Abstract: A method of determining a reflector parameter of a concentrating solar collector's reflector surface. An image is captured of the reflected receiver tube in the reflector surface, with an image capturing device, e.g. a camera, and processed to put together image data related to the reflected receiver tube. Further, the method comprises determining a location of the image capturing device at a capturing time of the captured image, and determining a position on the reflector surface based on the determined location of the image capturing device and the image data. The method comprises also calculating the reflector parameter at the determined position based on the image data. By numeric calculation of reflector parameters, such as slope, defects, e.g. caused by impacts or material imperfections, may be identified at an early stage before installing the solar collectors, which may reduce service needs.

Abstract: Method of forecasting heat output of a solar collector. First, heat output for a plurality of solar collectors is simulated, located at respectively different geographic locations but having the same solar collector settings as the solar collector to be forecasted. The simulation is performed by calculating a dataset of theoretical heat outputs for the plurality of solar collectors, based on acquired 802 related weather data. From the calculated dataset a function is adjusted 810, the function defining the theoretical heat output of any solar collector related to its geographic location, e.g. latitude, solar Direct Normal Irradiation, DNI, and collector settings, e.g. operation temperature, and forecasting the heat output of the solar collector based on the adjusted function.

Abstract: An end seal arrangement for a Parabolic Trough solar Collector, PTC, comprises an elongated parabolic reflector trough and a receiver pipe arranged at a focus-line of the reflector trough. The end seal arrangement comprises a housing configured to be fixated to one short-end of the reflector trough, and an inlay configured to be inserted in the housing to slidably abut a circumference of the receiver pipe, such that the reflector trough is sealed to the receiver pipe by the inlay when the housing is fixated to the short-end of the reflector trough and the reflector trough pivots about its focus-line. The end seal arrangement further comprises a fixation means configured to fixate the housing to the reflector trough. By reducing heat leakage and prevent ice, snow, sand, etc. from deteriorating the reflector, improved operational performance will be achieved.

Abstract: The solar tracking arrangement enables a plurality of parallel arranged PTCs to be directed towards the travelling sun. The solar tracking arrangement comprises a drive means, a transmission means, and a plurality of conversion means. The transmission means are connected with the drive means and to each of the plurality of conversion means. The transmission means is configured to convey an operating movement caused by the drive means to the plurality of conversion means, and each of the conversion means is configured to convert the conveyed operating movement into a pivoting movement of a respective one of the plurality of PTCs about a focus line, such that each of the pivoting movements directs the respective PTC towards the travelling sun. One or more of the conversion means are adjustably connected with the transmission means in a direction along the transmission means.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing a reflector for a PTC from a rectangular reflective structure. The arrangement comprises a tensioning device configured to tension a reflector portion of the rectangular reflective structure, such that a surface of the tensioned reflector portion acquires a curvature perpendicular to the tensioned reflector portion's longitudinal propagation, along the tensioned reflector portion's longitudinal propagation. The arrangement further comprises a fixating device configured to fixate the surface's curvature, such that the tensioned reflector portion remains tensioned. The tensioning device is configured to tension the reflector portion of the rectangular reflective structure by pre-forming the reflector portion to a pre-curvature, and adjusting the pre-curvature by applying a torque at a longitudinal borderline of the pre-formed portion. Because the reflector will be maintained tensioned by torques only, it will adapt a curvature of a high precision parabola.

Abstract: The logistics arrangement comprises an arm adapted to be pivotably attached to a logistics stand. The arm comprises a support member adapted to carry an object, when the arm is substantially horizontally directed in a storage position, and a pivoting element adapted to pivotably attach the arm to the logistics stand, such that the arm is enabled to pivot between the storage position and a standby position where the arm is substantially vertically directed. The arm also comprises a stop member adapted to together with the logistics stand hold the arm in a storage position. The support member is connected with the stop member and the pivoting element, and the arm is configured to be forced into the standby position by an upwardly directed lift-movement of the another located object, during unload of the lower located object form the logistics stand.

Abstract: A holder for securing a fluid tube to a trough-formed solar collector. In an operation mode of the solar collector, the holder partly encircles a circumference of a cross-section of the fluid tube and leaves a portion of the circumference un-encircled by the holder. The holder may comprise a base member adapted to abut the fluid tube, the base member comprising at least one securing means adapted to secure the base member to the solar collector. Further, the holder may comprise an immobilizing member adapted to together with the base member immobilize a centre-line of the fluid tube in the solar collector when the fluid tube abuts the holder. The base member is connected with the immobilizing member, such that the base member together with the immobilizing member, in an operation mode of the solar collector, partly encircles the circumference of the cross-section of the fluid tube and forms an opening smaller than a diameter of the cross-section of the fluid tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver for production of electricity and heat in solar energy systems comprising focussing optical components wherein, the receiver has at least one surface covered with solar cells for production of electricity and at least one optically selective surface, wherein a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to concentrated sunlight is covered with solar cells, while a greater portion of the surface of the receiver exposed to direct sunlight is covered with an optically selective surface.