = {Tue Feb 23 00:00:00 EST 2010}
}

Works referenced in this record:

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


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


Advances in Parabolic Trough Solar Power Technology
journal, April 2002


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