Introduction
We have previously introduced Nyx Hemera Technologies’ Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP), which includes technical support, an annual on-site inspection, software updates, and an annual report. Now, in addition to these services, Nyx Hemera Technologies offers remote monitoring, already deployed at our TLACS-equipped clients.
1. The Need
To meet the growing demands of our clients looking to enhance maintenance and strengthen monitoring to optimize their lighting system investments, Nyx Hemera Technologies has expanded its preventive maintenance offering. We now customize this service by integrating remote monitoring by our technical team.
2. The Service Offered
To enable real-time remote monitoring of the system and in-depth analysis, clients must grant us remote access to their system. For clients who do not already have a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, its installation is imperative.
Nyx now provides regular automated monitoring of the lighting system, tailored to the system’s condition and its components. In case of failure, both the client and Nyx Hemera Technologies receive email alerts with key indicators. Our team can then collaborate with the client on diagnosis and corrective measures.
3. The Report
System status reports are sent to clients monthly, but the frequency can be adapted to their specific needs. Each new PMP contract begins with software updates, followed by in-depth analysis of system operational data. This allows us to make recommendations for optimizing the lighting system, including maintenance of luminaires, LED drivers, LPCs, and other improvement suggestions.
The report includes:
- A summary of actions needed to improve the system or address anomalies.
- The overall tunnel status with data such as date, control status, photometer status, and ping cycle time.
3. Equipment status (excluding LPCs)
4. LPCs Status
Each faulty LPC is identified, and in case of issues, analysis pathways are proposed. For example :
- A luminaire is always ON :
- It could be a configuration issue
- The LPC might be defective
- Signal quality on the power line carrier may be affected by noise or low impedance
- A luminaire remains OFF
- It could be a luminaire failure
- The LPC might be defective
5. List of Action Items
Verification and repair actions are then listed on an action item list, to be completed either by the client or by Nyx Hemera Technologies.
6. Support Cases
Technical support cases (other than maintenance) are identified and recorded in a tracking table including support number, RMA number, description, and status.
7. Conclusion
The conclusion highlights priorities and summarizes actions to be taken of the report.
4. Nyx Hemera Technologies Site Visits
Site Visits PMP contracts typically include an annual on-site visit, but additional visits can be requested by some clients, whether for major maintenance operations, staff training, or the gradual replacement of first-generation LPCs with LPC480 (see article on interoperability at https://www.nyx-hemera.com/en/2023/03/06/tlacs-u-the-integrated-solution-for-small-tunnels-and-underpasses/)
Conclusion
The stability of TLACS does not require continuous monitoring, and the lighting system can continue to operate optimally even in the presence of minor failures or equipment breakdowns. This has led some users to neglect monitoring, intervening only when operational problems arise, either because no one is specifically assigned to this task or because the tunnel operator lacks the necessary trained personnel to ensure adequate tunnel supervision.
Continuous monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure equipment redundancy is maintained and to reduce the risk of major failures. An unmaintained system increases the risk of major failures that can lead to tunnel closure, user complaints, and an increased risk of accidents.
In addition to detecting intermittent issues, the preventive maintenance service (PMP) offered by Nyx Hemera Technologies maintains a system that offers the following advantages:
- Increased safety.
- Optimal operational efficiency.
- More efficient energy management.
- Preservation of the investment made in the lighting system.
- Reduction of unplanned interventions that may disrupt traffic or lead to tunnel closure.
- Increased user satisfaction.
Entrusting the operation of the lighting control system to specialists is probably the best long-term investment a tunnel operator can make to ensure the continuous safety and performance of their infrastructure.
