Heating device for preventing leakage water of tunnel in cold region from freezing
By using reflectors and focusing mirrors in cold-region tunnels to convert solar energy into thermal energy and utilizing energy storage materials to prevent leaking water from freezing, the problem of leaking water freezing in cold-region tunnels has been solved, and simplification and cost reduction of structural protection and operational safety have been achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422860601.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-22
AI Technical Summary
Water leakage and freezing in tunnels in cold regions can cause lining cracking and falling off, ice intrusion into tunnel limits, and poor drainage, affecting operational safety and efficiency. Existing treatment solutions are costly or complex, making them difficult to effectively address.
Reflectors and focusing mirrors are used to convert sunlight into thermal energy, which is then heated in the leaking water area through an energy storage device. Phase change materials, rocks or ceramic energy storage materials are used to prevent freezing, and the position of the sun is tracked in combination with automatic or manual adjustment brackets.
Effectively prevent leaking water from freezing, reduce the risk of damage to tunnel structures, simplify construction, reduce costs, improve treatment efficiency, and reduce the visual impact of light changes on drivers.
Smart Images

Figure CN223484547U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel construction technology, specifically a heating device for preventing water leakage and freezing in tunnels in cold regions. Background Technology
[0002] Water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels is one of the most significant hazards affecting tunnel structural safety and operation. Water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels can cause frost heave in the tunnel lining and surrounding soil, potentially leading to lining cracking, detachment, and even structural collapse. Icicles and ice columns inside the tunnel can intrude into the tunnel clearances, affecting traffic safety and increasing the risk of accidents. Freezing of the drainage system can cause poor drainage, preventing water from draining and further exacerbating the frost damage. Severe frost damage may lead to temporary tunnel closure, affecting railway or highway transport efficiency and normal operation. Therefore, water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels must be detected and addressed promptly.
[0003] Currently, the main solutions for treating tunnel water leakage include: 1. Research and development of high-performance cold-proof and heat-insulating materials: Developing new high-performance heat-insulating materials to improve the cold-proof and heat-insulating performance of tunnels. However, the research and development costs are high, and the reliability and durability of new materials require long-term verification. 2. Active prevention and control technology: Improving the tunnel's freeze resistance through active insulation systems such as intelligent air curtains and ground source heat pumps. However, the technology is complex and requires professional maintenance and management. 3. Tunnel lining structure reinforcement technology: Improving the integrity and deformation resistance of the lining structure and enhancing its durability. However, construction is complex and costly, and its effectiveness is limited for tunnels with serious defects. 4. Grouting sealing technology: Directly sealing leakage points, but may require multiple grouting sessions. Its effectiveness is limited for large-scale leakage that has already occurred. 5. Comprehensive water control technology: Establishing a complete drainage system to effectively guide and remove water, reducing the possibility of freezing. However, construction and maintenance costs are high, and it is difficult to renovate existing tunnels. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a heating device for preventing freezing of leaking water in tunnels in cold regions. It converts solar energy to heat the leaking water in the tunnel, significantly reducing the need for high-performance cold-proof insulation materials and thus lowering costs. It also minimizes damage to the tunnel's secondary lining structure and reduces the risk of drainage pipe blockage due to concealed installation, while simplifying operations and improving treatment efficiency.
[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] A heating device for preventing freezing of water seepage in tunnels in cold regions includes a reflector, a focusing lens, and an energy storage device;
[0007] The reflector is installed outside the tunnel entrance to collect and reflect sunlight;
[0008] The focusing mirror is installed inside the tunnel and located on the reflected light path of the reflector. The energy storage device is laid at the leaking location in the tunnel and located on the outgoing light path of the focusing mirror. The energy storage device is used to absorb solar energy and convert it into heat energy to heat the target area of the tunnel.
[0009] Preferably, the reflector is a plane mirror.
[0010] Preferably, the reflector is mounted on the tunnel entrance end face via a bracket.
[0011] Preferably, the bracket includes a fixed bracket and an adjustable bracket;
[0012] One end of the fixed bracket is connected to the outer wall of the tunnel entrance, and the other end of the fixed bracket extends downward and is located in the projection area of the tunnel entrance end face. One end of the adjusting bracket is connected to the fixed bracket through a universal ball connector, and the other end is rotatably connected to the edge of the reflector through a U-shaped bracket.
[0013] Preferably, multiple reflectors are spaced apart along the outer circumference of the tunnel entrance.
[0014] Preferably, the focusing lens is a convex lens, a concave mirror, or a toric mirror.
[0015] Preferably, the focusing lens is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel by a U-shaped bracket, the edge of the concave mirror is covered with an annular frame, and the two ends of the U-shaped bracket are connected to the frame by fine-tuning bolts.
[0016] Preferably, the energy storage device includes an encapsulation structure and energy storage material disposed therein.
[0017] Preferably, the energy storage material is a phase change material (PCM), rock, or ceramic.
[0018] Preferably, the energy storage device is fixed to the wall by a support frame. The support frame has a grid structure, with one energy storage device set in each grid. The grid nodes of the support frame are equipped with anchor points, which are connected to the rock wall of the tunnel.
[0019] A tunnel, including a heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0021] This application discloses a heating device for preventing freezing of leaking water in cold-region tunnels. Sunlight from outside the tunnel shines onto a plane mirror, which then reflects the sunlight into a focusing mirror within the tunnel. The focusing mirror focuses the sunlight onto an energy storage device, which absorbs and stores the sunlight. The energy storage material inside the device converts this light energy into heat energy. Because the energy storage device is installed in the leaking area of the tunnel, it can heat the leaking water in that area, causing it to freeze and melt, while also preventing the leaking water from freezing and damaging the tunnel structure. Simultaneously, when there is no leakage and the heat storage material does not need to be heated, the plane mirror can reflect sunlight onto the inner wall of the tunnel, providing light to the tunnel interior. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This utility model relates to a heating device for preventing water leakage and freezing in tunnels in cold regions;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the plane mirror of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plane mirror of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the convex lens of this utility model.
[0026] In the diagram: 1-plane mirror, 2-convex lens, 3-heat storage device, 4-first plane mirror, 5-second plane mirror, 6-third plane mirror, 7-bracket, 8-control unit, 9-connecting bracket. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and not to limit it.
[0028] A heating device for preventing freezing of water seepage in tunnels in cold regions includes a reflector, a focusing lens, and an energy storage device;
[0029] The reflector is installed outside the tunnel entrance to collect and reflect sunlight;
[0030] The focusing mirror is installed inside the tunnel and located on the reflected light path of the reflector. The energy storage device is laid at the leaking location in the tunnel and located on the outgoing light path of the focusing mirror. The energy storage device is used to absorb solar energy and convert it into heat energy to heat the target area of the tunnel.
[0031] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the reflector is a plane mirror 1, which is fixed at the tunnel entrance by a bracket. Multiple plane mirrors are arranged at annular intervals along the tunnel entrance, and multiple reflectors reflect sunlight to a focusing mirror inside the tunnel.
[0032] Plane mirror 1 is selected as the reflecting element due to its advantages such as high reflection efficiency, simple processing, and low cost. The surface of the plane mirror should undergo high-precision polishing to ensure the accuracy and stability of the reflected light. A bracket is used to fix the plane mirror and must possess sufficient strength and stability to withstand the weight of the plane mirror and the influence of external factors such as wind. The bracket design should facilitate installation and adjustment, allowing for adjustment of the plane mirror's angle and position according to actual needs. Through the reflection of the plane mirror and the focusing of the focusing lens, sunlight can be efficiently introduced into the tunnel for energy storage of energy materials within the tunnel.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the reflector is connected to the end face of the tunnel entrance via an adjusting bracket. The adjusting bracket can be a manual or automatic adjusting bracket. The automatic adjusting bracket is connected to a control system, which calculates the target angle to which the reflector needs to be adjusted based on the solar position tracking algorithm and the reflector angle calculation, and then controls the automatic adjusting bracket to adjust the angle.
[0034] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the main function of the focusing lens is to converge or focus sunlight reflected from multiple plane mirrors onto the energy storage device. First, sunlight is reflected into the tunnel from various angles through the plane mirror system. The reflected light then enters the focusing lens to change the direction of light propagation and converge it. Through the optical action of the focusing lens, the originally dispersed light is converged onto the energy storage device.
[0035] Focusing lenses include, but are not limited to, convex lenses, concave mirrors, or toric mirrors.
[0036] Convex Lens 2: Light rays converge to a real focal point after passing through a convex lens, often used in applications requiring high temperatures or high brightness. Concave Mirror: A concave mirror focuses light rays. It can form a virtual or real focal point, depending on its curvature and the angle of incidence. Toposcopic Mirror: This type of mirror has a complex curved shape, allowing simultaneous control of the focusing effect of light rays in two directions, suitable for complex optical systems.
[0037] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the energy storage device is equipped with energy storage material 3, which is phase change material PCMs, rock or ceramic material, and the heat storage device is installed in places where water leakage is likely to occur, such as construction joints or expansion joints.
[0038] The energy storage principle of phase change materials (PCMs): At the phase change point temperature, PCMs undergo a change in physical state (such as from solid to liquid, from liquid to gas, etc.), while absorbing or releasing a large amount of latent heat. For example, some salt hydrates (such as sodium sulfate decahydrate) can store and release a large amount of heat energy during melting and solidification.
[0039] Near the phase change temperature, phase change materials can stably store and release heat energy. Taking its application in building insulation as an example, when sunlight continuously irradiates the phase change temperature, the material absorbs heat and undergoes a phase change, storing heat energy; when the temperature drops at night or on cloudy or rainy days, the material will stably release heat energy, maintaining the temperature of leaking water above the freezing point and preventing it from freezing.
[0040] The energy storage principle of rocks: Rocks have a certain heat capacity, and heat is stored inside the rock in the form of lattice vibration energy. In a high-temperature environment, the rock absorbs heat, its temperature rises, and thermal energy is stored; when the ambient temperature drops, the rock releases heat.
[0041] Rock is a naturally stable material that is not easily oxidized, decomposed, or subjected to other chemical reactions. In high-temperature thermal storage systems, such as thermal storage devices in solar thermal power generation, rocks can store thermal energy for extended periods and stably release energy even after multiple thermal cycles. Rocks are readily available in large quantities and are inexpensive, making them suitable for large-scale thermal storage applications. In some industrial thermal energy storage systems, rock piles are used to store waste heat from industrial processes, which is then released stably according to production needs, achieving energy recovery and utilization.
[0042] The energy storage principle of ceramic materials: Ceramic materials store thermal energy through lattice vibrations, electron transitions, and other means. For example, some oxide ceramics (such as alumina) absorb heat at high temperatures, and the heat is absorbed and stored by the atoms and ions in the ceramic material.
[0043] Ceramic materials exhibit excellent chemical and thermal stability at high temperatures. In waste heat recovery systems of high-temperature furnaces, ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures, stably store thermal energy, and stably release energy during subsequent processes, achieving energy conservation. Ceramic materials can be manufactured in various forms, such as block, granular, or porous, to adapt to different heat storage and release environments. For example, porous ceramics can increase surface area, improve the efficiency of heat absorption and release, and play an important role in heat exchange systems.
[0044] As a preferred embodiment of this application, the energy storage device is laid on the wall surface of the tunnel area that needs to be heated. The energy storage device includes a sealed bag and energy storage material encapsulated inside it. The energy storage device is fixed to the wall by a support frame. The support frame is a grid structure, with one energy storage device set in each grid. The grid nodes of the support frame are provided with anchor points, which are connected to the rock wall of the tunnel through the anchor points. The edge of the energy storage device is pressed into the edge of the grid by a pressure plate.
[0045] Example 1
[0046] A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in tunnels in cold regions includes a reflector, an energy storage device, and a focusing lens.
[0047] Since the tunnel freezes during periods of low temperature, usually in winter, the ice in the leaking areas of the tunnel only needs to be melted in winter. Based on this climatic condition, the reflector support adopts a fixed structure.
[0048] The support system includes a fixed frame and an adjustable frame. One end of the fixed frame is connected to the outer wall of the tunnel entrance, serving as the foundation of the entire support system and ensuring connection stability. The other end of the fixed frame extends downwards and is located in the projection area of the tunnel entrance end face. One end of the adjustable frame is connected to the fixed frame via a ball joint connector, and the other end is rotatably connected to the edge of the reflector via a U-shaped bracket. The angle of the entire adjustable frame is controlled by the ball joint connector, and then the angle of the reflector is adjusted by the U-shaped bracket to reflect sunlight to the focusing lens.
[0049] It should be noted that this embodiment adopts a manual adjustment structure. In extremely cold climates, the angle of the reflector is controlled according to the trajectory of sunlight so that the light during the strongest period of sunlight is reflected onto the focusing lens. For example, the angle of the reflector can be adjusted according to the angle of sunlight at noon (12:00-14:00), and the size of the focusing lens can be controlled at the same time so that the reflected light at that time is located on the focusing lens. The number of reflectors can also be increased to improve the solar energy collection rate.
[0050] See Figure 2 The reflector includes a first plane mirror 4, a second plane mirror 5, and a third plane mirror 6. The first plane mirror 4 is installed at the top center of the tunnel entrance via a bracket 7. The second plane mirror 5 and the third plane mirror 6 are arranged alternately along the circumference of the tunnel end face. The second plane mirror 5 and the third plane mirror 6 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center of the tunnel entrance.
[0051] The focusing lens is a concave mirror, which is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel by a connecting bracket 9. The connecting bracket 9 is a U-shaped bracket, and the two ends of the U-shaped bracket are connected to the edge of the concave mirror by fine-tuning bolts. The edge of the concave mirror is covered with an annular frame, and the connecting bracket 9 is connected to the frame to realize the angle adjustment of the concave mirror.
[0052] The energy storage device is a phase change material energy storage device, that is, an energy storage device that uses phase change material as energy storage material 3.
[0053] Example 2
[0054] This embodiment has the same overall structure as Embodiment 1, the difference being in the support and adjustment method of the reflector. In this embodiment, the reflector uses an automatic adjustment method to control its angle.
[0055] The support includes a fixed frame and an adjusting frame. The adjusting frame is a Compton light source adjusting mirror frame or a solar panel automatic adjuster. The light source adjusting mirror frame is installed on the fixed frame or the adjuster. The actuator of the adjusting frame is connected to the control unit. The control unit is programmed with a solar position tracking program, and an angle sensor and a photoelectric sensor are installed on the adjusting frame to monitor the angle and position of the reflector in real time. The control unit automatically calculates and adjusts the angle of the reflector based on the feedback data from the sensors to track the changes in the position of the sun.
[0056] The focusing lens is a toric mirror, which is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel by a bracket. The bracket is a U-shaped bracket, and the two ends of the U-shaped bracket are connected to the edge of the toric mirror by fine-tuning bolts. The edge of the toric mirror is covered with an annular frame, and the bracket is connected to the frame to realize the angle adjustment of the concave mirror.
[0057] The energy storage device is a ceramic energy storage device.
[0058] Plane mirrors primarily function to reflect light. To ensure that light is fully reflected to the desired location, mirrors with high reflectivity are required. Plane mirrors at tunnel entrances need to both allow light transmission and avoid obstructing vehicle traffic; therefore, their size must be designed according to the actual size of the tunnel entrance. This particular plane mirror is made of glass with a silver-plated back. Silver-plated mirrors offer better reflection but are more expensive. Since plane mirrors are susceptible to moisture at tunnel entrances, mirrors with waterproof and rust-proof treatments should be selected to ensure their lifespan.
[0059] The actuator for the Compton light source adjustment frame connects to control unit 8. The control unit can use a microcomputer development board such as a Raspberry Pi or Arduino as its control core, selected based on the project's complexity, budget, and computational power requirements. For example, a simple rotation control task can be handled by an Arduino Uno, which is cost-effective and easy to develop.
[0060] Selecting a suitable actuator based on the required torque and speed, the system receives control signals from the control unit to drive the actuator. Based on measurements from angle and photoelectric sensors, and combined with a solar position tracking algorithm, the Compton light source is used to adjust the mirror frame and reflect sunlight. In the program, control signals are sent to the actuator driver via control pins to achieve forward / reverse rotation and speed adjustment, thereby rotating the plane mirror. For example, in Arduino, the `digitalWrite()` and `analogWrite()` functions are used to control the output signals of the digital and analog pins, respectively. Angle control can be achieved by writing code to read the angle sensor value, compare it with the target angle, and adjust the motor rotation using a feedback control algorithm (such as a PID algorithm) to achieve precise angle control.
[0061] The heating device for preventing freezing of water seepage in tunnels in cold regions uses a plane mirror to correctly reflect sunlight to the position of the focusing lens; the focusing part is composed of a convex lens to ensure that the focal point of the convex lens is exactly on the heat storage material, so that the heat storage material can absorb more heat; the heat storage part is composed of heat storage material (3), which surrounds construction joints and expansion joints where water seepage is likely to occur, to ensure that the water seepage will not freeze due to cold.
[0062] The specific steps in the actual implementation of this utility model are as follows:
[0063] Step 1: Before installing the thermal storage material, the surfaces of tunnel construction joints or connections need to be cleaned and treated to ensure they are clean, flat, and free of moisture. Depending on the type of thermal storage material and the specific structure of the tunnel, appropriate methods should be used to secure the material. This may include using adhesives, anchor bolts, or fixing straps. After the thermal storage material is installed, it needs to be sealed to ensure its functional integrity.
[0064] Step 2: Install the plane mirror in the correct position as required to ensure that light from outside the tunnel can be reflected onto the tunnel wall and the convex lens. This will allow the light to be reflected onto the convex lens or onto the tunnel wall when the heat storage material does not need to be heated, thus providing illumination for the tunnel.
[0065] Step 3: Select a convex lens with a suitable focal length and install it, ensuring the light source is located at the lens's focal point or on its focal plane. This way, the light passing through the lens will form a spot on the focal plane on the other side, achieving focusing. To maintain the lens's stability and accuracy, install a bracket or fixing device to secure its position. In practical applications, fine-tuning the lens's position or angle may be necessary to achieve optimal focusing. This may involve using precision adjustment tools, such as fine-tuning screws.
[0066] Example 3
[0067] A tunnel equipped with the aforementioned heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels.
[0068] This application discloses a heating device for preventing freezing of leaks in cold-region tunnels. The focal point of a convex lens acts on the heat storage material, allowing it to absorb more heat. This heat storage material, surrounding areas prone to leakage such as construction joints and expansion joints, stores a large amount of heat and releases the absorbed heat stably. It is particularly suitable for addressing leakage problems at construction joints and expansion joints in operating tunnels. Furthermore, it prevents freezing of leaks from occurring anywhere by adjusting the reflection position of the light source. This approach changes the previous concept of using high-performance cold-proof insulation materials, minimizing the cost of treating frozen leaks, resolving sudden freezing issues, and significantly improving the efficiency of freezing prevention.
[0069] In addition, the heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels can also provide illumination to the tunnel. It prioritizes heating the heat storage device when needed, and provides light to the tunnel interior when heating is not required; it also alters the light changes at the tunnel entrance. Light changes at the tunnel entrance are an important design and safety consideration, affecting the visual adaptation of drivers and passengers. When a vehicle enters a tunnel from a bright external environment or exits from inside the tunnel to the outside environment, the sudden change in light can cause a temporary decrease in the driver's vision. This phenomenon, known as the "tunnel effect," poses a significant threat to driving safety. This device can reflect sunlight from outside the tunnel into the tunnel, altering the lighting environment inside the tunnel and allowing the driver's eyes to gradually adapt to the changes in light when entering and exiting the tunnel.
[0070] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A heating device for preventing water leakage and freezing in tunnels in cold regions, characterized in that, Includes a reflector, a focusing lens, and an energy storage device; The reflector is installed outside the tunnel entrance to collect and reflect sunlight; The focusing mirror is installed inside the tunnel and located on the reflected light path of the reflector. The energy storage device is laid at the leaking location in the tunnel and located on the outgoing light path of the focusing mirror. The energy storage device is used to absorb solar energy and convert it into heat energy to heat the target area of the tunnel.
2. The heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is a plane mirror.
3. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reflector is mounted on the tunnel entrance end face via a bracket.
4. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support includes a fixed support and an adjustable support; One end of the fixed bracket is connected to the outer wall of the tunnel entrance, and the other end of the fixed bracket extends downward and is located in the projection area of the tunnel entrance end face. One end of the adjusting bracket is connected to the fixed bracket through a universal ball connector, and the other end is rotatably connected to the edge of the reflector through a U-shaped bracket.
5. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing lens is a convex lens, a concave mirror, or a toric mirror.
6. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 5, characterized in that, The focusing lens is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel by a U-shaped bracket. The edge of the concave mirror is covered with an annular frame, and the two ends of the U-shaped bracket are connected to the frame by fine-tuning bolts.
7. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The energy storage device includes an encapsulation structure and energy storage material disposed therein.
8. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy storage material is a phase change material (PCM), rock, or ceramic.
9. A heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that, The energy storage device is fixed to the wall by a support frame. The support frame has a grid structure, with one energy storage device set in each grid. The grid nodes of the support frame are equipped with anchor points, which are connected to the rock wall of the tunnel.
10. A tunnel, characterized in that, The heating device for preventing water seepage and freezing in cold-region tunnels as described in any one of claims 1-9.