HeliTep
Other · 2016
About this facility
The heliostat test platform offers research and industry partners the opportunity to set up their heliostats on the site of the solar thermal test power plant in Jülich and let them characterize by DLR specialists under real operating conditions. With its unique infrastructure and direct access to the Jülich solar tower, the HeliTep with its area of around 1,260 m² offers an optimal opportunity for individual heliostat qualification under operating conditions. Heliostats with a maximum concentrator surface of 5 m width and 7 m height and a maximum total heliostat height of 9.5 m can be erected on a small foundation. For larger heliostats, with a maximum concentrator dimension of 15 m width and 13 m length and a maximum heliostat height of 15 m, a large foundation is available. For heliostats with a non-permissible mirror surface or heliostat height, the adjacent "Extended Research Site" is available. DLR offers a variety of measurement techniques that enable qualification in accordance with the SolarPACES
- Heliostat Performance Testing Guideline, amongst other the determination of shape and structural accuracy, the determination of tracking accuracy and reflectivity, the measurement and simulation of the influence of external loads (wind, temperature, gravitational force) and the characterization of the reflected focal spot as well as the investigation of structural properties (modes).
Sectors and technologies
Heliostat testing according to SolarPACES Guideline
Technical specifications
13 parameters| Facility type | Other |
|---|---|
| Year of construction | 2016 |
| Test platform footprint | Approximately 1,260 m² |
| Test platform foundations | Small foundation: up to 25 m² heliostat; large foundation: up to 150 m² heliostat |
| Number of heliostats and field arrangement | 4 heliostats; no specific arrangement |
| Maximum distance between heliostats and tower | Approximately 350 m |
| Heliostat sizes listed | 50 m² and 8 m² |
| Heliostat types | Any type meeting installation size requirements |
| Small-foundation maximum dimensions | Concentrator: 5 m wide × 7 m high; heliostat total height: 9.5 m |
| Large-foundation maximum dimensions | Concentrator: 15 m wide × 13 m long; heliostat total height: 15 m |
| Qualification instruments | Static and dynamic photogrammetry, deflectometry, reflectance, modal analysis and tracking accuracy |
| Flux measurement | Flux density on target |
| Lambertian target | Yes; 8.5 × 14.5 m, approximately 340 m away |
Available services
- Solar Radiation Measurement and Weather Station
- Outdoor exposure of Solar Reflectors
- Optical Properties of Mirrors. Reflectance measurement. Facets characterization
- Corrosion and material protection studies under outdoor exposure
- Heliostat control algorithms
- Photogrammetry Measurement of Concentrator’s shape
- Geometrical assessment of Solar Concentrators (Single Facets, Point and Line Focus Collectors)
- Deflectometry Measurement of Concentrator’s shape
- Optical and thermal characterization of solar concentrators
- Heliostat(s) Performance Qualification
- Sensor development and testing
Contact & links
Benedikt Kölsch, benedikt.koelsch@dlr.de Marc Röger, marc.roeger@dlr.de