Beneath the streets: cutting-edge fire detection in the Škoda metros, Sofia - Bulgaria
Pioneering stand-alone fire detection architecture for critical urban passanger transit
Beneath the streets: cutting-edge fire detection in the Škoda metros, Sofia - Bulgaria
Pioneering stand-alone fire detection architecture for critical urban passanger transit
Transportation
ŠKODA Group
Plzeň Czech Republic
The
Škoda Sofia metro trains are designed to transport up to 762 passengers per
vehicle. Ensuring the rapid and safe evacuation of passengers in the event of a fire, while simultaneously preventing disruptions from false alarms, is a paramount safety concern. In anticipation of their operation starting in 2026, the Sofia metro operator, Metropoliten EAD, was looking for a reliable fire safety solution that:
meets SIL2 requirements,
is stand-alone,
is a plug-and-play solution,
guarantees durability and reliability,
meets the highest quality standards and uses V0 material.
The stand-alone fire detectors made from V0 material are connected via digital inputs (dry contacts provided by the detector) directly to the existing Train Control and Management System (TCMS). This approach requires the existing control system to provide the necessary number of digital inputs, which depends on the overall concept and the quantity of installed detectors.
Customers benefit from
a significantly streamlined and highly
reliable (SIL2) fire detection system. Its stand-alone design means
detectors integrate directly with the TCMS, eliminating the need for an extra fire control panel (PLC) and making it a cost-efficient choice. This simplifies installation,
reduces potential failure points. The flexible detection concept, with various sensor
options and redundancy, ensures continuous, high-availability protection that
easily adapts to diverse operational contexts. This optimized approach
contributes to operational efficiency and champions greater sustainability.
In
summary, this solution delivers a robust, efficient, and adaptable fire safety
architecture, ensuring continuous protection, operational excellence, and a
commitment to a greener future for Sofia's metro.
