The feasibility study HelioScan of the Solar Institute Julich (SIJ) and the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR) investigates the potential of a new innovative approach, in which the position control of a heliostat field uses the detected position data of a radar system. The currently used systems work with encoders in each heliostat. The new single remote monitoring radar sensor system should be cheaper in terms of manufacturing, installation, operation, calibration and maintenance. The sensor system shall also be applicable regardless of the type of mirror, which increases the range of applications and marketing opportunities.
To investigate the suitability of short-wave radar systems, first experiments have been conducted at the experimental solar thermal power plant in Julich (STJ). Radar waves were directed from the research platform of the solar tower to the heliostat field. The reflected signal was evaluated by using high-quality sensors and new computational algorithms.
The measurements show that the speed advantages of a surface scan allow a rapid and simultaneous detection of many heliostats, offering the capability of a fast analysis of the whole field.
Further details of these first tests and results of the analysis of the heliostat position are presented.