A mirror alignment measurement device invented by Rich Diver, a researcher at Sandia National Laboratories, may soon make one of the most popular solar collector systems, parabolic troughs, more affordable and energy efficient.
Diver's new theoretical overlay photographic (TOP) technology is drawing interest from the solar industry because of its simplicity and the need to find solutions for global warming.
"TOP alignment could cure a significant problem with trough systems — inaccurate mirror alignment that prevents sunlight from precisely focusing on solar receivers," Diver said. "Improperly aligned mirrors result in lost and wasted energy."
Working with Diver on the project is Tim Moss, who serves as project manager and primary software and hardware developer.
To address the needs of commercial-scale trough power plants such as those at Kramer Junction, Calif., Diver and Moss mounted a TOP fixture on a trailer pulled by a government van that can safely be moved along highways to parabolic power plants. The cameras would photograph the modules at the different plants. The images would be processed later, and work orders detailing
alignment adjustment would be created. Alignment adjustments could be made when convenient, even while the plant is operating.
Diver says that people have been trying to come up with ways to align mirrors in parabolic modules for at least 20 years, but their methods have always been "cumbersome and took too long."
Sandia researcher Rich Diver takes a closeup look at a parabolic trough module at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility in Albuquerque where the latest unit resides. He invented a new and simple way to align trough mirrors using theoretical overlay photographic technology. (Click image to enlarge)
