Geometric Characterization of Flexible Film Mirrors Parabolic Trough Collectors by 3D Scanning and Receiver Tube Image Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v3i.2323Keywords:
Parabolic Trough Concentrator, Flexible Film Mirrors, Geometric Characterization, 3D Scanning, Receiver Tube Image AnalysisAbstract
This study presents a methodology for geometrically characterizing the parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) shapes at the Porto Primavera Thermosolar Power Plant (UTPP), located in Brazil, using 3D scanning. The theoretical parabolic profile of the PTCs was compared to the profile obtained from the scanning point cloud, where the deviations identified were presented using a color scale on a 3D map of the solar field. In addition, two point clouds obtained 18 months apart were superimposed to identify changes in the PTCs. The results showed that the northern ends of some PTCs underwent geometric changes, which were attributed to the prevailing winds in the deformed region. In addition, an analysis of the image of the receiving tube on the mirrors was carried, where long-distance photos were taken from in front of the PTCs using a drone to compare the reflection pattern of the receiver tube and identify changes after 18 months of operation that could reduce the ability of the PTCs to direct the sun's rays onto the receiver tubes. The results showed that there were no significant changes in the reflection pattern. Both the 3D scanning and receiver tube image analysis are valuable for geometric characterization and monitoring of large solar fields.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nelson Ponce Junior, Jonas R. Gazoli, Roberto M. G. Velasquez, Osvaldo J. de Souza, Alan R. Nunes
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2025-06-10
Published 2025-11-28
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Companhia Energética de São Paulo
Grant numbers ANEEL PD-00061-0063/2022