IEC 62862-5-2:2022

Overview

IEC 62862-5-2:2022 - "Solar thermal electric plants - Part 5-2: Systems and components - General requirements and test methods for large-size linear Fresnel collectors" - specifies requirements and outdoor test methods for characterizing large-size linear Fresnel collectors. The standard covers determination of optical and thermal performance and the tracking accuracy of the collector one‑axis tracking system. It applies to collectors equipped with the manufacturer‑supplied sun tracking mechanism, and to testing a whole collector field in‑situ or, at minimum, an individual collector string connected to the main piping across the field’s full temperature range.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of testing
  • Outdoor performance testing only; in‑situ field or representative string testing.
• Instrumentation and measurements
  • Solar radiation measurement, flow rate, temperature sensors, wind speed, and data acquisition systems.
  • Tracking accuracy measurement provisions.
• Test procedures
  • Collector description and test equipment setup.
  • Cleanliness, boundary test conditions, and measurement protocols.
• Performance characterization
  • Determination of useful power and incidence angle modifier (IAM).
  • Evaluation methods for quasi‑dynamic test (QDT) and dynamic test (DT) procedures.
  • Validation performance testing and optional tracking error tests.
• Data processing and uncertainty
  • Calculation methods, parameter identification (for DT), and uncertainty estimation.
• Reporting and documentation
  • Required reporting format and manufacturer documentation (Annex B).
• Supporting annexes
  • Annex A: Collector description and configurations.
  • Annex C: Test report template.
  • Annex D: Deflectometry mirror testing.
  • Annex E: Tracking error testing.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of linear Fresnel collectors for product development, factory acceptance and performance declaration.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies conducting outdoor performance and acceptance tests.
• Project developers, plant operators and EPC contractors validating field performance, commissioning, and acceptance of solar thermal electric plants.
• System designers and modelers who need validated optical/thermal parameters (IAM, efficiency, tracking accuracy) for plant simulation and performance forecasting.
• Investors and regulators seeking consistent, comparable performance evidence for procurement and compliance.

Related standards

• Part of the IEC 62862 series (Solar thermal electric plants) developed by IEC Technical Committee 117. Consult other parts of IEC 62862 for broader system and component requirements and for harmonized test frameworks.

Keywords: IEC 62862-5-2, linear Fresnel collectors, solar thermal electric plants, optical performance, thermal performance, tracking accuracy, outdoor testing, incidence angle modifier, quasi-dynamic test, dynamic test, in‑situ testing.