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NYPA Installs Perimeter Area Security Monitoring System

By August 3, 2017August 9th, 2017Industry News, QTSI News

DSC02700Seismic-Acoustic Sensing Technology will Enhance Security; Helps Realize Governor Cuomo’s Goal for More Resilient Energy System

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced plans to use a $65,000 research grant to install an innovative perimeter area security monitoring system that will demonstrate the use of underground sensors to strengthen existing security and provide monitoring beyond physical perimeter fencing. This technology helps advance Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to build a more resilient, as well as cleaner and more affordable, energy system for all New Yorkers.

“This is cutting-edge technology that uses underground sensors to detect seismic or small ground vibrations and appears to provide greater detection capability than conventional systems,” said Alan Ettlinger, director of research, technology development and innovation at NYPA. “Our research will show whether this perimeter area security monitoring technology could provide a cost-effective, practical option for all NYPA  facilities and for other utilities that may want to supplement or replace existing security provisions.”

NYPA was recently awarded the research grant by the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) program, which supports innovative utility programs that improve efficiency or lower costs. The APPA is the national organization serving the interests of the nation’s more than 2,000 community- and state-owned electric utilities. The remainder of the perimeter area security monitoring pilot project cost will be funded by NYPA.

The grant will support the installation of the innovative perimeter area security monitoring system, which relies on seismic-acoustic sensing technology to detect small ground vibrations that can be analyzed and quickly categorized for their potential to affect security. Sensing includes human footsteps and vehicle movement. The system has the potential to provide full security protection without a physical fence.

The perimeter area security monitoring system components are buried and thus, highly resistant to discovery, evasion or compromise. It is anticipated that the system will add another layer of defense that would alert security personnel earlier about any approaching potential threat so they could carry out a more proactive and timely response.

While the perimeter area security monitoring system and its components are generally immune to environmental conditions such as wind, rain and temperature changes, this pilot project will evaluate the system’s performance in an environment of harsh winters, such as those experienced in upstate New York. NYPA’s research and development department along with security personnel will evaluate the system’s performance and limitations during the upcoming 2017/18 winter. Throughout the project, NYPA will be working with the system’s developer, Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc. of Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Once the system has been installed and proven reliable under various weather conditions, NYPA may consider using it at additional facilities.

About NYPA:

NYPA is the nation’s largest state public power organization, through the operation of its 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. More than 70 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter@NYPAenergy, FacebookInstagramWordPress, and LinkedIn.

About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York’s economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and generating 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor’s $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.