On-Sun Alignment of a Concentrated Solar Parabolic Dish Located in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

Improper alignment is one of the key parameters that affect the performance of a concentrated solar parabolic dish (SPD). The receiver must have a flux distribution that is as uniform as feasible for an SPD to operate at its optimum performance. The aim of this research is to align a SPD from ZED Solar [1], which is recently installed at Khalifa University's Masdar Institute Solar Platform in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This dish's future application involves integration with a photo-electrochemical hydrogen production reactor, which demands a multi-aimpoint alignment approach for optimal performance. To facilitate this alignment, the sunspots of all facets are initially aligned within a 200 mm diameter circle around the focal point using the on-sun alignment method. During the alignment, the dish was placed in sun-tracking mode, with all facets covered except the one being aligned. The reflection of the facet on the target was observed using a camera. The facet was adjusted until the aimpoint was oriented in the optimal position. The average time to align one facet, including cleaning, loosening the front nuts, and replacing the covers, was found to be around 15 minutes. The complexity of the bolt mounts, rust on the bolts, and the use of a manlift contributed to the prolonged alignment process. Despite these challenges, the on-sun alignment method proved to be an accurate way of aligning the facets of a concentrated SPD.