Safeguarding critical energy infrastructure with 3D LiDAR

Reliable protection against vandalism and sabotage

Protecting critical infrastructure such as power plants, solar parks, and transformer stations is essential. These facilities are vital for energy generation, transmission, and distribution, and any security breach could have severe consequences for public safety, environmental integrity, and economic stability. Implementing robust energy and utilities security solutions is crucial for preventing unauthorized entry and protecting equipment from tampering.

The challenge with extensive perimeters and ever-changing outdoor environments is the susceptibility to false alarms caused by environmental factors like weather, vegetation, and small wildlife. This can lead to desensitization of security personnel and decreased operational efficiency. Effective energy and utilities security solutions must provide reliable detection while respecting privacy, especially when monitoring public areas.

LiDAR technology addresses these challenges effectively. Blickfeld QbProtect, the Smart 3D Security LiDAR, utilizes 3D data to offer a precise energy and utilities security solution for perimeter intrusion detection. Unlike traditional systems, QbProtect is unaffected by environmental variables that typically trigger false alarms. QbProtect is ideal for expansive outdoor environments and long perimeters, acting as virtual barriers for fences, gates, roofs, and facades, and can be seamlessly integrated with existing security infrastructures.

24/7 security, even for extensive energy facilities

QbProtect operates reliably in all lighting and weather conditions. With sensor fusion, even large perimeters are monitored seamlessly, while objects are tracked across multiple fields of view. Focused scan patterns along fences ensure maximum accuracy at the most critical points of a perimeter.

Securing remote sites without costly false alarms

At unmanned remote energy facilities false alarms can lead to expensive and unnecessary service trips. QbProtect drastically reduces this: its built-in software reliably distinguishes between real threats and irrelevant motion. By analyzing object size and movement patterns, it filters out false triggers such as small animals or wind-blown vegetation.

Seamless system integration without maintenance

QbProtect can be installed on existing structures such as fences or poles and integrates effortlessly through open standards like ONVIF with common VMS/PSIM platforms. Power-over-Ethernet reduces additional cabling, and all data processing takes place on the device itself, no external computer required. Its robust solid-state design and IP67-rated housing makes QbProtect durable, weatherproof, and maintenance-free.

Privacy-compliant, ideal for urban energy facilities

LiDAR sensors only capture anonymous 3D point cloud data that does not contain any personally identifiable information. This makes Qbprotect ideal for securing publicly accessible areas such as substations in suburban areas. Unlike cameras, which can capture identifiable features, QbProtect operates in full adherence to GDPR guidelines.

Blog Post

LiDAR-based PIDS in the energy industry

3D LiDAR sensors are transforming the security of critical infrastructure such as power plants, solar farms, and substations: they deliver highly reliable detection in almost any weather and significantly reduce false alarms.

Our Security Solutions for the Energy Sector

Perimeter Protection

Blickfeld’s sophisticated 3D LiDAR sensor enhances security with intelligent on-device software, which includes features like pre-alarm, climbing detection, and breach detection. The system utilizes object size for detection, filtering out small animals and vegetation, which is especially beneficial in open spaces. This integrated approach provides early warnings and accurate detection, effectively protecting energy facilities from unauthorized intrusions.

Roof Security

Energy facilities often have critical equipment located on rooftops, which are prone to unauthorized access and vandalism. LiDAR technology offers enhanced rooftop security by providing comprehensive monitoring of both rooftops and adjacent facades. It delivers precise, real-time intrusion detection, covering all potential access points and critical junctions where facades meet rooftops, protecting valuable equipment.

Protection of Remote Locations

Energy facilities operating in isolated or hard-to-reach areas face unique security challenges. LiDAR sensors are ideal for these environments, offering long-range detection and high accuracy in threat mapping. Their durability against harsh weather conditions, low maintenance requirements, and straightforward installation—using only a single cable for power and network—make them well-suited for remote sites. Moreover, with Blickfeld’s on-device processing and the Web-GUI, remote maintenance, diagnostics, adjustments, and firmware updates are easily managed from afar.

Intruder Tracking

Tracking unauthorized individuals in extensive or complex facilities can be challenging. Blickfeld’s QbProtect efficiently detects and tracks objects across multiple sensor fields of view. It provides accurate coordinates for seamless integration with camera systems, allowing precise object tracking. Additionally, users can set up specific zones like pre-alarm or alarm zones, ensuring cameras are activated only when necessary, enhancing response efficiency and security.

Virtual Fences

In solar parks, traditional physical fences are often prohibited to allow wildlife to move freely. However, this leaves sites vulnerable to unauthorized access and damage. Blickfeld’s 3D LiDAR technology offers a solution with virtual fences, enabling precise perimeter monitoring without physical barriers.

Blickfeld’s sensors and software create virtual 3D zones where intrusions are detected based on parameters like movement direction and object size. This flexible security solution protects solar parks while preserving the environment.

Success Story

Critical Infrastructure Security

The implementation of 3D LiDAR technology significantly improved security for a major energy provider, protecting electrical substations with fewer false alarms and enhanced privacy. Its capability to avoid capturing personally identifiable information is crucial for substations in publicly accessible areas.

The Blickfeld 3D Security LiDAR is the ideal addition to our video, fence and ground detection systems. The ability to precisely detect the position of objects and people even at long distances is a real game changer. The 3D data analysis not only provides us with precise information about the position of people, but also valuable insights into their movement patterns. This shortens reaction times considerably and enables security personnel to act more proactively. I can recommend the Blickfeld 3D Security LiDAR to any company that wants to take its security infrastructure to the next level.

What distinguishes the Blickfeld LiDAR from other solutions on the market isn’t just its analytical power, but also its unique ability to operate independently—no external server or software needed. This capability alone brings tremendous value, allowing for precise, real-time insights without the complexity of additional hardware. In challenging security scenarios, where accurate detection is critical, Blickfeld’s device demonstrates an extraordinary level of precision, capturing movement and details that traditional technologies often miss. Moreover, the flexibility of the Blickfeld LiDAR makes it exceptionally adaptable; it can be easily integrated with other security products, creating a seamless addition to any perimeter protection system.

Get in Touch

Would you like to learn more about Blickfeld QbProtect and the applications of 3D LiDAR technology in security? Send us a message, give us a call, or schedule a meeting—we’re happy to assist you!