Overview of the measurement options of the HeliTep
Visible are the measuring systems for characterising heliostat focal spots and tracking behaviour, the deflectometry system for measuring the shape accuracy and the wind masts. The three heliostats to be tested are in the foreground. (Figure 1)
The heliostat test platform HeliTep offers research institutions and industrial companies the opportunity to set up their heliostats on the site of the solar thermal test power plant in Jülich and have them precisely and uniformly measured by specialists from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) under real operating conditions.
DLR's many years of experience in the qualification of solar power plant components helps to optimise heliostats. Higher efficiencies and material-optimised designs lead to a reduction in heliostat costs.
Heliostat test platform HeliTep
You can see: Small platform, large platform, centralised data collection, weather station – 350 Meter from the Solar Tower (Figure 2)
The HeliTep test platform with an area of around 1,260 square metres offers an optimal opportunity for individual heliostat qualification under operating conditions (Figure 2). This is possible thanks to the special infrastructure and direct access to the Jülich Solar Tower. Heliostats with a maximum mirror surface of five metres wide and seven metres high and a total height of up to 9.5 metres can be erected on a small foundation. An additional foundation is available for larger heliostats. This is used for heliostats with a maximum mirror surface dimension of 15 metres wide and 13 metres high and a total height of up to 15 metres.
Measurements of heliostats with a larger mirror surface or total height are possible on the open area next to the Helitep test platform.
We offer the following heliostat measurements and related services:
Determination of shape and structural accuracy
Determination of tracking accuracy and reflectivity
Measurement and simulation of the influence of external loads (wind, temperature, gravitational force)
Characterisation of the reflected focal spot and
Investigation of structural properties (modes)
We use measurement techniques that enable qualification in accordance with the "SolarPACES Heliostat Performance Testing Guideline":
