Nyx Hemera releases new version of TLACS system 04 Oct 2016

Canada-based tunnel lighting specialist Nyx Hemera releases a new advanced version of its acclaimed Tunnel Lighting Addressable Control System (TLACS).

Fig 1. TLACS intelligent light control helps combat the black hole effect at tunnel entrances and exits

Part of the Nyx Hemera TLACS intelligent light control system, the new Advanced 480 VAC version of the company’s Local Product Controller (LPC) has been specifically designed for road tunnel LED lighting. Aimed to fit into LED luminaires for tunnels of all types, it is the smallest local controller available on the market. In addition, and mindful of the fact that most of the tunnels in North America operate in 277–480 VAC, the new LPC 480 has a power range from 120–480 VAC for seamless integration.

As with the previous version, the LPC 480 controls the On/Off and dimming of the luminaire using advanced power line communication or twisted pair cables. The new version has an integrated filter to improve communication, as well as offering integrated analog/digital inputs and an RS-485 communication port. It complies with all CSA/UL/CE regulations.

Pierre Longtin, President of Nyx Hemera Technologies, said: ”Thanks to all of its new features, the LPC 480 helps to improve a lighting system’s lifecycle by monitoring and controlling the internal luminaire temperature.”

He added: “Operators can also benefit from the monitoring of the electrical parameters sent to the network controller for real-time diagnostics of the lighting system. It is the most technologically advanced lighting controller for the road tunnel industry.”

The TLACS system manages the lighting stages of a tunnel’s luminaires to reduce the “black hole” effect at the entrances and provide a smooth transition to daylight at the exits (Fig 1). The system comprises a luminance camera (LCAM), a network controller (NWC), and local product controllers (LPC).

Nyx Hemera TLACS fitted to the four tunnels of the Presidio Parkway

The main benefits of the TLACS for tunnel operators include significant energy savings, a reduction in operational costs, and increased security. The system allows for individual addressing of each luminaire, which helps to adjust brightness in tunnel entrances according to exterior lighting. TLACS also features a preventive maintenance program, which generates complete diagnostics, such as the age of each luminaire. The system is marketed worldwide by Nyx Hemera Technol for both tunnel refurbishing projects as well as new developments.

The TLACS system is fitted in numerous tunnels throughout the Americas and worldwide, including the recently-opened four tunnels of the Presidio Parkway in San Francisco, California; the Mitchell Interchange tunnels in Milwaukee; the Carlin Tunnel in Nevada; the Joseph Samson Tunnel in Quebec; and in the tunnels of the Marina Coastal Expressway in Singapore. The company is also looking to tap into the tunnel construction boom in Colombia and is currently carrying out a groundbreaking study on tunnel lighting in the country.