Innovative surveillance powers renewable energy
UFF Araucária's video surveillance system by Axis goes beyond asset security, serving as a strategic platform for operational management, environmental care, and process efficiency in the largest floating solar plant in Brazil.
The rise of floating solar energy
Solar energy is one of the fastest growing renewable sources in the world.
Traditionally, solar panels are installed on rooftops or on the ground, but an innovative solution that has been gaining acceptance and transforming the industry is floating solar energy.
This model is based on structures installed on the water to expand the possibilities of photovoltaic generation (the process of converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels), maximizing surface area usage and providing environmental, economic, and productivity benefits.
Brazil has one of the greatest potentials for solar energy generation and has been expanding its investments in the sector. A recent milestone is the UFF Araucária project, developed by KWP Energía Sunlution. This project received a $87.7 million USD investment and is designed to be Brazil’s largest power generation and distribution plant with the ability to supply more than 60,000 homes.
Security needs of floating solar plants
However, like land-based solar parks, floating plants are subject to equipment theft, vandalism, and environmental impacts. Ensuring efficient perimeter protection, continuous monitoring, and rapid incident response is essential for the viability and safety of these projects.
The security solution at UFF Araucária, was designed by Axis partners, Aeon Security and Magos Systems to provide asset protection, operational efficiency, and environmental oversight.
A key benefit of the system is the proactive identification of risks. Initially, we focused on asset security, with no additional goals in mind. Today, Axis cameras play a wider and more important role in the operational management of UFF Araucária.
Challenges of securing a floating solar plant
- Unique challenges of floating installations
The video surveillance project for photovoltaic plants is complex enough, but a floating model is even more reliant on cameras. “To keep up with the floating platforms, a traditional video camera (with intrusion detection analytics) would have to be constantly repositioned,” explains Anderson Jucá, director of operations at KWP Energía Sunlution.
- Comprehensive perimeter protection
To address these challenges and ensure comprehensive security, it was essential to protect critical assets such as solar panels and other structures, and to ensure the safety of onsite workers.
Therefore, nine Axis bullet cameras were installed along the outer perimeter of the floating plant to monitor individuals entering and leaving the area. Since these cameras can withstand harsh weather conditions, they were ideal for the floating plant. Plus, they provide continuous visual monitoring, enabling the identification of suspicious activities.
- Advanced integration with radar and speakers
In addition, they leveraged AXIS Q62 PTZ Camera Series and the Magos radar (distributed by Ôguen in Brazil). These devices were combined with Security Monitor®, an advanced security system developed by Aeon Security, which integrates other essential technologies such as fixed cameras, access control, and network horn speakers. The Axis network horn speakers are integrated into the Security Monitor® system and automatically activate upon detection and visualization of any anomaly by the radar or cameras. With pre-recorded announcements, they serve to deter unwanted behavior, alerting and discouraging potential threats while notifying the security team.
- Reducing false alarms with AI
With the presence of birds and constant movement of water in the reservoir, it was necessary to implement an integrated solution with AI-based radar capable of distinguishing real threats from environmental factors, minimizing false alarms and ensuring more accurate responses. "The integration between the Magos radar and the Axis pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera ensured greater operational accuracy. We calibrated the solution to differentiate between animals, such as birds, and people, to reduce false alarms," adds the spokesperson of KWP Energia Sunlution.
- Protecting 10,500 solar panels
The UFF Araucária project sets a new standard of safety and efficiency for floating solar plants aligning with the growth of the Brazilian and global energy sector. This joint solution is now responsible for protecting 10,500 floating solar panels, ensuring that all events are monitored in real-time with maximum reliability.
The impact on operational efficiency
At UFF Araucaria, the safety of the plant is reinforced with a system that is equipped with advanced technology. Five transformers and four main arrays, including two 2 MW and one 1 MW, are constantly monitored by network cameras for any intrusion attempts or other incidents. Meanwhile, photovoltaic panels installed on high-density polyethylene floats receive special attention with a radar-controlled PTZ camera, which directs focus and applies precise zoom on any suspicious movement, ensuring continuous protection and maximum reliability.
After a year and a half in operation, the UFF Araucaria team realized that video cameras could do more than protect the perimeter. Viewed via a cell phone or computer screen, the video footage allows the teams to observe in real time if any technicians are working in the cabins or in the floating plant.
In addition, there is a series of environmental conditions that can be verified by UFF Araucaria and incidents such as birds colliding with the equipment can be identified before they have a negative impact on the ecosystem.
"One of the maintenance elements of the plant is removal of dirt from the photovoltaic modules. Compared to terrestrial solar plants, where the problem is dust, in floating plants it is the droppings from birds using the platform to rest, fish or nest, which affects power generation. With the cameras, we can identify areas that require cleaning and dispatch a maintenance team, which helps reduce costs. In addition, there is an indirect benefit for the safety of people enjoying recreational activities in the reservoir," adds Jucá.
Potential for the future
With one of the greatest potentials for solar power generation in the world, Brazil has approximately 42 MWp of installed capacity in floating solar plants, and by 2028, the country could reach 1.5 gigawatt (GW) of installed capacity. For UFF Araucária, the plan is to expand power production to 120 MW, with the plant likely operating on a hybrid system. In this model, hydroelectric power reduces production during the day, saving water, while solar generation is connected to the same electricity grid. At night, the hydroelectric plant uses the reservoir water, guaranteeing gains in efficiency and maintenance of the reservoir level.
With big plans ready to materialize, being certain that resources already exist to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and care for the environment is one less challenge to make the Brazilian energy park more sustainable and efficient.
"This project gives us confidence that the next stages, including the most distant islands, will be carried out with an autonomous video surveillance system, which operates in a precise manner. We know that we can sleep peacefully, confident that technology is working safely and efficiently," concludes the chief operating officer of KWP Energia Sunlution.
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