Projects > Controls

Central Artery

Project Description:

SPEC has successfully completed the first phase of this ongoing project with the commissioning of the ventilation fan control system for the northbound Liberty Tunnel of downtown Boston’s “Big Dig” project.

The ongoing work involves the installation and commissioning of the Control System for the Southbound Tunnel, scheduled for opening in the spring of 2004.

The engineering firm, Jacobs / Sverdrup Engineering provided schematic design. SPEC provided detailed design with hardware provided by Square D / Modicon to meet the project specifications. SPEC developed the PLC code in compliance with IEC – 1131.1 to create reusable function blocks. This approach reduced the amount of software development time and made the Factory Acceptance and Site Acceptance Testing predictable and manageable.

The control system monitors traffic and life safety conditions and adjusts the amount of supply air to meet specific real time conditions within the tunnel network, via VFD’s. Monitoring of fan bearing temperature and vibration insure that each system is maintained in good working order. SPEC developed the Operator Interface Screens shown below using Intellution FIX HMI Package.
   

Typical Centrifugal Exhaust Fan HMI Screen

   
Typical Jet Fan HMI Screen

   
The Jet Fans used in this project are strategically placed within the Tunnel System to quickly evacuate Smoke and Carbon Monoxide should a critical level be reached. All systems report to the Operations Control Center so that Exhaust and Jet Fan speeds can be optimally tuned to match traffic flow conditions.

Engage SPEC in your Controls Project

Related Projects: