Development of a web-based control system for a heliostat test facility

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Development and implementation of a suitable web-based control system. The facility is operational and available for small scale concentrated solar research with 12 heliostats commissioned, having a total mirror area of 24 square meters. Since the facility is to be used for research purposes, the control system was designed to be flexible with an easy start-up and calibration process. The graphical user interface is user friendly and laid out in a logical manner, making it possible for the system operator to control the heliostats in a safe and efficient manner, without requiring much training. Since the graphical user interface is web-based, it can be opened on any device with an internet connection, allowing the operator to control the facility from a smartphone while being amongst the heliostats, or any other location. This feature makes the system robust in the sense that its operation is not dependent on a specific PC, or installed software on a computer or device. The recommissioned Helio40 facility was extensively used to supply concentrated solar radiation for an experimental receiver research project. These tests signified the first active receiver tests to be conducted using the Helio40 facility on STERG's high temperature laboratory located on the roof of the mechanical engineering building at Stellenbosch University.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University