An optical qualification technique for solar parabolic trough concentrators using the distant observer method and image processing algorithms

Concentrating solar power technologies are the most promising source to overcome the intermittency of solar resources and cover the big electrical demand due to the industrialization, growth population, and urbanization. The optical performance of solar collectors is very sensitive to the optical errors and geometric inaccuracies and assembly of structures. Therefore, to maintain high optical performance, an accurate technique to monitor and adjust the solar collectors' quality in their essential steps and during operation is essential. In this paper, the distant observer method is presented and described as the suitable technique for field measurement that requires a low pre-arrangement effort and measurement time. The field measurement setup of the proposed technique based on the distant observer method and image processing algorithms is presented, in which a parabolic trough collector installed on the research platform Green Energy Park (Benguerir, Morocco) is evaluated. Roberts, Prewitt and Sobel contour detection algorithms are used to detect the reflected image of the absorber tube. In addition, a neural network algorithm is proposed to rapidly and precisely detect the parabolic trough form.