Power supply and distribution in a tunnel Tunnels are home to a variety of applications that need to be supplied with power in a high-availability configuration. Particularly critical subsections, such as ventilation and lighting, must continue to work even in emergency situations, for example during severe fires.

Protection technology in a tunnel application

The challenge


Test situation, tunnel protective device

Avoid failures in tunnels by using high-availability grid monitoring and protection controllers

Ensure a consistently high level of availability for your system and avoid unplanned failures. Robust components and redundant network structures ensure high availability. Phoenix Contact provides you with comprehensive protection across all levels of the power supply: IT security and encrypted data transfer to the higher-level supervisory control rooms, reinforced connections to the power distribution network, and comprehensive protection for the field level. Communication in accordance with IEC 60870-5-101/103/104 or IEC 61850 and the redundant Ethernet connections via RSTP/HSR/PRP enable interference-free parallel operation.

Solution


TAP box (Tunnel Application Power)
Managed switches for IEC 61850
COMPLETE line power control cabinet
TAP box (Tunnel Application Power)

The TAP boxes (Tunnel Application Power) from Phoenix Contact have been specially developed for safe, fireproof, and simple power distribution in tunnels. Starting from the main distribution, the TAP box supplies power to your individual tunnel applications, such as the lighting and evacuation systems.

This protects the main distribution from short circuits. Extremely high functional integrity means ongoing availability is guaranteed even in emergencies.

Managed switches for IEC 61850

Tunnel structures are home to a variety of electrical systems that need to be supplied with power in a high-availability configuration. At the same time, the tunnels themselves are major loads in the distribution grid.

Phoenix Contact provides special network switches for power plants which enable gigabit data transfer to the supervisory control rooms of power providers in accordance with IEC 61850 and IEEE 1613.

COMPLETE line power control cabinet

Grid faults in tunnels can cause considerable damage and pose a major danger. Our protective and control devices protect your systems inside tunnels. The compact designs pack a huge number of features into a small space, including protective functions, power circuit control, electrical parameter measurements, and the logging of incidents and grid disturbances.

We support you every step of the way, from grid analysis and device installation all the way to training and maintenance.

Interactive image map: high-availability networks in the tunnel
Industrial routers for remote maintenance and cybersecurity
Our robust industrial routers connect various networks via cable (LAN router and NAT router) or cellular communication (2G/3G/4G/5G) for the remote maintenance and protection of your local network. A large number of products feature integrated VPN and firewall functions. For a high level of security, the mGuard routers protect against cyberattacks and malware.
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Industrial routers for remote maintenance and cybersecurity
Industrial Ethernet switches
Our portfolio of Industrial Ethernet switches includes managed and unmanaged switches with Gigabit, PoE, IEC 61850 certification, and for DIN rail mounting. This gives you the flexibility to build powerful and secure networks, even in harsh environments: copper and FO ports, as well as redundancy functions, enable the flexible networking of your systems and the easy segmentation of your industrial network.
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Industrial Ethernet switches
Protective and control devices
Our comprehensive portfolio of protection technology enables reliable grid availability in the voltage ranges of 10 kV to 110 kV. The protective and control devices can be used in, for example, single and double busbar applications, as well as radial, looped, and meshed grids. They can also be used in insulated, compensated, rigid, and low-resistance grounded grids.
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Protective and control devices
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Secure remote access in tunnel mode

Secure network and control infrastructures with high-level availability ensure you can lay the foundation for reliable tunnel operation. We support you with high-performance products for fiber optics, copper, and wireless.

Our solutions for redundant network structures meet all the necessary safety and bandwidth requirements for secure and error-free access from the traffic control room. The respective redundancy levels ensure seamless data transmission for all tunnel applications. So, even in the event of partial failures, for example because of defective devices or connections, relevant protocols can be forwarded in real time. Our IEC 62443-certified consulting services and the use of modern encryption standards safeguard your data.

Learn in our white paper how to assure maximum security during remote access to your systems and protect yourself against cyberattacks and malware.

Your advantages

  • Quick and easy assembly generates time savings of up to 80% when installing the power distribution system
  • Extensive investment security with compatible products in accordance with IEC 61850 and IEEE network standards
  • Long product life even in harsh ambient conditions with robust designs

Contact

Your contact person: Christophe Steppe
Christophe Steppe
Global Industry Manager Tunnel Infrastructure
I would be happy to consult with you on your modernization or extension projects. Benefit from our long-standing experience and extensive range of services.

Products


Person using a tablet in front of a control cabinet

Still haven’t found the right product?

Feel free to contact us. We will consult with you to find the ideal solution together.