| EDF has opted for MPEG-4 compression offered by PZ6122 IP camera |
Hydroelectric power has become increasingly popular due to its environmental friendliness, and EDF, a leading power company in France, has demonstrated its hydroelectric and hydraulic expertise by conducting construction of over 600 hydroelectric schemes across France and worldwide. One of EDF's most important projects, the hydroelectric plant situated 2000 metres above the sea level in the Savoy region, has made full use of the geographical advantages of the area. With large water pipes running down into the neighbouring valley to the power plant, the Savoy hydroelectric power station provides local residents with abundant power for their daily life.
Challenges
EDF chose the VIVOTEK PZ6122 network camera to help minimise on-site operation difficulties and improve surveillance efficiency |
However, EDF has encountered many difficulties in the operation of the hydroelectric power plant. The water extraction devices at the plant are confronted with the problem of water blockage caused by the environment or weather, such as fallen branches, rocks, fish, soil, or snow, and the complicated and extensive piping network makes maintenance and surveillance work extremely difficult. Due to the fact that these large-scale projects require more efficient management schemes as well as strengthened security mechanisms at each water extraction site, a solution is needed to ensure the safety and efficient operation of the plant. In addition to concerns over better management efficiency, EDF was also faced with low bandwidth problems when installing surveillance cameras because the company uses a telephone line-based 56KB modem. Insufficient bandwidth results in poor image and streaming quality, thus resulting in a waste of EDF's investments. To fulfil EDF's demands, a cost-effective and high-efficiency solution was needed - EDF thus turned to CONECTIS, an authorised distributor of VIVOTEK in France.
Solution
In order to achieve centralised management capability for its hydroelectric pipelines, EDF chose the VIVOTEK PZ6122 network camera to help minimise on-site operation difficulties and improve surveillance efficiency. The powerful PZ6122 boasts a 10x optical and digital zoom lens, making it possible to provide great depth of field and clear-cut images of close and distant objects. With the pan/tilt functions that can be controlled over the Internet, PZ6122 offers an extensive view of the hydroelectric plant and avoids the need to install several cameras, helping EDF to ensure seamless monitoring of the site. Of the two selectable MPEG-4 and MJPEG compressions offered by the PZ6122, EDF has opted for MPEG-4 for faster streaming and excellent image quality. In addition, the two-way audio function allows for real-time communications between the viewer and the monitored object.
Achievements
To date, more than 15 VIVOTEK PZ6122 network cameras equipped with VIVOTEK vandal-proof enclosures have been installed at the Savoy hydroelectric power plant. This solution enhances EDF's control over its hydroelectric power station, allowing the company to maintain a disaster-free environment for a stable power supply. After the deployment of the VIVOTEK solution, EDF realised significant savings on travel costs to the water extraction sites as well as maintenance costs.
More than 15 VIVOTEK PZ6122 network cameras equipped with VIVOTEK vandal-proof enclosures have been installed at the Savoy hydroelectric power plant |
Benefits
Uncompromised image quality and smooth streaming
With the dual-codec feature, users can choose either MPEG-4 for bandwidth optimisation or MJPEG for high image quality. The availability of these two selectable compression technologies offers great flexibility in terms of video quality and bandwidth consumption as users can choose a desirable compression format based on their needs and applications.
Cost-effective solutions
Since the installation and maintenance of the digital surveillance system utilises existing Internet infrastructure, no additional cabling is needed. With network infrastructure already in place, VIVOTEK IP Cameras prove to be cost-effective solutions that protect clients' investment in their existing networks.
Remote accessibility
With an Internet Explorer browser, the client can monitor and access images anytime, anywhere. The pan/tilt/zoom functions can be controlled remotely, dramatically improving management efficiency.