Detectors were specified at a new solar PV farm in Dorset to protect the perimeter from intruders. The three-acre site near Dorchester presented challenges: a long perimeter and potential problems from weather and local wildlife. Reliability and immunity from false alarms were essential, as any alarm generated would trigger a response from a mobile patrol. Secure Alarms was awarded the contract to supply a perimeter detection for Farm Power, a renewable power generation company, which develops, owns and operates a network of green power stations across the country, using micro-hydro and solar power.
The Poole-based alarm installers specified active infrared beams and passive infrareds and chose OPTEX Europe’s BoundaryGard range of outdoor detectors. Robert Cutler, Technical Director at Secure Alarms, says: “Any future CCTV or signalling equipment can be easily added. Installations of this nature require full confidence in the equipment used, especially where visual verification is not being used and we need to rely solely on the reliability of the product.”
BoundaryGard comprises wireless and hard-wired detection devices that are not the makers say affected by false alarms resulting from a site. Deployed at this farm were tower mounted AX beams at the outer perimeter, plus a further layer of HX PIR sensors to provide extra protection of strategic areas.
AX-350/650TF Series Photobeams are dual beam long-range sensors that are suitable the makers say for larger installations where they are capable of external ranges up to 200m. The beams offer four site-selectable frequencies that allow them to be stacked one above another to provide a wall of coverage.
The HX40 series is available in three variants, HX-40, HX-40AM (Hardwired) and the HX-40RAM (Wire free Battery powered) and has been devised to provide external detection and small animal immunity up to a range of 12 metres. The dense 94 zone detection area is shared by two non-overlapping detection patterns each incorporating OPTEX’s patented Optical system.
“The flexibility of the options provided to us by the BoundaryGard range has resulted in a simple, cost effective solution designed to meet our client’s operational requirement,” Robert adds.
Paul Nicholas, Divisional Manager for OPTEX Europe, says: “The wireless versions are particularly beneficial in applications where access to mains power is an issue, the cost of laying new cables is prohibitive and the size of the site makes it an unrealistic option.”
