Showing posts with label Solar CCTV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Solar CCTV. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The future Security Moves on solar power


Solar panels generate power directly from the sun. They convert the sunlight that they draw directly into electricity; this form of power is friendly to the environment, as there are no harmful gases or chemicals that are used in producing this power. This is therefore better for the environment.
The solar panels are made up of a collection of individual silicon. A single solar cell can produce about 0,5volt. Solar cells are grouped together to create a panel, which can produce up to 24 volts output. Solar panels can also be wired in parallel, this will increase the power output creating more power, and if wired in series, this will increase voltage for 24, 48 or possibly even higher voltage systems.
The three types of solar panels are mono-crystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. At present, PSS Distributors is concentrating on two types, mono-crystalline and polycrystalline. We already discussed in my earlier post.

The differences between the panels are as follows:
Monocrystalline – All crystals face the same direction. This form of solar panel is the most effective, but the cost factor is a lot more expensive. Slices are cut at sizes of 0,2 and 0,4 mm thick. These are then put together as individual cells, wired together in the panel. Manufacturing temperature is around 1400 degrees Celsius.

Polycrystalline – Crystal faces have different directions, grains are not parallel and can also be called multi-crystalline. These panels are less expensive, but can also be less efficient. The cells are not single crystals but a block of many crystals. Manufacturing temperature is a bit lower than Monocrystalline at about 800-1000 degrees Celsius.

Amorphous – This is the angle of the adjustable solar panel, which can be changed two or more times during the year. This helps increase the solar output by approximately 25%.
When you have decided on the location of the solar panels, ensure you have a good amount of sunlight between the times of 9 am – 4 pm. It is not advised that solar panels be placed in the shade, but remember that heat build up can cause the panel to be less efficient. There should always be spacing around the panels, this will ensure that there is sufficient cooling and ensure that the panels do not build up to much heat. 

Solar panels should always face the equator for effective coverage. So if living in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels would face in a northern direction. The angle of the panel should only be changed twice per year. In winter +15° latitude and in summer -15° latitude. This will increase the solar panels output by a further 25%.
Tracking solar panels are the most effective type as they follow the sun, but the cost of these units are expensive and during winter, may not be as effective. Solar panels are a more cost effective way of ensuring constant power as well as ensuring that the environment remains emission free and allows the environment to remain green.

Having now completed the construction of a 9, 4-megawatt solar farm in the province of Turin, the company turned to address the problem of guaranteeing the highest possible levels of protection.
“The client asked us to design a solution in which the network infrastructure was both sturdy and scalable so that it could be used simultaneously by the security system, the video-surveillance system and the other equipment used to monitor the production of electricity. Moreover, in compliance with the applicable laws in force, the video-surveillance system had to ensure low luminous impact at night and, therefore, had to be able to operate satisfactorily without any lights on, except in exceptional circumstances,” explains Claudio Toaldo, owner of Sicurtel, the company that built the plant.
The plant took about two months to complete, including meetings with the client and the realisation of the design plan.
Given the distance of the perimeter (about 4000 metres) and the possible electromagnetic interference caused by 12 inverters installed on the field, Sicurtel decided to construct a closed ring fibre-optic Ethernet infrastructure using O-ring technology with 12 field switches and an extended temperature range of -40°C/+75°C.
The network hosts 28 ERMO 482 X PRO Cias microwave barriers and 11 Ulisse Compact IP 36 + Videotec 110 mt IR cameras.
The Cias barriers are connected on the field via 15 485/Ethernet IB-FMCREP-ETH converters and are controlled by means of an IB-SYSTEM IP server.

The Videotec cameras used for the surveillance system guarantee lowest environmental impact during nighttime monitoring and are also fitted with a powerful optical zoom for close-up inspection when necessary.

Sicurtel considered the Milestone XProtect system to be the only fully integrated platform that could manage all the field equipment on an IP platform, hence satisfying its client’s requirements.

“We decided to use the Milestone XProtect Corporate video management and recording system,” continues Toaldo, “because it allows you to record video images and transmit them to the security company’s control room. This enables the control room to handle emergencies and, at the same time, collect information on any alarms detected by the system and recorded by one of at least three pre-set cameras, which the Milestone video management software (VMS) immediately focuses on the security barrier section that triggered the alarm. This is extremely helpful to the work of the security companies, as they are able to quickly and effectively verify all intrusion attempts”. 

The system provides the end user with real time data on the production of electricity. The XProtect Smart Client can be used from the company’s headquarters. Furthermore, XProtect Mobile is a useful and powerful tool for maintenance operators. It is used to remotely plan and verify all interventions, whenever and wherever they are. 

The Milestone VMS supports a number of I/O IP modules to allow the operator, the end user and the security company to use XProtect Smart Client to turn on the lights installed along the perimeter when an alarm is triggered at night, to monitor anomalies detected inside electrical substations or special situations such as a lack of power supply.

“The possibility to integrate the anti-intrusion security system, the video-surveillance system and the electricity production monitoring equipment within the same network infrastructure means that the end user has full control over all the systems installed at the solar farm and, at the same time, can realize important economies of scale, while paving the way for all future upgrades to the systems,” highlights Toaldo.
The solution guarantees efficacy and timely interventions by technical assistance teams managed by Sicurtel using remote systems. In particular, all the routine maintenance operations and interventions to resolve any malfunctions detected by the system that do not imply the replacement or repair of and field devices or equipment are managed via the Internet.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Solar Powered Wireless CCTV (WCCTV)


We are seeing a boom in technology. New and intelligent gadgets are being made on a daily basis. One such invention is the wireless CCTV powered by solar energy. Wireless technology is the one the fastest growing technologies, it is very fast, easy and makes life a lot easier. And to combine this technology with solar power would be a great pairing.
Solar power is the need of the hour; with the environment’s future at stake, scientists are turning towards solar power as the next best option for clean energy. Solar energy is renewable and leaves no harmful by-products like carbon dioxide. It uses the power of the sun to generate electricity.

Practical Combination of Solar Powered Wireless CCTV

It makes a lot of sense to combine solar energy with wireless CCTV. Wireless cameras have to be running 24/7 to be able to give uninterrupted footage which is very essential for security. Running them constantly will give a very high electricity bill. Switching over to a solar-powered system will not only save costs, but it will actually pay for itself within a few years.

How Will It Work?

The cameras that are placed outside will be constantly charged by the sunlight. The cameras that are on the inside can be charged by a solar panel which is kept on the roof. A good battery back-up will ensure non-stop power supply, when the weather is cloudy or is raining and during night times. These batteries too will be charged by solar power.

Expenses

Granted, all of the things required for a good system are on the expensive side. But all of them are a one-time buy and money you save on the electric bill will pay for them. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also generate your own electricity.

Try It !

Best way would be trying the system. Place the solar-powered cameras that can be used outside, put them in places that give a good view of the property, and have direct sunlight. Run them for a month or so and then see the difference in the bill. If convinced, only then install the whole system, and start saving money and the planet together.

Wireless CCTV Technological Compatibility

Wireless security systems are high-tech and have all the latest functions that are required of a good security system. These systems are built to function using minimal electricity. Solar panels are large in size, but since not much power is required, the panels can be of practical size. Plus with more and more advancement, solar power generation has come forward in leaps and bounds.

Looking in Future

The future belongs to clean power. Governments are coming out with rules that support clean energies like solar power. They even offer tax breaks and credit points for such technologies. Having a solar power CCTV system will not only save money electricity wise but will also save your taxes.

Solar power and wireless systems are the thing of the future then why not have them now and be miles ahead of others.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Components of a stand alone solar PV system for CCTV System


Sunlight to Electricity is photovoltaic technology converts sunlight into electricity and is emerging as a major power source for CCTV due to its numerous environmental and economic benefits and proven reliability. Enough free sunlight falls on earth to supply our energy needs for years to come.
Environmental Benefits: As PV generates electricity from light, PV produces no air pollution or hazardous waste. It doesn't require liquid or gaseous fuel to be transported or combusted.


Economic and Social Benefits: Sunlight is free and abundant. A photovoltaic system allows you to generate electricity and store it for use when needed. Photovoltaic contributes to our energy security, as a young technology, it creates jobs and strengthens the economy. It frees us from uncertainties and foreign oil dependence.

This energy source is free, clean and highly reliable. PV systems are long-lasting and require little maintenance. The benefits of Photovoltaic’s far outweigh the initial cost the systems.

Solar Panels (PV) Modules
The DC electricity produced by the solar panel or module(s) is used to charge batteries via a solar charge controller. Any DC appliances that are connected to the battery will need to be fused.  DC lights are normally connected to the charge controller. Any AC appliances are powered via an inverter connected directly to the batteries. NOTE: inverters used in grid tie and stand alone systems are different and should not be interchanged.
Most stand alone PV systems need to be managed properly. Users need to know the limitations of a system and tailor energy consumption according to how sunny it is and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery.
Configuration
The solar panels need to be configured to match the system DC voltage, which is determined by the battery. System voltages are typically, 12V DC and 24V DC, larger systems will operate at 48V DC.
The operating voltage of a solar panel in a stand-alone system must be high enough to charge the batteries. For example, a 12V battery will require 14.4V to charge it. The solar panel must be able to deliver this voltage to the battery after power losses and voltage drop in the cables and charge controller and in conditions in which the solar cells operate at a high temperature. A solar panel with a Voc of about 20V is required to reliably charge a 12V battery.
Charge Controllers (Solar controller (or solar regulator))
A charge controller is designed to protect the battery and ensure it has a long working life without impairing the system efficiency. Batteries should not be overcharged and the function of the charge controller is to ensure that the battery is not over charged.
  • Charge controllers are designed to function as follows:
  • Protect the battery from over-discharge, normally referred to as low voltage disconnect (LVD) that disconnects the battery from the load when the battery reaches a certain depth of discharge (DOD).
  • Protect the battery from over-charging by limiting the charging voltage - this is important with sealed batteries - it is usually referred to as high voltage disconnect (HVD).
  • Prevent current flowing back into the solar panel during the night, so called reverse current.

NOTE: controllers with MPP tracking will ensure that the solar modules operate at optimal rating and can increase output by 10% or more.
Batteries
The power requirements of stand alone pv systems are rarely in sync with the battery charging. Appliances and loads need to be powered when there is sufficient solar radiation, during overcast weather and during the night. Bad weather may last for several days and the daily charging and discharging of the batteries takes its toll on them. Batteries that are able to handle the constant charging and discharging are known as deep cycle batteries. Batteries need to have a good charging efficiency, low charging currents and low self-discharge.
Battery Ah Efficiency
The Ah efficiency of a battery describes the relationship between Ah that are put into the battery and the Ah that are taken out. Under ideal conditions a new deep-cycle battery would be 90% efficient.
Choosing the most appropriate battery
The important characteristics to look for are:
  • capacity
  • cycle life
  • price / performance
  • size and space requirements
  • Ah efficiency
  • self-discharge rate
  • installation - vertical or horizontal
  • environmental - will batteries be placed near water supplies or in wildlife parks etc