The Panama Metro rapid transit system links the north and east sides of Panama City metropolitan area to the city center and is part of a master plan to improve transportation in the region. Line 1 of the metro opened in 2014. Construction on the second phase began in 2015, and Line 2 opened in April 2019. With a design capacity of 40,000 passengers per direction per hour, Line 2 serves 16 stations over an elevated 21-kilometer route. Each metro station has air-conditioning, video surveillance, passenger information systems, wheelchair accessibility, and fire safety and electronic ticketing systems. The master plan for the Panama Metro includes construction of three further metro lines and a tram by 2035.
Authorized Dealer COPANAC installed a Reliable Controls building automation system to control both Reliable Controls and third-party BACnet components for Panama Metro Line 2 stations.
In the network and special equipment rooms at each station, a MACH-ProWebCom connects via MS/TP to Reliable Controls devices and a third-party air-conditioning unit. The MACH-ProWebCom combines a BACnet Building Controller, BACnet Operator Workstation, and powerful web server in a single device that provides operators with the ability to access the entire building automation system over the internet. In administrative areas, a BACnet gateway allows Reliable Controls system integration using BACnet/IP.
MACH-ProZone controllers connected via BACnet control mechanical ventilation and exhaust equipment. COPANAC also installed MACH-Pro1 and MACH-Pro2 controllers at select stations to control the speed of ventilation fans based on zone temperature and to monitor associated fire dampers. MACH-ProPoint expansion modules help facility managers track the status of fire curtains and alarms from ancillary equipment.
One of the major challenges of the project was SCADA integration. COPANAC installed a custom Modbus TCP/IP network that allows communication between all Reliable Controls devices and the SCADA system.
The Panama Metro provides a vital service in Panama City, a regional hub of culture, commerce, and tourism. COPANAC and Reliable Controls are pleased to be part of it.
Feb 2020
1,198 m2 (12,896 ft2)
Liebert DataMate, LG ACP gateway