Automatic non-contact quality inspection system for industrial parabolic trough assembly

Abstract

Based on previous work in collector development and prototype qualification, measurement systems have been developed for use in solar field construction and operation supervision. In particular, close range photogrammetry can be used to measure the geometry of collector steel structures. The measurement system consists of a digital camera, moved around the structure automatically while shooting photos of the concentrator structure from various positions. The photos are evaluated with photogrammetry software to check the assembly quality. The whole measurement and evaluation procedure is computer-controlled and fast enough to be integrated in a solar collector production line. This paper deals with the required measurement accuracy and shows ways to reach, maintain and control this accuracy in the rough environment of an on-site production line.