SecurityWorldMarket

23/10/2024

Vivotek partners with CMS on cloud detection systems

Taipei, Taiwan

A successful partnership between Vivotek and CMS, a leading provider of solar radiation measuring and analysis solutions, has resulted in the implementation of an innovative Cloud Detection and All Sky Measurement system, to address operational challenges for antarctic icebreakers.

The project aimed to deliver accurate and reliable data for applications such as weather and cloud observations, atmospheric and climate research, solar irradiance monitoring, and irradiance nowcasting for a photovoltaic plant.

CMS faced the challenge of developing a robust Cloud Detection and All Sky Measurement system with wide temperature and weather range and capabilities for varied harsh environmental conditions. The solution needed to include a high-quality camera, but also a variety of internal and external environment sensors and actors.

Extreme environmental challenges

The project, focused on delivering precise data for applications ranging from remote sensing to atmospheric research, encountered a significant hurdle in the form of the camera's mounting position – facing upward toward the sky. This orientation exposed the system to direct sunlight, snow and ice, demanding unparalleled reliability. The Vivotek 360 Fisheye camera, FE9382-EHV-v2, was chosen for its high-quality imaging, reliability, and durability, particularly in extreme conditions. The resulting system All Sky Imager, features the Vivotek 360 Fisheye camera, which emerged as a pivotal component in mitigating the impact of environmental extremes:

  • Automatic Full Sky Imaging:
    ASI-16 provided a 360° field of sky view, automated and scheduled capturing high-resolution images, transmission of data and images to one or two SFTP server(s), backup of data to internal memory in case of server/network problems, and video life streams.
  • Environmental Monitoring:
    Temperature, humidity and solar irradiance data were captured by a high-precision external sensor and are stored in datalogger-type files as well as within the jpg images.
  • Rugged Design:
    Double shielding, forced ventilation, strong air heating, and a coated quartz glass dome ensured reliable operation in harsh environments. Heating is controlled by external temperature and dew point.
  • Extended Temperature Range:
    Successfully tested under an extended temperature range of -40°C to +70 °C, with a tolerance of ±3 °C. Amongst others, the system is installed on two icebreaker research vessels, one operated by Australia in the Antarctic, and one operated by Canada in the Arctic.
  • VADP Integration for Bespoke UI:
    CMS utilised Vivotek Application Development Platform (VADP) to craft a bespoke user interface – a seamless, user-friendly design offering a clean and intuitive experience.
  • According to the company the solution is embraced by institutes, universities, scientific research, and the energy sector, including maritime and icebreaker deployment.

Collaborative effort

The collaborative efforts between CMS Ing. Dr. Schreder GmbH and Vivotek have resulted in an innovative Cloud Detection and All Sky Measurement system that effectively addresses the challenges of environmental extremes. This enhanced solution not only ensures reliability in demanding conditions but also contributes significantly to scientific research and environmental monitoring. According to Vivotek, Gerhard Papst, the Head of Development at CMS, his organisation is highly impressed and deeply satisfied with the performance of Vivotek's cameras. The scale of this collaborative project now spans over 300 sites and continues to expand.


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