Convolutional Auto-encoder Based Sky Image Prediction Model for Minutely Solar PV Power Forecasting

The precise minute time scale forecasting of an individual Photovoltaic power station output relies on accurate sky image prediction. To avoid the two deficiencies of traditional digital image processing technology (DIPT) in predicting sky images: relatively limited input spatiotemporal information and linear extrapolation of images, convolutional auto-encoder (CAE) based sky image prediction models are proposed according to the spatiotemporal feature extraction ability of 2D and 3D convolutional layers. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed models, two typical DIPT methods, including particle image velocimetry (PIV) and Fourier phase correlation theory (FPCT) are introduced to build the benchmark models. The results show that the proposed models outperform the benchmark models under different scenarios.