On Tuesday (September 8th), TBG chose three companies as the winners of the Energy Hub Connection Business Round. They presented solutions that brought together a mix of technological innovations to meet the challenges of inspecting the gas pumping stations (Ecomps) along the company's pipeline. The chosen companies were Algr and Simex, both from Rio de Janeiro, and GTI, from Paraná.

Algr presented a project that applies the Sensor Fusion concept, incorporating software, hardware, computer vision and machine learning when carrying out inspections. Simex has a solution that uses a network of minicomputers connected to webcams and meters using distributed intelligence. Meanwhile, GTI has developed a Digital Monitoring Platform that gathers, processes, controls and manages the information collected from the Ecomps.

The expected results following implementation of the projects are: gains in productivity and speed of response; reduction of the movement of people within the classified areas of the pumping stations (Ecomps); enhancement of Ecomps inspection through 24/7 automation (24 hours a day, seven days a week); and reduced exposure of professionals to accidents and Covid-19 related risks.

The next phases of the call to tender are: by September 30th - Development/approval of the project plan and formalizing of the agreement; by November 30th - Completion of the project; and on December 3rd - Demo Day (presentation of the results and lessons learned).

Business Round

The event, organized by the TBG in partnership with the Energy Hub SDP, was conducted 100% online and aimed to enable access to Digital Transformation solutions that would ensure the gathering and analysis of information from the gas pumping stations, to assist decision making with regard to the maintenance, safety and operation of the company's gas pipeline.

In all, a total of 33 startups from all over the country signed up for the business round competition. Of those, 10 (ten) were selected for the final. They presented projects for technological solutions capable of maintaining the operational integrity of the pipeline by applying disruptive digital technologies, that is to say, that break away from the established standards, models or technologies of the market, using expedients such as devices, sensors, the internet of things (IoT) and robotic systems, in order to contribute to the TBG's ongoing digital transformation.

Energy Hub SDP - This is the largest private sector energy hub in Latin America, conceived by the Sai do Papel accelerator, which seeks to connect the agents within the ecosystem: companies, associations, academia, universities, suppliers, startups, investors, mentors, development bodies and service providers, among other participants in the energy chain (oil and gas, electricity and renewable energy).