Barrage du Seujet, Geneve
generic post banner

Success Story: VPN Connects SIG HPPs for Centralized Monitoring

Discover how MC-monitoring utilized a secure VPN connection to integrate SIG's hydropower plants in Switzerland, enhancing their monitoring capabilities and improving operational efficiency.

The Challenge

SIG operates two major hydropower plants in Geneva, Switzerland: Seujet and Verbois. Seujet is equipped with 3 Kaplan turbines, delivering a total capacity of 5.6 MW, with an annual production of 25 GWh, contributing approximately 1% of Geneva’s electricity consumption. Verbois, on the other hand, operates with 4 turbines generating up to 100 MW, producing 466 GWh annually and accounting for 15% of the city’s electricity needs.

Located approximately 10 kilometers apart, the challenge was to integrate the monitoring capabilities of these two sites into a single, unified system, using secure VPN tunneling to ensure seamless and secure data communication.

Distance Between SIG's Seujet and Verbois HPPs
Map illustrating the 10-kilometer distance between SIG’s Seujet and Verbois hydropower plants, located along the Rhône River in Geneva

The Solution

Our team leveraged the existing acquisition unit PMS-300 at Seujet and Verbois to establish a secure VPN connection. This enabled centralized monitoring with our condition monitoring software, CMS-500. Key tasks included:

  • Configuring CMS-500 Data Servers: Integrating dataflow from each PMS-300 module through a secure VPN tunnel to a central PostgreSQL database, using separate local networks (192.168.10.xxx for Seujet and 192.168.20.xxx for Verbois).
  • Ensuring Compatibility and Integration: Upgrading and integrating the CMS-500 system to ensure seamless communication across both sites.
  • Providing Training and Support: Conducting training sessions for SIG's operational and maintenance teams to maximize the benefits of the centralized monitoring system.
VPN Integration for Centralized Monitoring of Seujet and Verbois HPPs
Diagram showing the VPN tunnel setup connecting Seujet and Verbois HPPs, enabling centralized monitoring through CMS-500 with PostgreSQL data storage and secure network communication.

By establishing a VPN connection between the two plants, SIG can now monitor both Seujet and Verbois in real-time from a single, centralized database. This has significantly improved data flow and operational efficiency, providing valuable insights into plant performance.

Managing multiple remote hydropower plant locations can be challenging. Our CMS-500 software offers a robust solution, ensuring secure data recording across diverse sites. Using VPN technology, CMS-500 integrates data into a unified database, enhancing data integrity and security.

Key Benefits

  • Seamless Communication: Ensures smooth data flow between monitoring modules and the central database.
  • Cost-Effective Maintenance: Utilizes existing infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive upgrades.
  • Enhanced Data Security: Secure VPN tunneling protects sensitive data transmission.
  • Centralized Data Management: Consolidates information from various sites for streamlined analysis.

For more information on how our solutions can benefit your operations, contact us directly. Let's explore how we can optimize your monitoring capabilities and enhance the efficiency of your remote sites.

LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up to receive our newsletters