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MiRO makes its mark at Medupi

Large sites present a number of challenges for security system installations. Due to the sheer size of the Medupi Power Station project, the Medupi Project Team required a solution that would operate effectively over large distances and concurrently produce high-resolution video feedback.

In 2012, Stallion supplied the initial basic construction site surveillance systems for the site and was later engaged by Eskom to design, specify and conduct proof of concept on site for a significant security surveillance system upgrade to the site. The project was then approved and went out to tender, with Stallion again being successful by winning the bid for the upgrade. The Medupi Project Team’s technical specialists reviewed the entire design and wrote an extremely prescriptive specification.

Non-negotiables

Four non-negotiable requirements were outlined in the initial design and specification stages of the project. These included the deployment of an ultra-high-resolution imaging system which would survey the entire site as well as concurrently have the ability to zoom in on people or vehicles situated hundreds of metres away. A Dallmeier Panomera imaging solution was proposed. It was also stipulated that the systems would need to be able to store data and video for at least two years, for later referral and analysis.

Secondly, a radar intrusion detection system, with a 3 km radius, was required to monitor the entire perimeter. This would be combined with high-resolution thermal imaging cameras that would track the radar detection, together providing a virtual barrier around the site.

A total of 200 general-purpose standalone high-megapixel IP cameras from MiRO’s Vivotek range were required to monitor other areas around the power plant including the smoke stacks, conveyors and canteen. Approximately 131 Vivotek 5-megapixel cameras, equipped with fisheye lenses for 360° surround view without blind spots, were installed to provide coverage of wide, open areas. These compact, slimline dome cameras are unobtrusive and vandal-resistant.

As with all cameras on site, these cameras are managed and recorded on a 250 channel multi-server enterprise Milestone open network platform video management system sourced from MiRO. This combination allows the control room personnel to divide up images emanating from the 5-megapixel cameras and view each image as if it was produced by a separate camera. A number of Vivotek PTZ 2-megapixel IP cameras also sourced from MiRO were deployed.

According to Stallion group director - technical, Alvin Flaum, the biggest challenge faced by the company in the implementation of the upgraded security system was the lack of a suitable network infrastructure. After discussions with MiRO, the company decided to deploy a Radwin wireless 250 Mbs industrial network with five base-stations and 36 subscriber stations.

Flaum reports that the client is extremely happy with the quality of images produced by the Vivotek cameras. All systems will be maintained by an Eskom maintenance team.

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