CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PARABOLIC DISH CONCENTRATOR NO. 1

ABSTRACT:
This report is a description and discussion of the control system for Parabolic Dish Concentrator No. l (PDC-1) as used at the JPL Parabolic Dish Test Site (PDTS). The tracking action is a discontinuous, start/stop motion with sun sensors for primary control and a computed sun ephemeris

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for a simultaneous check and cloud passage. Project background, functional requirements, and hardware description are presented in brief form. System operation is described in considerable detail and includes the precise message exchange protocol between the module and remote control station, the initialization process, the command list, and the basic control logic used in the local microprocessor. System installation and performance items are given; the unit operated very satisfactorily for the brief period of time before it was moved to Sandia National Laboratories at Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was operated at a 0.05-deg deadband for optical characterization of the reflecting surfaces and mirror geometry. The last section includes significant presentations and discussions of (1) protection against burn by the sun in the case of failure to continue to track and (2) other equipment and personnel safety items. Operation of PDC-1 at the test site was man-attended; for extension to man-unattended operation a number of additional requirements and constraints must be identified and a full implementation of the capabilities of the design be performed.

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