On-site precision heliostat metrology using starlight

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a heliostat metrology system using starlight. Distant stars provide naturally well collimated light. By measuring the angular deviation of reflected starlight from different mirror regions, we can measure the slope on the heliostat surface and derive the shape. The method has been tested by measuring a star image formed by a heliostat with a single sheet float glass reflector measuring 2.4 m × 3.3 m and bent to form a focus at 113 m distance. A camera at the focus and imaging the heliostat was moved across a grid of points in the aberrated star image. Comparing the test results with the surface shape previously obtained from an indoor static screen deflectometry system, we find that the difference in the shape (with focus and astigmatism subtracted) is 91 μm, thus validating the proposed system. The corresponding difference in slope is below 1 mrad.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Solar Energy
Subtitle of host publicationHeliostat Systems Design, Implementation, and Operation II
EditorsDavid Haas, Marc Roger
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510691087
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 18 2025
EventAdvances in Solar Energy: Heliostat Systems Design, Implementation, and Operation II - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 5 2025Aug 6 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13600
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceAdvances in Solar Energy: Heliostat Systems Design, Implementation, and Operation II
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/5/258/6/25

Keywords

  • concentrating solar-thermal power
  • heliostat test
  • reflector metrology
  • starlight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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