CalibSun INSTANT - Photovoltaic Plant Nowcasting Solution
Instant is an innovative forecasting solution that seamlessly integrates data from sky cameras and a sophisticated network of sensors to offer unparalleled predictive capabilities for photovoltaic power plants. Within just one minute, it provides highly accurate predictions of irradiation and energy production, allowing operators to efficiently inject solar energy into the grid. The system leverages a 3D model that interprets cloud patterns in real-time, significantly reducing imbalance penalties and optimizing energy output. It is particularly effective in harsh weather conditions, making it a versatile tool for utilities, independent power producers, and off-grid industries globally. Through collaboration with Campbell Scientific, known for meteorological measurement solutions, Instant ensures reliable operation and maintenance worldwide, meeting the needs of industries seeking to integrate solar power without disrupting their activities.
Instant, industry-first forecasting solution integrating sky camera and sensor network data in real-time.
Instant enables you to forecast irradiation and energy production from your photovoltaic power plant in as little as 1 minute, with unmatched precision. Thanks to a network of sensors (cameras and pyranometers) installed on site, enabling 3D modeling of clouds and quantifying their impact on production, you can accurately anticipate the solar energy injected into the grid.
Up-to-the-minute forecast
Achieve 3D vision of your site’s sky to maximize profits and minimize imbalance penalties
World's first camera network solution
The uniquely designed network of cameras and sensors enables nowcasting for large-scale PV plants with unmatched accuracy.
Suitable for challenging climates
Due to the unique network of cameras and sensors installed on-site, we deliver the most accurate and reliable forecasts in the most challenging weather conditions such as monsoons.
Available globally
Worldwide coverage and hardware installation and maintenance capabilities due to the partnership with Campbell Scientific, world leading provider of meteorological measurements solutions.
UTILITIES & IPPS*
Improve the accuracy of short-term forecasts in complex weather conditions and minimize your forecast deviation penalties.
- Maximizing revenue
Tailor your revenue strategies with precise, up-to-date data in real time, adapted to markets requiring particularly tight bids. - Reducing penalties
Limit the penalties associated with discrepancies between forecasted and actual production, especially in areas exposed to extreme weather conditions. - Optimized storage management
Use your energy storage systems (BESS) more efficiently and make informed decisions to extend asset life and improve performance.
Integrate solar energy into your energy mix without impacting your industrial activity by anticipating power drops and lowering your costs.
- Reduction in site LCoE
Anticipate drops in solar production and activate generators only when necessary to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. - Improved network stability
Balance the energy load to ensure a stable power supply and reduce the risk of outages or instabilities that could disrupt business. - Optimized energy storage management
Optimize battery use by charging during periods of high solar production and discharging when necessary.
3D mapping of cloud cover
Networked cameras are more precise than a single state-of-the-art camera
A single camera doesn't allow us to model cloud trajectory or thickness with sufficient accuracy
Cloud detection-based forecasting is based on 4 analytical stages performed in real time. The clouds are precisely identified in the images from each hemispherical camera. Locating clouds in space requires several cameras and is based on stereoscopy. By analyzing the position of clouds in space, the shadow can be projected onto the ground and then propagated to obtain highly accurate forecasts over short horizons.
Estimating the impact of the shadow
INSTANT estimates the per-minute impact of cloud shadows on PV production
INSTANT models the clouds in 3D in real time, then simulates the shading on the power plant to deduce the time and intensity of the drop in photovoltaic energy production.
Our innovative algorithm, using a geometric approach, statistical learning, and artificial intelligence, is capable of determining cloud speed, altitude, and shape. INSTANT processes hemispheric sky observation images in real time and simulates their impact as early as 1 minute, updating every minute.
Easy integration in your tools
INSTANT integrates with your energy management and trading platforms
Forecasts can be integrated directly and easily into energy management systems and trading platforms.
INSTANT can be integrated directly into your energy management system (EMS). For industry or power plants with storage, an alert system can send an automatic command or issue an alarm to anticipate the start-up of alternative sources or storage discharge.