This paper investigates the effect of tracking errors in heliostats used in solar tower power plants and proposes an approach based on low-cost distributed electronics capable of limiting their impact. An analysis carried out through a parallel model sets the specifications for design of a closed-loop solar tracker based on a low-cost six-axis digital e-compass. A proof of concept system is devised to test the accuracy of the proposed strategy. This approach allows the solar tracker to perform a run-time detection and correction of heliostat tracking errors, with an accuracy of about 3mrad for the azimuth angle and less than 2mrad for the altitude angle, thus leading to a higher concentration ratio than with an open-loop solar-tracker.
Chiesi, M., Franchi Scarselli, E., Guerrieri, R. (2017). Run-time detection and correction of heliostat tracking errors. RENEWABLE ENERGY, 105, 702-711 [10.1016/j.renene.2016.12.093].
Run-time detection and correction of heliostat tracking errors
CHIESI, MATTEO;FRANCHI SCARSELLI, ELEONORA;GUERRIERI, ROBERTO
2017
Abstract
This paper investigates the effect of tracking errors in heliostats used in solar tower power plants and proposes an approach based on low-cost distributed electronics capable of limiting their impact. An analysis carried out through a parallel model sets the specifications for design of a closed-loop solar tracker based on a low-cost six-axis digital e-compass. A proof of concept system is devised to test the accuracy of the proposed strategy. This approach allows the solar tracker to perform a run-time detection and correction of heliostat tracking errors, with an accuracy of about 3mrad for the azimuth angle and less than 2mrad for the altitude angle, thus leading to a higher concentration ratio than with an open-loop solar-tracker.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
