Smart lighting for Tamoios Tunnel
Smart tunnel lighting system ensures safety for drivers with low operating costs
The Tamoios Tunnel forms a key part of the Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-099) highway in Brazil. Built to enhance safety and connectivity between the Paraíba Valley and São Paulo's northern coast, it is a vital route for tourism and the transportation of goods. The tunnel complex consists of 4 tunnels, including the T3/4 tunnel - the longest road tunnel in Brazil, spanning 5.555 km.
As the tunnel is located in a protected forest area, innovative technologies such as suspended cable systems were used to transport materials during construction. Safety in the tunnel is paramount and it is equipped with state-of-the-art systems. This is particularly important for the T3/4 tunnel, which some drivers may find challenging due to the feeling of confinement.
Smart lighting technology
Concessionária Tamoios, the tunnel operator, wanted a lighting solution that would guarantee performance for the next 20 years and more. It opted for a smart tunnel lighting solution with the powerful and energy-efficient TFLEX luminaires and a hybrid control system integrating the Advanced Tunnel Control System (ATS) and DALI. This system was jointly developed by Schréder and Phoenix Contact.
Excellent visibility for advanced safety
Almost 2,000 TFLEX COMBI and TFLEX MODULE LED luminaires were installed in a single line along the tunnel ceiling. Each luminaire is equipped with carefully selected optics to ensure optimum light distribution and provide excellent uniformity on the road and tunnel walls.
They deliver a bright white light that accurately renders colours and ensure high visual comfort for drivers, improving safety and creating a more pleasant driving experience.
Tunnel entrance lighting for a smooth driving experience
TFLEX MODULE luminaires were strategically installed alongside the TFLEX COMBI luminaires at the entrances to all four tunnels to reinforce the lighting and avoid the 'black hole effect'. This ensures that drivers entering the tunnel have a clear view and experience no discomfort in the critical entrance zone.
Low energy and maintenance costs
The highly efficient TFLEX luminaires are fitted with the latest generation of LEDs to deliver a high-quality light with significantly less energy. Thanks to the long life of the LEDs and the robust luminaire design (IP 66/IK 09), the luminaires will continue to deliver this high performance for many years despite the harsh tunnel environment and will require minimal maintenance.
Smart control to meet real needs
The TFLEX luminaires are controlled by the ATS, which guarantees a luminance level that meets drivers' needs in real time, ensuring their safety.
Depending on the time of day or night, the speed of traffic or the amount of natural daylight, the system adjusts the light levels of the luminaires to comply with Brazilian lighting standards and maximise user safety. By adapting the light levels to what is absolutely necessary, the lighting installation consumes less energy to reduce costs.
The lighting system integrates the SCADA platform that manages all the electromechanical equipment in the road tunnel network so that it can be managed and monitored 24 hours a day from a control room by Concessionária Tamoios. An intuitive interface allows tunnel operators to quickly adjust the lighting in the event of an emergency or accident.
The ATS also enables Concessionária Tamoios to plan lighting maintenance more effectively, as each luminaire feeds back information on its status to the system. Any potential failures are reported instantly, optimising operational efficiencies as technicians will know what to expect if called out.
Based on an open protocol, the ATS can also interact with other tunnel equipment such as fire detection devices or traffic management systems to programme responsive safety scenarios.
A modern tunnel that performs for all
The smart lighting system has created a safe, comfortable and sustainable tunnel for many years to come by:
- enhancing safety and the driving experience for motorists;
- ensuring smooth traffic flow on this busy highway;
- increasing operational performance and minimising disruptions;
- reducing energy and maintenance costs.
We are delighted to have worked with Concessionária Tamoios on this project, delivering a much-improved service for commuters with low operating costs.
