Tunnels

SITRAFFIC ITCC, the new International Tunnel Control Center, is a competitive international platform with standard interfaces. It helps to maximize local value addition – and to implement local standards much more cost-effectively.
SITAFFIC ITCC merges all information, including the guidance and control system for traffic plus illumination, ventilation, energy supply, fire alarm, emissions measurement, and emergency call system data. These elements form the basis for strategy-based and event-based tunnel management, enable safe traffic guidance, and provide a high level of overall safety.
ITCC is highly standardized:  it is based on proven SCADA technology and uses Microsoft or Linux as its operating system. Its modular structure means that the new tunnel control center can be expanded at any time, in any direction. Therefore, it retains its value for the long term without the need for expensive initial over-dimensioning. SITRAFFIC ITCC has a second server that keeps running in "hot standby" mode. If the active server is experiencing problems, operations are switched to the auxiliary server automatically. This redundant design ensures maximum availability.

The SST4 roadside controller family is based on the existing TLS 2002, and comes pre-equipped to meet the requirements of the German Highway Research Institute (BASt). The future-proof PC104 standard, numerous communication interfaces, and the easy-to-maintain design are furnished as standard equipment. The SST4 offers plenty of room for expansion for elements such as GPRS, Ethernet, up to 20 loop detectors, FSK modem, and USV.

The SST4-XS is the "light" version – perfect for simpler applications such as a data collection tool, Inselbus communication computer, speed warning system, input/output concentrator, and more.

By using different installation frames with selected components, it is easy to create project-specific solutions tailored to the needs of the individual client – whether this involves the installation of the components into existing cabinets or into WMS (Variable Message Sign) housings, receded detector stations with solar power, or license-free radio connection.

Sensors take important measurements that provide
data on the air quality, luminance, traffic volume
and visibility in a tunnel – essential information
for a smooth, safe flow of traffic. Siemens offers
a wide range of sensors that deliver precise,
up-to-the-second data from tunnels:

• Carbon monoxide measurement
  CO is measured using an infrared beam. Since CO blocks certain wavelengths, this enables determination of the concentration of CO.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
  More and more cars are equipped with catalytic converters. These reduce the CO content of the exhaust, and consequently, the importance of nitrogen dioxide measurement is steadily increasing.
• Smoke, fumes (light opacity)
  Visibility is measured along with the CO.
• Wind speed
  Air velocity is measured in the middle of the tunnel. The transit time of ultrasonic pulses is used to calculate wind speed. The resulting value is a cross-sectional mean value of wind speed, and is therefore insensitive to variations.
• Brightness
  Brightness is measured in order to control the lighting based on ambient conditions. Measurements are taken outside the tunnel.
• Fire Detection
  The fiberglass technology of linear, thermal fire detection provides enables early detection of fires while preventing false alarms. Due to its unique signal processing, the fire alarm cable also provides valuable information for controlling the alarm and operation systems.
• Loop Detectors
  Loop detectors provide all necessary statistical data. They classify vehicles into classes (up to 8+1). All loops are doubled – to determine not only the number and type of vehicles, but also their speed and direction.
• Above Ground Detectors (AGD)
  AGDs can be installed instead of loop detectors to provide the same types of data. Due to recent developments, AGDs are almost as accurate as loop detectors, yet are considerably faster to install.
• Overheight Detection (OHD)
  Optical OHD works with infrared beams, which are interrupted by overheight vehicles. Sensors are always installed in pairs to minimize false alarms. Each unit contains one transmitter and one receiver. The units are equipped with heated lenses; they are also weatherproof and dust-proof. They reliably detect obstructions up to speeds of 100km/h. The maximum distance these detectors can cover is 100m.
• Automatic Incident Detection (AID)
  Cameras are placed every 100 m. Incidents are detected automatically, relieving the operator of continuous monitoring. Once an incident is detected, an alarm is sounded and the operator is notified. The camera output is displayed on a screen in the control center for visual assessment by the operator, who can then initiate the proper response.

Actuators respond to changes in conditions within
a tunnel – either automatically or manually. For
example, lighting plays an important role in the
flow of traffic (and thereby in the safety of motor-
ists, passengers, and freight). Siemens offers intelligent
lighting, along with a wide range of actuators for
many applications:

• Lighting
  The level of lighting must adapt to the changing ambient light at the tunnel entrance, and should neither dazzle drivers inside the tunnel nor allow the entrance to appear as a black hole.
• Ventilation
  The ventilation system provides fresh air in the tunnel and compensates for exhaust gases. The capacity of the ventilation system must be sufficient to supply enough air when the vehicles in the tunnel are stationary. In the event of a fire, the ventilation system removes smoke and poisonous views.
• Variable Message Signs, Speed Limit Signs
  Variable message and speed limit signs (VMS and SLS) use LEDs to display text information or traffic symbols. The LED elements are monitored by their control unit to prevent disrupted, illegible, or contradictory displays. An optional hardware lockout can also be installed.
• Lane Control Signs (LCS)
  Lane Control Signs use LEDs to display lane signals with arrows. The signals are monitored to prevent unsafe signaling states. An optional hardware lockout can also be installed.
• Traffic Lights
  LED traffic lights are located at each tunnel entrance. They are activated automatically if an overheight vehicle triggers the detector or if another type of incident requires a response. The traffic lights can be operated manually in addition to automatic activation.
• Barriers
  Barriers are optional additions to ensure that no more vehicles can enter the tunnel. Barriers can be either hydraulically or electrically driven.
• Lane Lights
  LED lane lights are set into the roadway surface, and can be used either for dynamic lane assignment or static shoulder marking.