Proof of concept: Real-time flux density monitoring system on external tube receivers for optimized solar field operation.

An experimental tube receiver was constructed, built and brought to operation. This receiver served as a model to try out the so-called scan-method and the measurement of the flux density by reflection off the receiver in real time during irradiation. A comparison with a flux map obtained by a radiometer-based method shows qualitatively similar results. It is concluded that the camera-method is applicable to tube receivers. Experiments at large-scale industrial receivers are planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]