Alignment system and method for dish concentrators
US5982481A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/47
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for precisely aligning individual facets on a dish concentrator located at most any location. The basic components of the present alignment system includes a camera and light assembly, an alignment device, an operator controller, and a support member for supporting the camera and light assembly. The camera and light assembly illuminate each facet individually and identifies the reflections using the camera in conjunction with a processor to compile a register of light reflection data. The operator controller processes this light data and calculates the normal vector for each facet. Once the facet normal vector is determined, the difference between the actual angular position of the facet and the optimum alignment position is determined. The facet may then be adjusted or aligned to a desired aimpoint on the concentrator. After each facet is aligned, the process may be repeated for increased accuracy. The quantitative data obtained and used to align each facet may also be used to analyze the dish collectors performance which may also be archived to assist in determining and identifying future problems. Portability of the apparatus is enhanced by the present ap…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.