Systems

Monitoring the optical condition of heliostats using drones
A drone scans a heliostat field on the Plataforma Solar de Almería (Spain), which belongs to CIEMAT.
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Rotating KONTAS test facility
The test facility makes it possible to measure the optical efficiency and performance of solar thermal power plant components such as parabolic trough modules as an entire system.
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The research focus is on the development and use of field measurement techniques for evaluating and optimising the quality of collectors or entire solar fields in power plant applications.

This includes:

  • Optical qualification of solar and heliostat fields, as well as their sub-areas
  • Thermal characterisation of receiver systems for solar tower and parabolic trough power plants

In addition to research and development, the scientists provide metrological support for the on-site optimisation of solar thermal power plants, as well as targeted training and education of specialists (see, for example, the enerMENA project).

Methods used include photogrammetry and deflectometry, flux density and infrared measurement technology, image processing, and supporting modelling and simulation.

Quality control

The Institute of Solar Research analyses and evaluates concentrating solar thermal systems from individual collectors to entire collector and heliostat fields. The DLR researchers use thermographic, photogrammetric and deflectometric methods as well as sensors to measure radiation, temperature and flow.

Aerial surveying with QFly

QFly uses a drone equipped with specialised software to provide detailed information about a solar field by taking aerial photographs. It utilises airborne imaging techniques and an associated software package to provide information on the geometric, optical and thermal properties of the solar field.

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Peter Heller

Head of Department Qualification
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Solar Research
Calle Doctor Carracido 44, E-04005 Almería
Spain