13 Sep 2024

Established in May 1999, this state-owned electric power transmission company operates under the Gujarat Electricity Industry Act, of 2003. It ensures a reliable power supply across Gujarat through an extensive network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations.

Emphasising advanced technologies and innovative practices enhances grid stability and performance. With a focus on sustainable development and renewable energy integration, it supports Gujarat's economic growth by providing a resilient power transmission framework, playing a crucial role in the state's energy landscape. 

Business scenario

The absence of a video surveillance monitoring system presented significant security challenges for the power transmission company. With over 60,000 km of transmission lines and 500 substations, the lack of continuous monitoring and recording left the infrastructure vulnerable to theft, equipment tampering, and unauthorised access.

Manual inspections were time-consuming and insufficient for real-time threat detection, leading to frequent operational disruptions and increased maintenance costs. Without a proper video surveillance monitoring system, the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies was compromised, jeopardising the safety of the state's power transmission network. 

Challenges faced

The power plants and substations in the power transmission company had critical infrastructure components that were vulnerable to security threats like vandalism, tampering, and theft.  

  • Susceptibility to EMI/EMC Issues 

They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards

Operations in the power plant are susceptible to Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues, which can pose safety risks.

They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards to ensure reliable operation. 

  • Harsh Environmental Conditions 

Being in remote areas, power plants and substations often face harsh weather conditions, necessitating weatherproof network cameras to ensure continuous and reliable surveillance. 

  • Workplace Safety and Occupational Health 

The impact of workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses on employee health, productivity, and morale was significant due to inadequate surveillance coverage.

They needed a video surveillance monitoring system with incident reporting capabilities to enhance workplace safety, prevent accidents, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. 

  • Data Protection Compliance 

They required a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with data protection regulations governing the collection, storage, and sharing of surveillance footage to safeguard sensitive information and ensure regulatory compliance. 

  • Inefficient Manual Inspections 

Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight

Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight.

This delay in identifying issues led to extended downtime and potentially escalating problems, compromising overall operational efficiency. 

  • Slower Emergency Response 

In the event of an emergency, such as equipment failure or natural disaster, the lack of real-time surveillance delayed response times, increasing the risk of prolonged outages and damage, which could have been mitigated with a more responsive video surveillance monitoring system. 

Matrix solution

To enhance security across 500 substations, Matrix Network Cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) were strategically deployed to ensure comprehensive surveillance.

Each substation was equipped with a Matrix 2MP PTZ Camera, strategically positioned to detect threats from a distance. These cameras provided enhanced perimeter security by offering high-resolution zoom capabilities and 360-degree coverage, allowing for the identification and tracking of potential intruders. 

  • Bullet Network Cameras

Three to four Bullet Network Cameras were installed both inside the substations and around the periphery.

These cameras ensured thorough surveillance coverage by capturing high-definition video of key areas, including entrances, exits, and critical infrastructure components. 

  • NVRs

The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds

Each substation was equipped with an NVR to record and store the feeds from the network cameras. These NVRs were configured to provide continuous recording, ensuring that all activities were documented. 

The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds and review recorded footage. Security personnel could access and review recordings locally on individual stations using the device client installed on the NVR. This allowed for quick retrieval of footage in case of incidents or investigations. 

  • Video surveillance monitoring system

The video surveillance monitoring system was enhanced with basic Intelligent Video Analytics features, such as tripwire detection, motion detection, and intrusion detection. These features automatically analyse video feeds to identify and alert suspicious activities. 

Video pop-up notifications were configured to alert security personnel in real time. When an IVA event was triggered, such as an unauthorised entry or unusual movement, a notification would appear on the monitoring screens, prompting immediate attention and response. 

Products offered

  • SATATYA PZCR20ML33CWP P2 (36 Nos.) 

2MP IP PTZ Camera with 33x Zoom  

  • SATATYA CIBR20FL36CWS P2 (2682 Nos.) 

2MP IR Bullet Fixed 3.6mm Lens

  • SATATYA NVR1602X P2 (33 Nos.) 

16 Channel NVR with 2 SATA Ports 

  • SATATYA NVR0801X P2 (487 Nos.) 

8 Channel NVR with 1 SATA Port 

Benefits

Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms

Continuous 24/7 surveillance with Matrix Network Cameras and NVRs reduced risks of theft, tampering, and vandalism. Real-time alerts and video pop-up notifications ensured prompt response to potential threats.

Matrix video surveillance monitoring system complies with EMI/EMC standards, ensuring safe and reliable operations in power plants. Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring legal compliance. 

Adaptive Streaming and SATATYA SIGHT

Matrix Network Cameras have an Adaptive Streaming feature. This allows recording at a higher bitrate during activity periods and a lower bitrate during no-activity periods. This aided in saving on storage space.

Matrix NVRs have the mobile app - SATATYA SIGHT, which allows users to monitor network cameras from any location, at any time.