Reliable Perimeter Protection Creates Higher Profitability
Theft of solar modules is not uncommon these days. Reports of burglaries in solar parks and photovoltaic plants indicate that organized gangs are at work here. But high replacement costs and the failure of an entire plant because of minor defects or faults are a major problem for the operator. Critical mobile phone and power grid connections of the isolated solar parks are an additional risk factor. Alarm.direct, a service provider for security solutions, has specialized in solar park security in various European countries, Canada and the Dominican Republic, and has developed comprehensive concepts to protect against the theft of plant components such as copper cables, solar panels, inverters, against vandalism and the consequent operational failures.
One of several major projects was realized in Portugal in 2020/21. Six isolated solar parks (approx. 150 MW total output) have been secured with a complex perimeter solution designed by the installer: video surveillance systems buffered with Slat DC UPS, electronic rip wire fence surveillance and detectors for deterrence. The technical consulting, detailed planning and logistics were carried out by Nexonik, a distributor of security technology. The main objective was to meet the requirements of the property insurer, to reduce costs and to protect the isolated plant from unauthorized access. Solar production outages were to be prevented and profitability reliably maintained for investors.
Camera masts with high-resolution dome video cameras were installed at regular intervals along the solar farm fencing. For safety reasons and to guarantee continued operation even in the case of a power outage or micro power cut, each camera was also connected to a Slat micro UPS, type SDC-M 48V DIN2 RS. Besides the ultra-compact design, the special functional advantages of the SDC-M played an important role in its choice. These include the battery management system developed by Slat that uses lithium iron phosphate technology, which is considered the safest choice in terms of battery buffering. There is also no risk of thermal runaway, while deep discharge protection, 9 months storage without recharging and a special sustainability concept (10 years lifetime, lead and cadmium free and 100% recyclable) add to the desirable features.
Well Connected
Further features such as electromagnetic interference filtering, a constant voltage supply to the connected cameras with a variable adjustable output voltage (from -8% to +13) and self and environmental diagnostics capability brought additional benefits into play. The micro UPS’s communication capability (Modbus and BACnet MS/TP) and a remote data readout via an RS-485 serial connection (system status, remaining backup time, internal temperature of the micro UPS, etc.) proved to be of particular benefit.
Via remote monitoring, it is possible to detect faulty conditions in good time and to avoid false alarms. Security guards are able to intervene in a timely manner in the event of a ‘real’ fault and do not have to go on site in the event of a false alarm – all important factors for saving time and costs. All in all, a solid and reliable solar park security concept was realized here, the success of which is due to the dedicated cooperation of all three team partners: alarm.direct, Nexonik and Slat.
Author
Frauke Petzold
Business Partner
SLAT
Lyon
France
most read
Video analytics: Server- or edge-based even or both?
Server or camera: which platform should your video analytics application run on? There are many options, and it is also worthwhile to look at hybrid approaches.
Fruitful Acquisition: Qognify is now part of Hexagon
Qognify is now an integrated part of Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial Division.
Heat-Resistant Drones for Firefighting
Drones can reduce risk to firefighters who run in on each call-out – sometimes into a sea of flames more than 1,000 degrees Celsius.
Qingdao Port Improves Efficiency Threefold
A gruelling job exposed to the harshest weather will become more bearable with the innovative use of Hikvision video technology as an intelligent tally system at cranes across the Port of Qingdao.
Acoustic Sensors Enhance Emergency Rescue Drones
Every minute counts when catastrophe strikes. Drones are often used in the search for survivors in inaccessible areas, to provide an overview of the situation, and to help to locate victims of the emergency