At the Plataforma Solar de Almería (owned and operated by CIEMAT), the Institute of Solar Research has developed methods for measuring the optical quality of heliostats using drones.
To ensure the long-term economic viability of solar thermal power plants, constructors and operators of power plants use measurement and testing methods to assess the performance parameters and ageing resistance of components and systems. At the DLR QUARZ® Center, researchers are developing qualification methods for components and systems for solar thermal power plants and applying them in their own test benches.
The results of the measurements and tests are used to assess the interaction of components and systems during power plant operation.
The component test benches at the QUARZ® Center enable the testing of parabolic trough receivers and mirrors, flexible tube connections (REPA) and heliostat mirrors in particular. We measure heliostats and parabolic trough collectors in system test benches or directly in the system on site. The test facilities are located at the DLR site in Cologne and at the Plataforma Solar de Almería of the Spanish research centre CIEMAT.
We offer our measurements in accordance with published standards and norms to ensure the state of the art and comparability.
In addition, the QUARZ® Center supports the new and further development of components and systems from conceptual design to market readiness through testing, qualification and evaluation.
The methods are offered as measurement services to industrial customers and research and development partners. QUARZ® Center staff provide training in the operation and quality control of solar thermal power plants.
