One of the key elements for the functioning of all newly constructed metro stations is the entire constructed network of automated systems for monitoring and control of the highest class.

They guarantee the continuous and automatic data sending and gathering with information of the actual state in each one separate node, data analysis and processing, as well as archiving, storage and visualization in real time. Each one of the systems has three levels of control, and an option for performing a remote computer connection is made possible for remote control from Central Dispatching Centre, from Station Control Room, and meanwhile, in need, the operation staff teams can also use a local control mode with the purpose of providing maximum security level. Regardless of the automatic control of each one of the systems, protections at low level also exist, which can trip any given element of the systems for safety reasons and protection both the facilities and the people that operate them.

Part of the constructed network are the systems at the Traction Power Substations along the route of the metro, which are based on PROFIBUS communication with Siemens technology. They provide an uninterruptible power supply of the auxiliary electric loads of each metro station and the current supply of contact rail for providing the traction power of the trains in the separate sections. The auxiliary loads include the sanitary technical facilities, the control of which is made by a series of controllers of high level of SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC with the most modern communication systems LAN and MODBUS and an option for remote architecture. The system is entirely redundant with ring structure at local level, using an active MOXA equipment. This provides for smooth operation of all elements in the network, even when a conflict, collision or connection failure occurs at a given device.

The system for transport automation for control and monitoring of all trains is also included as part of the entire network for unified control, as well as the relevant automation on dispatchers’ part, including information about velocity, position, radio link, routing etc. along the entire route. The unified network for control and monitoring is constructed along the entire route of the metro based on a double optical ring with active equipment of OTN (Open Transport Network) type of the Belgian world leader on the market. Similar modules are installed and interconnected at each metro station and in the Central Dispatching Center and they serve for transfer of all control, monitoring and actuating systems. The implemented OTN equipment of the X3N10G is the first and only by its kind system in Europe and it is constructed by the model of the most modern transport networks, such as the metro in Shanghai, USA and the oil pipelines in the Republic of South Africa.

All systems shown are functioning in a common network at seven of the metro stations of second metro diameter, and the new routes of first metro diameter, while monitoring and control of station and tunnel lighting and ventilation, dewatering pumping stations, as well as the automatic fare collection system are included to them. The technical construction of the entire engineering, as well as the design of all metro stations along the second metro diameter are performed by the teams of Start Engineering JSC with observed deadlines and based on the best world practices in the field of introduction, monitoring and control of electrical equipment and automation. Start Engineering JSC has received a high estimation for the well accomplished work by Metropoliten EAD and by all leading engineering and construction companies, having participated in the construction of the Sofia Metro.