Validation of Two Optical Measurement Methods for the Qualification of the Shape Accuracy of Mirror Panels for Concentrating Solar Systems

The solar field is the major cost component of a solar thermal power plant and the optical quality of the concentrators has a significant impact on the field efficiency and thus on the performance of the power plant. Measuring slope deviations in the parabolic shape of the mirror panels in the accuracy and resolution required for these applications is a challenge as it is not required with the same characteristics in other industries. Photogrammetry and deflectometry are the two optical measurement methods that are typically used to measure this shape accuracy of mirror panels used in CSP applications. They have been compared and validated by measuring a typical mirror panel under optimal conditions. Additionally, a flat water surface has been measured as an absolute reference object using deflectometry. The remaining deviations between the results of both methods and to the reference object are discussed and possible sources of errors during the measurement are identified. A detailed error analysis is conducted for both methods and compared to the experimental findings. The results show that both methods allow for surface slope measurement with the necessary accuracy for present CSP applications and that among the two, deflectometry exhibits advantages in speed, measurement accuracy, and spatial resolution. However, for obtaining correct results several sources of errors have to be addressed appropriately during measurement and postprocessing.