Paper 13132-36
Paper 13132-36
Closed-loop extremum seeking control development for heliocon baseline system
20 August 2024 • 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM PDT | Conv. Ctr. Room 18
Abstract
This work investigates the fundamental development of an extremum seeking control algorithm to improve tracking to reduce heliostat drift and other pointing issues. This work analyzes software logic non-linear pieces of the heliostat system, such as the power distribution and the gradient, to be developed into a linear gain, which is the inverse of the covariance matrix using log functions. The imposed feedback loop consists of a batch least squares (BLS) gradient algorithm as well as a controller to send signals to the heliostats to correct their locations. The subcomponents of this feedback algorithm contain a plant, estimator and controller, which are used to quickly allow heliostats to move to reduce the large gradient towards a defined centroid. Preliminary results have shown that beam characterization system (BCS) flux Gaussian distributions can be focused towards a centroid to within less than 10% rms error.
Presenter
Kenneth M. Armijo
Sandia National Labs. (United States)
Dr. Kenneth Armijo is a systems engineering staff member who leads molten salt and molten alkali metals R&D at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF). His research interests are in alternative energy technologies and sustainability, as they pertain to scientific and technological innovation, business and policy. Dr. Armijo holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley with minors in Energy and Resources, and business credentials in Management of Technology (MOT) from Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Dr. Armijo’s research in concentrating solar power (CSP) and nuclear energy (NE) consists of system design for high-temperature (>720 °C) thermodynamic and commercial R&D systems, employing nitrate, chloride and fluoride molten salts and alkali metals (sodium) as the heat transfer fluid. He currently is the PI for multiple U.S. DOE projects, including the DOE Advanced Salt Valve project, and is the DOE Heliocon Components & controls Lead.