Computer Programs for Solar Concentrator Focus Control

Abstract

This paper describes two methods for imaging an absorber used as a new sensor in determining the location of the focal spot for a solar concentrator. The absorber is used as a sensor in both methods, but in slightly different ways. The first method developed is an optimization method inspired by Shack-Hartmann wave front sensing. This optimization utilizes masking and a correlation calculation to determine the error from the current image of the focal spot and the ideal or designed position of the focal spot. The second method still uses the absorber as a sensor but calculates area moments of the reflected sunlight on the tubing to calculate the current location of the focal spot.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 07, 2005
Accession Number
ADA445065

Entities

People

  • Joseph N. Beasley
  • Michael R. Holmes

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Algorithms
  • Autocorrelation
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Correlation Techniques
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Light Sources
  • Misalignment
  • Optimization
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Simulators
  • Solar Radiation
  • Sunlight
  • Thrusters

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.