EDF selects the VIVOTEK PZ6122 network camera to improve surveillance efficiency at Savoie hydroelectric power station

(05/02/2010)

One of EDF's most important projects, the hydroelectric plant situated 2000 meters above the sea level in the Savoie region, has made full use of the geographical advantages of the area. With large water pipes running down into the neighboring valley to the power plant, the Savoie hydroelectric power station provides local residents with abundant power for their daily life.

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 fulfill EDF's demands, a cost-effective and high-efficiency solution was needed - EDF thus turned to CONECTIS, an authorized distributor of VIVOTEK in France.

In order to achieve centralized management capability for its hydroelectric pipelines, EDF chose the VIVOTEK PZ6122 network camera to help minimize 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.

To date, more than 15 VIVOTEK PZ6122 network cameras equipped with VIVOTEK vandal-proof enclosures have been installed at the Saovie 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 realized significant savings on travel costs to the water extraction sites as well as maintenance costs.

With the dual-codec feature, users can choose either MPEG-4 for bandwidth optimization 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.

Since the installation and maintenance of the digital surveillance system utilizes 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.

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.

Related topics:  CCTV cameras and domes   Monitoring systems 

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