Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled during periods of reduced insolation. For example, one or more environmental condition sensors can detect environmental properties indicating current or expected insolation levels and can generate at least one signal indicating a current or impending transient reduced-insolation event. The at least one signal can be received (for example, by a controller) from the sensors that indicates changes in insolation. Responsively to the at least one signal, characteristics of a current reduced insolation event or of an impending transient reduced-insolation event can be calculated. In response to the calculated characteristics, a quantity of available insolation can be calculated. An attemperation flow rate in the solar steam system can be controlled responsively to the calculated quantity of available insolation such that the temperature of steam entering the steam turbines is maintained within a predefined range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Shading by clouds can affect the amount of flux on a heliostat which in turn can affect the energy generated by the solar device. Real-time monitoring of cloud shading of at least a portion of the solar field can allow for more efficient operation of the entire solar power system. For example, diffuse solar radiation and global horizontal radiation may be measured in certain parts of the field in order to estimate the direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field. A cloud map generated based on an image taken of the cloud may be used in calculating the direct normal radiation. By knowing the amount of direct normal radiation at any point in the solar field, the solar energy system can be changed or maintained. For example, the operating parameter may include aiming directions for one or more of the heliostats.

Abstract: A solar energy system can be controlled and operated responsively to detected and/or predicted changes in insolation conditions. By placing an imaging aperture of an imaging device as part of an external surface of a solar receiver, an orientation of each heliostat in a heliostat field can be determined. The imaging device can be used to image at least a portion of the heliostat field based on light passing through the imaging aperture, which is proximate to, adjacent to, or at least partially within the capture area of the solar receiver so as to acquire at least one image indicating a change in a distribution of insolation levels falling on the portion of the field. Characteristics of heliostats within the portion of the field can be calculated based on the at least one image. Aiming directions of one or more can be changed based on the calculated characteristics.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: Adherence to flux or resultant measurable parameter limits, ranges, or patterns can be achieved by directing heliostat mounted mirrors to focus on aiming points designated on the surface of a solar receiver. Different heliostats can be directed to different aiming points, and a heliostat can be directed to different aiming points at different times. The cumulative flux distribution resulting from directing a plurality of heliostats to any aiming point on a receiver surface can be predicted by using statistical methods to calculate the expected beam projection for each individual heliostat or alternatively for a group of heliostats. Control of the heliostats in a solar power system can include designating aiming points on a receiver from time to time and assigning heliostats to aiming points from time to time in accordance with an optimization goal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directly monitoring energy flux of a solar receiver in a solar energy-based power generation system include measuring infrared radiation emanating from the solar receiver. Such measurement can be achieved using one or more infrared thermography detectors, such as an IR camera. Resulting thermal data obtained by the imaging can be used to determine energy flux distribution on the receiver. A user or a system controller can use the determined flux distribution to adjust heliostat aiming to achieve a desired operation condition. For example, heliostats can be adjusted to achieve a uniform energy flux distribution across the external surface of the receiver and/or to maximize heat transfer to a fluid flowing through the receiver within system operating limits.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.