SKY: How it works

CalibSun has chosen to use inexpensive hemispherical cameras mounted in a network for greater precision.

Unlike existing solutions in the European market, SKY combines high technological performance and economic accessibility thanks to inexpensive hemispherical cameras that allow for the construction of a 3D simulation of clouds.

Real-time processing by an intelligent algorithm, based on machine learning, allows:

• Detection of cloud edges on each camera
• Estimation of cloud speed to calculate detection time
• Search for cloud altitude by similarity of edges with other cameras assuming different altitude planes

"A single camera does not allow for modeling of cloud trajectory or thickness with sufficient precision. This is why we developed SKY, which integrates low-cost cameras operating by triangulation." - Nicolas Thévenin, co-founder of CalibSun.

NEXT and SKY forecasting tools complement each other for isolated photovoltaic installations, with or without storage.

By estimating energy production probabilities over various time scales, NEXT and SKY forecasting services enable the energy management system (EMS) to anticipate on all time horizons:

• Long-term forecast: Prepare the daily operating plan for day J+1
• Short-term forecast: Anticipation of alternative source activation
• Detection of power reductions: Qualification of shading duration and intensity

Integrated forecasting and detection with the EMS

Coupled with the NEXT forecasting solution, the detection system is optimized by continuous and automatic data processing. It combines "in-situ" measurements and very short-term hemispherical camera images (1 to 5 minutes) with satellite images every 15 minutes over a larger radius to provide forecasts with a high confidence index.

• Activity securing by activating substitute energy sources
• Integrable with all EMS with alarm or automated action systems.