Laser Profilometry on Micro-PTC

Profilometry is useful in detecting surface faults on solar concentrators, which can be imperfectly manufactured, thus affecting system performance. Profilometric analyses are performed a micro-parabolic trough collector (m-PTC), with reduced sizes and greater mirror curvature than usual PTC. The peculiar dimensions shape of this micro-PTC request to develop specific configuration laser profilometry. It includes diode converging lens placed front it, ensuring that the does not affect beam reflection. A new method calculate spot position furnishes reflected center even if it lies outside target, giving virtual expansion. profile assessed an iterative calculation, starting from first point, physically measured. results 3D reconstruction parabolic map slope error for each point. also estimates intercept factor, parameter fundamental optimize m-PTC system, whose value agreement structured light measurement same object. This factor was obtained averaging local calculated individuates portions focusing sunrays tube.