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1
Tunnel Ventilation Overview – Introduction

Topics covered in this session

Metros, Rail and Road Tunnels

• Why ventilate
• What determines the ventilation rate - Metro & Rail
• Pressure pulse, blade stress
• Mitigation
• Equipment and plantroom layout
• Road Tunnel ventilation methods
• What determines the ventilation rate – Roads
• Product range
• Routine tests and FAT’s

2
METRO & RAIL VENTILATION
ROAD VENTILATION
The Objective

Solutions must adhere to strict

• SAFEGUARD PEOPLE IN TUNNELS regulations and conform to
• VENTILATE TUNNELS & PLANT ROOMS energy efficiency requirements

HEAT
REMOVAL

AIR COMFORT FIRE SMOKE

CONTROL
POLLUTION
VENTILATION
Environmental Control Pollution Control Smoke Extraction

5
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Ventilation rate can depend on:

• Design specialised and can be complex

• Movement of trains can self ventilate
• General problem with air movement from train - often fans required to operate
above normal design pressure
• All heat inputs removed, e.g. power, people
• Remove heat from brakes and air conditioning (from train and station)
• Trains and/or stations can be air conditioned
• Supply and extract from tunnels

6
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Ventilation rate can depend on:

• Longitudinal system - Jet or Large Fans, fans 100% Reversible

• Complicated by length of train, cannot isolate fire
• High velocities could be required as fire size large, high velocities cause mixing
• Need to keep smoke clear from the escape route
• Design fire size
• Diesel smoke or smoke/fire control or to ensure flow past engine
• Fans rated for 250ºC to 400ºC for 2 hours

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Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

• Variations in system resistance caused by pressure changes associated

with the movement of trains through the tunnel system

• A typical value for Pressure Pulse is 300Pa, but when platforms have
screen doors and/or tight clearances this Pressure Pulse can reach up to
+/- 700Pa

India = 300 Pa
Dubai = 500 Pa
Singapore = 700Pa

• Integrated Solutions for operating fans under these challenging conditions

8
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

• Variations in system resistance caused by pressure changes

associated with the movement of trains through the tunnel system.

• A typical value for Pressure Pulse is 300Pa, but when platforms have
screen doors and/or tight clearances this Pressure Pulse can reach up
to +/- 700Pa.

India = 300 Pa
Dubai = 500 Pa
Singapore = 700Pa

• Use Fan Integrated Solutions for operating under these challenging

conditions.

9
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

• Variations in system resistance caused by pressure changes associated

with the movement of trains through the tunnel system

• A typical value for Pressure Pulse is 300Pa, but when platforms have
screen doors and/or tight clearances this Pressure Pulse can reach up to
+/- 700Pa

India = 300 Pa
Dubai = 500 Pa
Singapore = 700Pa

• Integrated Solutions for operating fans under these challenging conditions

10
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

1. High pressure pulses may cause the fan to exceed the optimum operating point and enter stall

2. In this area, high turbulences bring low efficiency, high noise level and increased fluctuating
stresses that will eventually lead to impeller blade failure

11
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation – Original Unidirectional Section

1. Axial fans should never be run in

System Forward
Characteristics Rotation
stall conditions for prolonged
duration – or repetitively – even in
55 1.1
forward only operation
50 1.0
45 0.9
Fluctuating Stress (N/mm²)

2. In this area, fluctuating stresses

Fan Static Pressure (kPa)

40 0.8
will exceed material properties that
35 0.7
will eventually lead to impeller
30 0.6
blade failure
25 0.5
20 0.4
15 0.3
10 0.2
5 0.1
0 0.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Volume Flow (m³/s)

12
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation – Original Unidirectional Section

1. Unidirectional axial fans, when

Reverse Forward
Rotation Rotation operated in reverse will
immediately stall and in certain
55 1.1
cases fluctuating stresses will
50 1.0
exceed material properties that will
45 0.9
Fluctuating Stress (N/mm²)

eventually lead to impeller blade

Fan Static Pressure (kPa)

40 0.8
failure.
35 0.7
30 0.6
2. For reversing applications – use
25 0.5
an alternative aerodynamic
20 0.4
section to overcome this problem.
15 0.3
10 0.2
3. Aerodynamic sections that are
5 0.1
mechanically safe – are
0 0.0
aerodynamically less efficient.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Volume Flow (m³/s)

13
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Unidirectional versus Truly Reversible impeller blades

Uni-directional section

100% reversible fans are designed for maximum performance and efficiency and so have truly
symmetrical reversible blade sections. They give the same performance in both the forwards and reverse
direction. However, a truly symmetrical section is less efficient overall c/w a unidirectional section –
and this is further reduced when required to operate in an emergency condition/temperature.

14
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation – Truly Reversible Section

1. Truly reversible aerodynamic sections

Direction of Direction of
Rotation Rotation overcome the mechanical
disadvantages of unidirectional
55 2.2
sections running in reverse.
50 2.0
45 1.8
Fluctuating Stress (N/mm²)

2. The compromise in aerodynamic

Fan Static Pressure (kPa)

40 1.6
efficiency is presently accepted (but
35 1.4
difficult to achieve combined overall
30 1.2
efficiency targets in some instances
25 1.0
(air-to-gas)).
20 0.8
15 0.6
3. Especially with cumulative need for HT
10 0.4
(emergency ventilation) at 250 / 300
5 0.2
and 400oC
0 0.0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Volume Flow (m³/s)

15
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Impact of Reversible fans on power/efficiency

• General rule of thumb is that you should expect a
reduction of around 5% in efficiency between a
Fan Duty 50 m3/sec @ 1800 Pa (total) optimised unidirectional section and corresponding
reversible option.

Temperature Fan Total • This may be improved using IMI configurations that
Fan Description Power
category Efficiency
have interstitial guide-vanes that can increase
Unidirectional 100% 79% efficiency in both directions.
Ambient
Reversible 110% 73%
• The most efficient systems will be a duplicate of uni-
directional installations. This will become more
common as efficiency targets increase for “normal”
operation.

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Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Tunnel Ventilation
Standard Fan with Pressure Pulse and low Tip Pitch
• Choose a fan with a non-stalling pitch
angle

• Normally lower than 16 degree tip

pitch angle

• Lower operating efficiency

17
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Tunnel Ventilation
Standard Fan with Pressure Pulse
• Ideal situation where the main
operating point and both positive and
negative points fall within the stable
+ 500Pa performance curve.
• Will be the most efficient solution –
Pressure

although normally a smaller, lower

- 500Pa cost option can be offered for the
main operating point…..

• …….rarely are we so lucky…..

Volume

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Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Tunnel Ventilation
Anti-Stall Fan with Pressure Pulse

+ 1000Pa
Pressure

• An Anti-Stall device will divert turbulent air

streams and return them to the direction of
the main air flow.
• An Anti-Stall Fan will ensure stable
operation under all operating conditions
• Less effective for reversible options –
Volume reduces fan efficiency too much

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Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Options for managing Pressure Pulse impact:

1. Choose a fan with a non-stalling pitch angle

• Normally lower than 16 degree tip pitch angle

2. Choose a fan with enough reserve pressure to accommodate pulse

• May be low efficiency normal operating point

3. Use a fan fitted with an anti-stall device

• Lowers efficiency – particularly for truly reversible fans

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System Integration
TYPICAL HORIZONTAL PLANTROOM COORDINATION LAYOUT

Transformation
Tunnel Side
Silencer

Damper Atmospheric
Side Silencer

21
System Integration
TYPICAL HORIZONTAL PLANTROOM COORDINATION LAYOUT

Transformation
Tunnel Side
Silencer

Damper Atmospheric
Side Silencer

22
System Integration
TYPICAL HORIZONTAL PLANTROOM COORDINATION LAYOUT

Transformation
Tunnel Side
Silencer

Damper Atmospheric
Side Silencer

23
Rail & Metro Products – Typical Transition Connections

TRANSITION DUCT PIECES • Hot Dip Galvanized and Painted Finish for C5
environment protection
• Pre-Assembly prior to shipment

24
Rail & Metro Products – Typical Splitter Silencer

SPLITTER SILENCERS • Suitable for High Temperature operation up to over 400°C for 2 hours
• Modular design to improve installation
• Bespoke selections for each site/installation requirement
• Material options – Pre-Galvanised, Painted or Stainless Steel 304 or 316L

25
Rail & Metro Products – Tunnel Damper

TUNNEL DAMPERS • Fire Rated

• Operational for 2 hours up to 400°C.
• Suitable for up to 6 kPa pressure
• Low leakage/high-speed actuation options
• Low pressure drop

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ROAD TUNNELS
Road Tunnel Systems

Fully Transverse Systems

• Technically most exact – Uniform supply and pollution exhaust
• Fully Transverse not affected by variations in wind pressure or
vehicle piston effect
• The hot polluted air rises and is extracted at a high level normally
through a ducted system above the roadway.
• The system requires extensive ducting
• Used for bi-directional traffic flow
• High civil and construction costs
• Dampers along length of tunnel to facilitate smoke clearance
• Maintenance normal operating hours without impacting tunnel
operation

Fan Types Employed

• Smoke Extract High
Temperature Axial
Fans
• Inlet Axial Fans
• Unidirectional

28
Road Tunnel Systems

Semi Transverse Systems

• Semi Transverse systems rely on longitudinal air movement along
the tunnel
• Semi Transverse utilises the variation in wind pressure and vehicle
piston effect
• System requires ducting
• High Civil and Construction costs
• Uni-directional fans, operational sequencing with VSD
• Maintenance normal operating hours without impacting tunnel
operation

Fan Types Employed

• Smoke Extract High
Temperature Axial
Fans
• Inlet Axial Fans
• Unidirectional

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Road Tunnel Systems

Longitudinal Systems
• Induce flow by high velocity Jet
• Jet Fans at high level
• Most economical solution
• Ease of installation and operation
• Operational sequencing of fans reduces need for VSD
• No dampers required
• Maintenance – requires temporary disruption of tunnel use
• Fans directly above fire location, fully immersed

High Temperature
Reversible Jet Fans

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Road Tunnel Systems

Saccardo Nozzle systems

Considerations
• Reduced tunnel height • Reduced running cost
• Maintenance normal operating hours without • Low running costs uses traffic piston effect
impacting tunnel operation • Fans portal mounted - land issues
• Noise level in tunnel is decreased • Cost of ducting
• Lower number of fans reduced cabling and controls

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Road Tunnel System

Tunnel Ventilation
Fan Selection - Longitudinal

• Ventilation rate to dilute pollutants or for fire

size.
• Extra for recirculation at inlet or if semi-polluted
at inlet
• Special system resistance calculations.
• Usually multiple installations of fans along
tunnel.
• Fans normally high temperature – 250 up to
400oC for 2 hour.
• Silencing to 85dBA (NR80) in tunnel
(communication).
• Environmental levels near discharge and portal.
• Low speed could be used for night.

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Road Tunnel System

Tunnel Ventilation
Fan Selection - Longitudinal

• Multiple levels of ventilation.

• Fan control by CO, NoX, visibility, smoke monitor,
manual or automatic.
• Fans assisted by vehicles, helped or hindered by
wind.
• Unidirectional if wind unimportant.
• Reversible if exposed.
• Exhaust from fan with traffic until prevailing higher
wind, then against.

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Tunnel Ventilation

PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS –
TVF – METRO/RAIL
Large axial fans (1600 mm – 3150 mm diameter)
1. Pressure Pulse
2. Unidirectional versus Truly Reversible
3. Speed Control
High temperature requirements – impact on performance
(200°C, 300°C or 400°C for up to 2 hours).

Test requirements – and Efficiency Compliance (ErP versus

FEI).

PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS –
TBF (JET FANS) – ROAD
Jet fans (500 mm to 1600mm diameter)
1. Unidirectional versus Truly Reversible
Test requirements – and Efficiency Compliance (ISO).
Tunnel simulation tests. High temperature requirements –
impact on performance (200°C, 300°C or 400°C for up to 2
hours).

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Tunnel Ventilation

ROUTINE QUALITY TESTING

100% X-Ray Balance ISO1940 X-Ray ASTM E155 Impeller Strain Gauge Test
ALL aluminium moving parts Vibration BS848 pt 7 Over speed 125% for 15 mins
Archived for specific projects ISO14694

35
Rail & Metro Products – Main Ventilation

Insist on Certified Laboratory standards and conditions

for FAT requirements – typically:

• ISO, AMCA, EN, BS, IEC

• Specific Aerodynamic Testing:
• ISO 5801:2017 Code D (Ducted)
• ISO 13348 Tolerances AN2/3
• Acoustic Testing AERO RIG
• Semi Reverberant Area ISO 5136
• Vibration Testing: G6.3 and better
• Thrust and Acoustic Testing to ISO 13350

ANECHOIC
CHAMBER HT TEST

36
Road Tunnel Systems

ISO13350:2015 (AMCA 250) – Thrust Measurement Procedure

1. Only method to measure actual thrust in

direction of fan axis.
2. Fans with deflectors (or slanted
inlet/outlet) should still declare actual
thrust in-line with fan axis.
3. Tunnel designers use whatever installation
effect appropriate to each tunnel – based
on many criteria:
1. Distance to tunnel surface (roof, wall
or both)
2. Obstructions in tunnel (signage etc.)

Key
1 direction of fan movement 4 fan movement possible
2 air flow 5 thrust gauge (measurement in kg direct off
3 bearings gauge + mass of gauge in suspension = thrust)
The fan should be accurately levelled prior to testing.

37
Road Tunnel Systems

ISO13350:2015 (AMCA 250) – Noise Measurement Procedure

1. Based on ISO 13347 – substitution method in a

qualified environment
2. Requires a large test space (or free-field).
3. Sound Power level of inlet and outlet measured
(and combined if necessary).
4. Sound Power inclusive of attenuation of silencers or
accessories (guards; deflectors etc.).

38
Tunnel Ventilation Overview – Introduction

Topics covered in this session

Metros, Rail and Road Tunnels

• Why ventilate
• What determines the ventilation rate - Metro & Rail
• Pressure pulse, blade stress
• Mitigation
• Equipment and plantroom layout
• Road Tunnel ventilation methods
• What determines the ventilation rate – Roads
• Product range
• Routine tests and FAT’s

39
 THANK YOU

www.woodsairmovement.com