Optical Characterization Method For Concentrating Solar Collectors Using Reverse Illumination

Keith Masterson; Harry Gaul

doi:10.1117/12.932091

30 December 1981 Optical Characterization Method For Concentrating Solar Collectors Using Reverse Illumination

Keith Masterson, Harry Gaul

Proceedings Volume 0288, Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81; (1981) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932091
Event: Los Alamos Conference on Optics, 1981, Los Alamos, United States

Abstract

This paper presents an optical method for checking overall alignment, aligning elements, identifying areas of extreme distor-tion, and determining receiver intercept factors of solar concentrators. The reverse illumination method is performed by viewing the concentrator on its optical axis and through a telescope located several kilometres away. A high visibility target or source placed at the focus is visible in the aperture of the concentrator. Portions of the aperture not filled by the image of the target are ineffective in concentrating the sun's energy on a receiver with the same dimensions as the target. The ob-server may instruct an assistant by radio to adjust the concentrator to optimize illumination and, hence, alignment. A fluorescent orange target works well during the day. At night, an illuminated, light-colored target enables one to obtain high contrast photographs. Image analysis of these records gives a quantitative measure of reflector alignment and intercept factor for the collector. This method is illustrated using results from two different parabolic dishes.

Citation Download Citation

Keith Masterson and Harry Gaul "Optical Characterization Method For Concentrating Solar Collectors Using Reverse Illumination", Proc. SPIE 0288, Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81, (30 December 1981); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932091

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