Cloud-tracking technology receives ARENA funding

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $452,000 funding to enable Fulcrum3D, a manufacturer of remote sensing equipment, to further develop its advanced cloud-tracking system.

Fulcrum3D’s CloudCAM technology is expected to perform better than existing optical sky cameras in identifying cloud height and separating out layered clouds. As explained by ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht, effectively tracking and predicting cloud movements is a key factor in getting the most out of solar PV installations.

“Effectively predicting off-grid solar PV output means diesel generators can be switched on before production drops or solar output can be gradually ramped down, smoothing energy delivery and potentially allowing more solar to be used,” he said.

“Cloud tracking also has potential on-grid applications. At higher solar penetration levels, accurately predicting energy generation is important for system stability, on- or off-grid.”

The CloudCAM prototype in Alice Springs.

Fulcrum3D’s approach combines fit-for-purpose camera hardware with specialised algorithms to predict changes in PV energy output using cloud characteristics and velocities. Frischknecht said the system is “a step forward from current forecasting technologies that do not cope well with multilayered cloud bands”.

Frischknecht said ARENA’s funding will help move the innovation from development to pilot-scale demonstration. The technology will be developed and trialled at the 1 MW Uterne solar PV plant in Alice Springs, which is currently being expanded with 3.1 MW of additional solar.

The project is scheduled for completion in September 2015.

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