Brazilian infrastructure company, Companhia Energética de Pernambuco (CELPE), has opted for an integrated security system from Bosch to cover its hydropower substations.
CELPE is the main supplier of electricity in the country’s Northeastern state of Pernambuco. Headquartered in the state capital Recife, CELPE serves a population of more than 8.8 million inhabitants across the state’s 184 municipalities. As part of the Brazilian government’s commitment to clean energy, the CELPE grid also contains several hydropower plants at rivers across Pernambuco.
Providing electricity to private customers and industrial clients in the expansive region requires a 136,762km distribution network and 4,386km of transmission lines. As critical parts of the power infrastructure, CELPE operates 240 substations across Pernambuco. But as most of these stations are located in remote areas, the last few years saw an increase of vandalism and theft of power cables.
Looking to safeguard its infrastructure, CELPE needed an integrated security solution that achieved three goals: firstly, keep out criminals and alert police upon security breaches. Secondly, provide seamless access control for the 300 maintenance teams in the field. And thirdly, connect fire alarm, communications, and voice evacuation on an integrated system that allows for remote management from CELPE headquarters.
As a one-stop solutions provider, Bosch won the contract for equipping 16 substations with video security systems, access control, communications, fire alarm and voice evacuation as well as intrusion alarm connected on the Building Integration System (BIS).
For video security, Bosch installed its AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras, integrated via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS). The fire alarm revolves around smoke and heat detectors, while for voice alarm and evacuation, Plena Mixer Amplifiers are connected to driver loudspeakers. All systems and cameras are monitored by security personnel at the company’s control centre in Recife.
For added security, selected cameras feature built-in video analytics to automatically set off intruder alarms and alert authorities. The system also fulfils the key customer requirement for remote management via the BIS, including administration of user credentials and access rights for the 300 maintenance teams serving various substation sites.
Successfully installed at 16 stations in Pernambuco, the Bosch solution has reportedly proven to be an asset for CELPE and its personnel. Aside from safeguarding valuable infrastructure against criminals, the system has also streamlined communications among the service teams in the region by including elements such as conferencing and automatic alerts for fires and intrusions through a messenger system. The remote management of user access rights at the substations has enhanced the overall service level and prevented security breaches.
Satisfied with the end-to-end solution, CELPE has now commissioned Bosch to equip approximately 240 electrical substations over the coming years.
