The patent-pending Transformer Protection Barrier is designed to protect substations from threats such as bullets, vehicles laden with explosives and tornado-strength winds.
The development follows the launch of new standards for physical security of critical substations by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as result of 2013 attack on a substation in California.
INL defense systems materials technology and physical analysis department head Chad Landon said: “We are trying to be proactive and provide solutions to threats when they emerge.
“Based on the 2013 incident and similar situations, we decided to come up with a solution.”
The new barriers system is also part of the lab’s aim to protect nation’s critical infrastructure including the grid, while making them more reliable, safe and resilient.
Designed by INL Armor Technical lead Henry Chu, the prototype ballistic barrier system is robust enough to protect transformers from high-powered rounds of ammunition.
Each of the barrier unit, which costs less than $36,000 to build, feature an A-shaped frame; two armor cassettes that slide into the frame; and an optional armor extension. The armored pieces are constructed using low-cost metal materials.
Multiple units can be integrated in order to provide complete ballistic protection against a variety of threats.
Landon added: “The unit will withstand 50-caliber rounds — the standard will probably not require this level of protection.”
Weighing about 6,000 pounds, the systems can be assembled on-site with simple tools, forklifts or lifting cranes.
Image: Illustration of the new Transformer Protection Barrier for substations. Photo: courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory/ U. S. Department of Energy.
