Description

BACKGROUND

Thefts and fraudsters sometimes target distribution network cabinets in order to steal internal copper conductors, energy from the network or to use them for other illegal purposes. These acts must be avoided because this may produce mechanical/electrical damage and create safety risks for the general public (risk of explosion or electric arc).

The main challenge scope is to develop effective solutions to:

• Protect distribution network cabinets, installed outdoors in public environments and/or in substations, from theft and fraudsters and accidental access from people/animals/vehicles or vandalism.
• Give a clear and reliable alert in case the components are damaged or opened without authorization.

THE CHALLENGE

Enel is searching for effective solutions in order to make any tampering attempt extremely difficult and also give an alert in case tampering/damage has occurred. Ideally, the proposals will delineate an approach that not only addresses reduction in tampering risk, but also makes any tampering attempt clearly noticeable.

NOTE: Certain cables may not be visible (e.g. buried underground, concealed in a wall), but electrical cables encased in piping remain vulnerable.

The proposed solution should not hinder/interfere with the network operations by Enel personnel or create other/further risk situations.

Ideally, the proposed solution could also include a connection to a database, which provides information for remote monitoring and future analysis (e.g. highlighting locations where tampering/damage results more frequent).

Solutions must be cost effective, easy to implement and require minimum maintenance.

Submissions must have the following qualities:

1. Effectiveness of protecting distribution network cabinets from theft/fraudsters/accidental access/vandalism.
2. Tampering/damage evidence has to be permanent and very hard to cancel/replace and notified
3. Any cables coming from the box must also be protected
4. Material is non conductive
5. Dimensions that do not interfere with the electrical equipment installed inside the cabinets
6. Functions within a temperature range of -25°C to 100°C
7. Be applicable to existing cabinets
8. Must not interfere with certification of network equipment
9. Technology readiness level (TRL) > 4
10. Comparable in cost to safety measures currently in use
11. Compliant with IEC 61439 (part 1 and 5)
12. In case batteries are used, they should guarantee 10 years lifetime
13. Support Enel’s commitment on SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) with specific emphasis on 7, 9 and 11

In addition, the following qualities are highly desired but not required:

1. Cost of solution
2. Easy to install/replace
3. Requires minimal maintenance
4. Non-interference with normal maintenance activities
5. Possible connectivity to database / remote monitoring

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The submitted proposal should contain two parts:

1. Collaboration Proposal including:
   1. A description of the proposed system with an explanation of how the Solver proposes to address all of the Solution Requirements as well as the technology readiness level (TRL) of the solution. Solvers are also highly encouraged to submit a video demonstration that summarizes the proposal. The Solver can withhold proprietary details, but should provide convincing evidence for Enel to appreciate the merits of the approach and be comfortable that the solution can work effectively;
   2. A brief discussion of capabilities, facilities/equipment, and relevant expertise for executing the proposed solution. The Solver should explain what they can provide and what might be required of the Seeker. For example: “I can construct a prototype, but I would need the Seeker to help with scale up and distribution”;
   3. An overview of the proposed path forward (materials, deliverables, timelines, cost estimates).
2. General Information about the Solver including:
   1. The key contact person for this Challenge (including phone number and email address). 
3. Organization/Company/University name and address (including website, if available) (NOTE: For most Challenges, Solvers are not allowed to include personal contact information; however, for an eRFP Challenge, it is required.)

[NOTE: Only proposals from Solvers who have the ability to work as a collaboration partner will be considered.]

Challenge rules

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge; the Solver will need to submit a written proposal and/or video (highly preferred) to be evaluated by the Seeker with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (Central European Time) on July 15, 2019. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

Specific regulation in the CSA attached

What happens next?

Enel will evaluate the proposal using the following criteria:

• Overall scientific and technical feasibility of the proposed solution;
• Economic potential of concept (e.g. Total Cost of Ownership);
• Business potential for Enel;
• Novelty and creativity;
• Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the technology novel or protectable);
• User’s capabilities and related experience;
• Realism of the proposed solution;
• Maturity level of the proposal.

In case the reward includes “Collaboration with Enel”, once suitable solution/s have been identified, Enel will reserve the opportunity to start a collaboration, by way of example, all or part of the following activities:

• Test execution;
• Supply of prototypes (if an equipment);
• Installation and site tests;
• Follow up and monitoring of the proposed idea behavior.

Upon completion of the evaluation, you will receive feedback.

In case of success, an Enel contact person will get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.

ABOUT INNOCENTIVE

InnoCentive collaborates with Enel to manage this challenge.

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.