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Innovation for the protection of electricity grids and critical infrastructure
PELGRIN (Protection of Electrical Grid Infrastructures) aims to improve security, both of infrastructure and power transmission grids, especially those that are out in the open and do not currently have effective protective measures due to the often difficult geographic conditions in which they are located. To achieve this, a centralized security solution is being developed that integrates multiple sensors and alarms, making it possible to locate them geographically through a geo-referenced alarm manager that locates the site of the incident. The system is capable of integrating multiple sensors with the purpose of unifying, in a single alarm, all sensor-generated alerts upon detection of the same object in the different areas under surveillance. The solution also enables visual verification of each alarm with cameras that are built into the sensor components, or with a mobile camera equipped with automatic positioning. This way, existing security devices can be optimized and unified in a low-cost system.
PELGRIN technology will improve the security of power plants, substations and electricity towers, and will also be applicable to the protection of nuclear installations, refineries, oil pipelines and railroads.
The scope of the project will also include analysis of the problems that could arise in the electricity grids and the possible solutions that could be provided by the use of the devices implemented in the new system.
This R&D project is part of the European Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Program (CIP), on the occasion of its 2009 sub-program "Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security-Related Risks", reinforcing Indra's vast experience in the security sector.
In addition to Indra, the PELGRIN consortium includes Gas Natural Fenosa, which provides consultancy on the design of the solution and supplies testing facilities, the National Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CNPIC), and the University of Murcia, which collaborates in the development of algorithms and techniques for the integration and unification of alarms.
Numerous references
Within the area of infrastructure protection, Indra has significant international references at airports, ports, railroads, energy and telecommunication companies, financial institutions, buildings and corporate HQs, law-enforcement and security forces and major industrial installations.
It also works with the CNPIC on several of its actions to provide effective support for security at this type of installation, as well as to maintain its leadership in the implementation of security and emergency centers in Spain. It has also implemented control centers and security systems for major events, such as Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, the Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona, America's Cup sailing in Valencia, Expo '92 in Seville and the Barcelona Olympics.
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