Tunnels Control

Control solution for tunnel subsystems

With over 40 years of experience in the industrial automation market, Altus offers a wide range of products and technological solutions developed to optimize processes in various industrial and infrastructure segments. Among its notable applications is the modernization of the control system for road tunnels located on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul.

Modernization of the tunnel automation system

The project, developed and implemented by SNEF Brasil, a company that integrates projects and solutions technological, involved the modernization of the tunnel’s automation, communication, control and supervision system, which was obsolete, presented slowness and several operational problems, such as lack of signaling, false alarms and, in some cases, activation failures. As it is a vital resource for mobility of the local road network, the system was replaced while the tunnel was in operation. This availability required that all stages of the project had to occur in a planned and organized manner, avoiding the unavailability of critical systems such as fire fighting, cameras and sound systems.
Agility

Agility

Real-time data transmission to CPTM's Supervisory Station

Operational Efficiency

Operational Efficiency

The system allows operators to send commands directly from the HMI located at the CPTM station

Maintenance Simplified

Maintenance Simplified

Streamlined maintenance processes with built-in diagnostics and integrated equipment

High Availability

High Availability

Redundant systems ensure greater reliability and uninterrupted operations

High-availability solution with Nexto PLC

High-availability solution with Nexto PLC

With availability being a fundamental factor in the process, the applied architecture was developed using the NX Series of programmable logic controllers as its centerpiece. With high processing capacity, network redundancy, tropicalized construction, and hot-swapping capabilities, the Nexto family of PLCs were chosen as the central component of the application, maximizing system availability.

The architecture features a redundant, high-availability communication network controlled by two racks, each with an NX3030 CPU and various communication modules. The control units operate in hot standby mode, where one CPU manages the system while the other remains on standby, constantly monitoring the primary CPU for any failures.

Integrated systems and subsystems architecture

Integrated systems and subsystems architecture

The solution includes 22 field remote racks and Nexto I/O units, responsible for data collection and device control within the network. The system is supported by industrial switches configured in a ring network, ensuring uninterrupted communication between the CPU and the field remotes, even if one switch fails.

In this configuration, Altus equipment interfaces with generators, UPS systems, visibility sensors, CO2 and NOx sensors, soft starters, energy meters, and power factor controllers. Communication with these devices, which span various technologies, is managed using MODBUS RTU over Serial and MODBUS TCP/IP over Ethernet. These devices are part of the tunnel’s critical electrical, ventilation, and safety systems, ensuring continuous operation.

Enhanced safety and reliability with Altus technology

Enhanced safety and reliability with Altus technology

Felipe Moreira, an electrical engineer at SNEF, explained that after the system upgrade, the concessionaire managing the project reported a significant improvement in the speed of monitoring and control. With the new solution, system update times that previously ranged from 20 to 30 seconds in some processes became instantaneous.

Today, the client operates the tunnel confidently and securely, with maintenance staff properly trained to ensure system availability. In addition to the advanced technology embedded in our PLCs, the technical support provided by Altus’ sales and support teams was a key factor in the company being chosen for this project. "We considered Altus from the beginning, as it's a Brazilian company with a highly skilled technical team ready to assist us with any challenges," said Felipe. Another key advantage noted by the client was the availability of replacement equipment, which Altus can quickly provide.