Vision-Based System for the Safe Operation of a Solar Power Tower Plant

摘要

In this paper several vision-based systems for the operation of a solar power tower plant are shown. These systems detect the presence of clouds next to the sun and compute a field coverture factor which features the area of the heliostat field that is shadowed by them. This cloud detection process is fundamental in order to preserve the integrity of the solar central receiver located at the top of the tower of these solar plants. These systems prevent the rupture of the receiver by thermal stress.