"solar power forecasting"
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power systems face challenges in predicting solar irradiance due to the intermittent nature of solar radiation, primarily caused by cloud occlusion, leading to suboptimal operation and delays in adapting electrical grid responses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a distributed network of digital cameras with wide-angle or fisheye lenses captures sky images, generates 3D object data to model occluding objects, and predicts solar radiation by computing light paths and occlusion levels, enabling accurate forecasting and control signal generation for solar power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solar power systems operate without accurate solar irradiance prediction, then system operation is simple, but solar radiation prediction accuracy deteriorates due to cloud occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D sky image analysis to 3D cloud structure reconstruction. By processing sky images through multiple dimensions (spatial coordinates, altitude, volumetric density), the system creates a comprehensive 3D model of occluding objects, significantly improving solar irradiance prediction accuracy while managing complexity through systematic dimensionality addition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed network of sky imagers and a centralized processing system as intermediaries. These intermediaries capture, transmit, and process sky images to generate occlusion forecasts, acting as a bridge between direct solar radiation measurement and predictive control, thereby improving accuracy without requiring direct complex measurement at the solar source
2Measurement precision
If solar irradiance prediction is improved using multiple sky imagers, then prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sky monitoring task into multiple segments by deploying a distributed network of sky imagers at different locations. Each imager captures a specific portion of the sky, and the system processes these segmented views to create a comprehensive occlusion forecast, improving prediction accuracy through spatial distribution while managing complexity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data from multiple sky imagers into a unified 3D occlusion model. By merging individual sky views, cloud trajectory data, and volumetric information into a single comprehensive forecast system, the patent achieves improved prediction accuracy while consolidating complexity into a centralized processing framework
3Measurement precision
If cloud occlusion is detected earlier, then solar radiation prediction accuracy is improved, but response time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of sky images to detect and track clouds before they reach the solar collector. By identifying occluding objects early in their trajectory and predicting their future positions, the system provides advance warning of solar irradiance changes, improving prediction accuracy while managing time loss through proactive detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accelerates the detection and processing of cloud movements by using high-frame-rate sky imaging and rapid 3D reconstruction algorithms. This allows the system to skip through multiple potential occlusion scenarios quickly, providing timely predictions without excessive lead time requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of solar radiation prediction, allowing for timely adjustments in solar power system operations and electrical grid management, improving stability and reliability by predicting future shading events and optimizing energy storage and consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A distributed network of digital cameras with wide-angle or fisheye lenses captures sky images
Implementation Method 2
computing a light path between the POI and a location of the sun based on the sun location parameters; determining if the one or more objects modelled in the 3D sky model occludes the light path
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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AI summary
A method for determining a level of solar radiation at a point of interest (POI). Multiple sky images are captured by a distributed network of digital cameras. Sun location parameters are determined. A three-dimensional (3D) sky model is generated based on the sky images. Generating the 3D sky model includes generating 3D object data based on the sky images to model one or more objects in a region of sky, and generating position data to model a position of the one or more objects in the region of sky. A level of solar radiation at the POI is determined based on the position data and 3D object data of the 3D sky model and the sun location parameters.