Predicting Cloud Movements to Maximise Solar PV Use
- $546k Funded by ARENA
- $1.11m Total project cost
Summary
The Predicting Cloud Movements to Maximise Solar PV Use project involves the development and demonstration of a sophisticated cloud tracking solution. Fulcrum3D’s ‘CloudCAM’ technology is expected to perform better than existing optical sky cameras in identifying cloud height and separating out layered clouds.
Key results
The Predicting Cloud Movements to Maximise Solar PV Use Project enabled the development and integration of the CloudCAM cloud prediction technology with remote, off-grid solar PV power stations. This enabled operators to accurately predict changes in photovoltaic (PV) output due to cloud coverage in the near term.
This ability resulted in an increase in revenue for the solar power stations due to a reduced reliance on the batteries that were previously used to manage solar variance and a greater solar power level due to the higher confidence in consistent short term PV output.
Learn more
Report: Fulcrum 3D CloudCAM
This Project enabled the development and integration of the CloudCAM cloud prediction technology with remote, off-grid solar PV power stations.
Media Release: Tracking Clouds for Smoother Solar Energy Delivery
ARENA announced funding for Fulcrum3D to further develop an advanced cloud tracking system.
Media Release: Clever Cloud Tracker Enters the Market
An advanced cloud tracking system that enables cheaper renewable energy by forecasting the power output of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants has entered the Australian market.
Media Release: Solar PV and Cloud Prediction: A Powerful Combination for Regional Australia
Two projects backed by ARENA are showing the world how solar power and cloud prediction technology can be brought together to supply cheaper, more reliable renewable energy to Australians.
Project innovation
Fulcrum3D’s approach combines fit-for-purpose camera hardware with specialised algorithms to predict changes in PV energy output using cloud characteristics and velocities. Effectively predicting solar PV output means diesel generators can be switched on before production drops, smoothing energy delivery and potentially allowing more solar to be used.
The technology will be tested at the 1 MW Uterne solar PV plant in Alice Springs with the aim of moving it from development stage to pilot scale demonstration.
