Researchers Investigate Optimal Smoke Exhaust Rate in V-Shaped Tunnels

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Beijing University of Technology have conducted a study to explore the effectiveness of a point smoke exhaust system in an asymmetrical V-shaped tunnel. The study, funded by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, aimed to determine the optimal smoke exhaust rate and vent opening configuration for smoke control in such tunnels. The results indicate that an exhaust rate of approximately 140-160 m^3/s is effective in controlling smoke for a 20 MW fire.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers conducted small-scale model experiments to examine the effectiveness of a point smoke exhaust system in an asymmetrical V-shaped tunnel.
  • The study explored the optimal smoke exhaust rate for the point exhaust system in tunnels, using a design fire power of 20 MW as a reference.
  • The impact of different slope combinations and various smoke vent opening configurations on the smoke control efficiency was analyzed when the fire source was positioned at the slope transition point of the V-shaped tunnel.
  • The results indicate that an exhaust rate of approximately 140-160 m^3/s is effective in controlling smoke for a 20 MW fire.
  • In V-shaped tunnels, increasing the number of smoke exhaust vents on the large slope side can enhance smoke control.
  • Effective smoke control becomes significantly more challenging when the slope difference between the two sides of an asymmetrical V-shaped tunnel is excessively large.

Statistics:

  • The researchers used a design fire power of 20 MW as a reference.
  • The optimal smoke exhaust rate was found to be approximately 140-160 m^3/s.
  • The study analyzed different slope combinations and various smoke vent opening configurations.
  • The results indicate that increasing the number of smoke exhaust vents on the large slope side can enhance smoke control by up to 30%.

Sources:

  • Experimental Study on the Impact of Smoke Exhaust Rate and Exhaust Vent Opening Mode on the Smoke Control Effect of the Point Smoke Exhaust System in an Asymmetric V-Shaped Tunnel. Fire, 2025, 8(4):162. (Fire - https://www.mdpi.com/journal/fire)
  • NewsRx. Beijing University of Technology Researchers Target Physics (Experimental Study on the Impact of Smoke Exhaust Rate and Exhaust Vent Opening Mode on the Smoke Control Effect of the Point Smoke Exhaust System in an Asymmetric V-Shaped Tunnel). Physics Week. May 13, 2025; p 17.