How to secure one's energy assets? A set of safety measures for solar power plants

An industrial solar power plant is an energy facility that can generate clean electricity and bring profit to its owner for decades. Energy assets can be protected from external threats through security measures, including video surveillance, security, and fire safety. KNESS team has many years of experience, specialized qualifications and the necessary certification to perform a full range of security measures  as separate services or as part of an O&M contract.

Technical safety measures for the maintenance of solar power plants

Modern technical safety equipment (TSE) is designed to monitor, analyze, and respond to threats or violations that can lead to significant damage to electrical equipment. KNESS has expertise in auditing, designing, installing, and maintaining the following systems:

• Video surveillance system: a set of visual control devices (with video recording and archiving functions of information from video surveillance cameras) and auxiliary devices for reliable facility protection
• Security alarm system: technical security equipment, selected according to customer requirements to prevent unauthorized access to the facility’s territory
• Fire alarm system: fire notification, evacuation management
• Automatic fire extinguishing system (water, foam, gas, powder, aerosol)
• Backup power supply: uninterrupted power supply systems for technical systems (server, cameras, devices), enabling them to work offline for a certain period of time 

Ensuring the safety of power facilities

A team of multidisciplinary specialists works to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the solar power plant: from analysts, designers, electrical engineers and installers to logisticians and the on-site staff.

What is their area of responsibility?

1. Development of project documentation according to the areas

A team of highly qualified analysts and certified project engineers is responsible for developing optimal technical solutions and projects for the arrangement of the necessary security systems to meet the customer needs. Thanks to their coordinated and efficient work, it is possible to develop high-quality individual design solutions that become the basis for further technical solutions.  

2. Installation work in accordance with design solutions

For the practical implementation of project solutions, KNESS procurement and logistics specialists first order specialized equipment that has been tested over time. Thanks to long-term cooperation with leading suppliers, we are able to offer our customers quality products at favorable prices and payment terms. Delivery of the equipment to the site is also among their tasks.

A team of technical specialists who have all the necessary permits and licenses to install and maintain security systems is working on the next steps of the project. In particular, KNESS specialists are licensed to carry out economic activities for the provision of services and performance of fire protection works (Order of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine No. NS-590 of 01.09.2021). The team develops and approves a work schedule, visits the site to perform installation and commissioning, and develops executive documentation.

3. Technical audit

If the solar power plant has already been commissioned and has pre-existing video surveillance, fire extinguishing and fire alarm systems, we conduct a technical audit for such facilities: technical analysis of equipment, perform modifications and reconstruction in case of defects. Based on the results of the audit and the work performed, we prepare a written report, calculate and select the optimal technical solutions and estimated cost of restoration/technical re-equipment.

4. Technical maintenance

After the proper implementation of the design solutions, the installed video surveillance systems, security alarms, fire alarm and fire extinguishing systems, as well as backup power systems need to be maintained. KNESS technical specialists provide proper professional maintenance of security systems in accordance with the agreed regulations and work schedule, as well as in accordance with the requirements of DBN and DSTU in terms of fire alarm, fire extinguishing, and rapid detection of emergencies.

Today, KNESS provides fire and security alarms and video surveillance systems to protect more than a hundred power facilities that are more than a hundred of its customers’ assets.

Learn more about SPP security services here: https://trading.kness.energy/en/ancillary-services/