The precise alignment of heliostats and their facets, both in canting and focusing, is crucial for the efficiency of a solar thermal power plant and its overall performance. An error of just 2 milliradians in mirror orientation can lead to up to a 30% reduction in annual energy production. However, current calibration and adjustment techniques have two major limitations: they require lengthy processes that delay commissioning and increase maintenance costs, and they lack the precision needed to eliminate inefficiency margins. To address this challenge, an advanced system is required in order to automatically detect and correct alignment errors, thereby maximizing solar collection and minimizing energy losses.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) have developed a technique that combines geometric optics models and computer vision to quickly and accurately detect and correct the alignment of heliostat facets. The system uses a fixed camera mounted on the rear structure of the preceding heliostat to capture the actual image of the mirror to be aligned, compare it with a theoretical image of perfect orientation, and automatically detect any deviation in each facet.
With a demonstrated precision of 0.15 mrad in laboratory conditions, this technology improves the canting of heliostat fields, speeds up assembly, reduces work at height—thereby enhancing worker safety—and significantly minimizes energy losses.
The technology is at TRL 5, with a functional prototype validated at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA). Currently, the system has a Spanish patent (ES2891178B2) and has been awarded by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) the prize for the Best Invention Protected by Intellectual Property Rights, in the Best Patent category of the 2024 edition.
Benefits:
- Fully automatable alignment of all heliostat facets, ensuring optimal orientation of the entire system.
- Significant reduction in energy losses due to more precise alignment of the heliostat field.
- Optical precision of 0.15 mrad, improving the 3 mrad threshold set by the U.S. SunShot program.
- Use of a single low-cost, lightweight camera, without the need for inclinometers or telephoto lenses.
- Simplified installation and operation, reducing time, lowering operational costs, and increasing operator safety.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
TRL: 5
Protection status: Patent Application
Contacto: Nuria Bas / nuria@viromii.com