Indra leads an R&D european project to upgrade the protection of electricity networks and critical infrastructures

Indra, the premier IT company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe, leads the European PELGRIN project (Protection of Electrical GRID Infrastructures) with the objective of providing protection to electricity networks and critical infrastructures against vandalism, terrorists or any other threat.

This R&D project is within the framework of the European Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIPS) on occasion of its “Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security-Related Risks” 2009 sub programme and enriches Indra’s broad experience in the field of infrastructure protection.

PELGRIN seeks to upgrade the security of the power transmission networks and infrastructures, specifically those located in open spaces such as fields and which are currently not well protected due to the oftentimes difficult conditions of the area.

For this reason a centralised solution is under development. It integrates multiple sensors and alarms which allow geographical location via a georeferenced alarm management system to determine where the incident occurred. The system is capable of integrating multiple sensors with the purpose of unifying in a single alarm each alert generated by a sensor upon detection of the same object in the different areas under surveillance. In addition to this, the system enables visual verification of each alert with cameras integrated in the sensors or with a mobile camera equipped with automatic positioning. This way, the current security devices can be optimised  and unified in a low-cost system.

The project seeks to enhance the protection of electricity transmission networks which include high, medium and low voltage electricity pylons by means of UGS (Unattended Ground Sensors) for seismic activity, combined with radar systems in the case of open and trouble spots. Regarding the security of infrastructures, power stations, substations and transformation stations, it will be improved by means of radar systems, UGS sensors for the perimeter; and buried and volumetric sensors to detect human or object movement inside the facilities.

PELGRIN (http://www.pelgrin.european-project.eu/) also envisages the problems which may arise in the electricity networks and the possible solutions the devices implemented in the new system may provide.

The global validation of the system includes tests and simulations. In fact, the solution is being tested in a real environment in Spain, in this case, to protect operating electricity pylons, having already verified the immunity to voltage interference among the transmission lines.

Furthermore, Indra is part of the consortium of Gas Natural Fenosa-engaged in the design of the solution and supplier of the testing facilities-along with The Centro Nacional para la Protección de Infraestructuras Críticas (CNPIC) and the University of Murcia which collaborates in the development of algorithms and techniques to integrate and unify alarms.

Innovative technology with multiple applications

In technical terms, the project includes the development of new and upgraded UGS sensors with battery autonomy and equipped with their own communication system. These systems can detect movements, landslides, footsteps in the high-voltage pylon area, vandalism, etc. The sensors incorporate their own camera system for the visual verification of alarms.

Software algorithms will be developed to enhance the alarm and events management. The alarms of all sensors will be integrated in the new solution, including camera management via  intelligent Georeferenced Tracking Software, iGTS.

In addition to improving the security of electricity infrastructures, the new technology can be applied to the perimeter protection of facilities such as nuclear plants or refineries. It is as equally effective to secure large linear infrastructures like pipelines, railway lines or  gas pipelines.

Beyond the technologically innovative character of the project, we should also mention that the capacity to unify existing security devices in a common system implies a reduction of costs.

Leadership in security and protection of infrastructures

Indra has broad experience in the design and implementation of security solutions. Regarding the protection of infrastructures, the company has international references in airports, harbours, railway networks, energy and telecommunications companies, financial entities, corporate headquarters and office buildings, security corps and forces or large industrial facilities.

The company is collaborating with the CNPIC, dependant from the Secretariat of State for Security of the Ministry of the Interior of Spain in order to provide effective protection for Spain’s critical infrastructures which deliver basic services to society. For instance, the company takes part in the Grupo Informal de Protección de Infraestructuras Críticas (GIPIC) led by the CNPIC, which elaborates guidelines for the operators of these facilities to create security and specific protection plans.

Indra is also a leader in the implementation of emergencies and security centres in Spain, with projects such as SIMGE, of the emergency military unit; Madrid City Council’s CISEM and SIGE of Civil Protection, among others, as well as control centres and security systems for important events, such as Expo Zaragoza, the Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona; The America’s Cup, in Valencia; the Seville Expo or the Olympic Games held in Barcelona.

The company has significant references in the development and implementation of identification solutions such as the Spanish electronic ID card or the Portuguese passport and is a leader in the development and start-up of coastal surveillance systems in Europe with projects in Spain, Portugal, Latvia and Rumania; and Hong Kong outside Europe.

Indra
Indra is the premier Information Technology company in Spain and a leading IT multinational in Europe and Latin America. It is ranked as the second European company in its sector according to investment in R&D with over € 500 M during the last three years. In 2010 revenues reached € 2,557 M and the international market already accounts for a 44%. The company employs more than 35,000 professionals and has clients in more than 110 countries.