Stable operation of lighting, ventilation fans, and communication
Tunnel installations require UPS solutions that can handle long cable runs, high short-circuit capacity, and demanding loads. Lighting, ventilation fans, and communication systems must operate during power outages to ensure traffic safety and emergency preparedness. The systems must deliver stable voltage, fast response, and runtime that meet requirements for both safety and emergency response.
Typical setup for road and tunnel
A typical setup includes:
- Sentryum S3T I2T
- Emergency network UPS (SDH, SDU, SEP)
- Protection and selectivity solutions dimensioned for long distances
- Documentation in FEBdok
- Configuration adapted for 1 hour of operation + emergency response
- Configuration adapted for emergency networks with up to 8 hours of operation
This ensures reliable operation along the entire tunnel section.
Sentryum S3T I2T
Sentryum S3T I2T is developed through collaboration between Anda-Olsen and Riello and adapted for road and tunnel installations. The solution handles harsh operating conditions, high inrush currents, and energy peaks that occur in long cable runs.
Advantages:
- Optimized for cable runs that may exceed several hundred meters
- High short-circuit capacity that withstands large fault currents
- Robust static switch capable of handling high let-through energy
- Stable voltage during large load variations, for example ventilation fans
UPS requirements in tunnels
Tunnel installations have clear performance requirements:
- Runtime
- The UPS must deliver 1 hour of runtime + capacity for emergency response. This applies to lighting, ventilation, and control systems.
Emergency network UPS for 8 hours of operation supplying critical communication equipment.
- Tolerance for cable runs
- The UPS must deliver stable short-circuit levels even with long cable runs.
- System stability during faults
- Requirement that the installation maintains operation in critical zones during local faults.
Elimination of damping transformer
Sentryum S3T I2T eliminates the need for a damping transformer in many tunnel installations.
Advantages:
- Higher efficiency
- Lower energy losses
- Smaller physical footprint
- Lower total cost
- Fewer components to engineer
- Simpler installation and cabling
- Better efficiency across the entire system
This results in a simpler and more reliable setup.
Selectivity and FEBdok
Selectivity is critical in tunnel installations. Operation must continue even if a minor component fails.
Advantages:
- Secure power supply with correct selectivity in protection devices.
- Avoids small faults disconnecting larger parts of the installation
- Simplifies calculations and dimensioning in FEBdok
- Better control of cable networks with long distances
This provides a robust installation with correct fault handling.
Cost savings
Road and tunnel projects have tight budgets. Sentryum S3T I2T provides:
- High efficiency
- Reduced energy losses
- No need for a damping transformer in many cases
- Fewer units in each section
- Reduced space requirements
- Lower installation costs
- Simpler service and maintenance
This delivers strong overall economics in installations with long distances and extended technical rooms.
Emergency network UPS
Communication equipment in tunnels requires a dedicated UPS solution. SDH, SDU, and SEP are used for emergency networks.
Features:
- 8 hours of runtime
- Supplies antennas, repeaters, and radio systems
This ensures that communication remains operational throughout the entire incident.
Takeaway
Road and tunnel installations require UPS solutions that can withstand long distances, large load variations, and high short-circuit currents. Sentryum S3T I2T is designed for such conditions and delivers high efficiency without the need for a damping transformer. Emergency network UPS ensures communication for 8 hours. The solution provides safe operation, proper selectivity, and lower total cost over the entire lifecycle.
