Microprocessor Controlled Optical Measuring System for Large Mirror Modules

摘要

A microprocessor controlled contactless measuring system was developed in order to determine how the beam quality of mirrors influences the performance of solar plants with focusing collectors. The system was installed to investigate large flat and curved mirror surfaces (less than or = 10 sqm). An algorithm to evaluate the measured data was derived. The very accurate method is based on laser ray tracing to determine the ripple and the deviations from the ideal contour which can be expressed as a rms value. Measurements on parabolic through mirrors and heliostat segments yield rms values of 10 and 3.7 mrad, respectively.