Patent ID: 8294886
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: F24S,G01B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for alignment of a line-focusing parabolic trough solar concentrator module, comprising at least two rows and at least one column of mirrors, and a linear receiver, the method comprising: (a) providing an alignment fixture comprising at least one off-axis camera position for each mirror row of the module; (b) positioning the alignment fixture perpendicularly to the trough at a distance from the module; (c) centering the alignment fixture relative to the optical axis of the trough; (d) photographing the reflected image of the receiver in each mirror with the corresponding camera; (e) calculating a theoretical projected image of the receiver in each mirror as seen by the corresponding camera; and (f) adjusting each mirror to bring the theoretical projected image to overlay with the photographic image.