On-site characterization of misalignments between concentrator photovoltaic modules installed on trackers. (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: San José, Luis; Vallerotto, Guido; Herrero, Rebeca; Núñez, Rubén; Antón, Ignacio
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 244(2022)
• Page Start: 379
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: Misalignments -- CPV -- Drone -- Outdoor characterization; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2022.08.063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Diagnostic procedure for the evaluation of module misalignments on a CPV array characterization based on images. Implementation and demonstration of the method with a dron equipped with an imaging camera. Determination and correction of error sources associated to dron-to-array positioning. Example case: full characterization of a tracker composed by 48 modules, determination of uncertainties. Abstract: This paper deals with the characterization of misalignments between CPV modules installed on tracker structures, for which a misalignment measurement method (suitable for inspecting CPV plants) is proposed. The method consists of acquiring images of the photovoltaic solar cells magnified through the optics with a visual camera mounted on a drone. The relative position between modules is proportional to the observed spatial misplacement between the magnified cells and equivalent to an angular misalignment of the pointing vector of the modules with respect to the ideal optical axis. The method, that had already been demonstrated at module level in laboratory conditions, has been adapted to account for the errors associated to the camera position during the drone flight sequence. An experimental validation of the method is carried out by characterizing the misalignments between 48 CPV modules in a tracker, with an uncertainty lower than ±0.09 degrees for measured misalignments of up to 0.95 degrees.