Heliostat Testing according to SolarPACES Task III Guideline

Abstract

The SolarPACES Guideline for Heliostat Performace Testing finally provides a solid base for standardized testing and comparison as well as the definitions of essential heliostat parameters such as slope and tracking errors. SBPS is running an extensive test program for their 4 Stellio preseries heliostats at the DLR Solar Tower in Juelich, Germany until summer 2019. Additional objective is to accumulate operating hours and evaluate long-term effects on the Stellio performance quality. Slope error measurement has been performed by CSPS and is repeated every 3 months. First results show 1D slope errors of 0.7 to 1.2 mrad. Tracking performance could not have been concluded due to missing final measurements of the kinematic system of each heliostat which is necessary for calibration. However, beam centroid evaluation software has been tested with first uncalibrated tracking hours and is prepared for normal operation. First photogrammetric measurements have been performed to characterize the dead weight deflection of the heliostat in 15 different azimuth and elevation combinations. This has been prepared and implemented in Rhino CAD. Adaptions may be necessary to include pylon deflection as well.