Fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnel

By using a fireproof duct system with a fully welded structure and a highly airtight design, combined with fire doors and pressure relief valves, the ventilation and smoke control problems of long-distance tunnel ventilation systems have been solved, achieving efficient air delivery and personnel safety.

CN224214210UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-08NORTH CHINA POWER ENG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NORTH CHINA POWER ENG
Filing Date
2025-06-27
Publication Date
2026-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tunnel ventilation systems are not suitable for special engineering needs with small cross-sections and long distances. They are difficult to meet the needs of ventilation and air exchange in spaces where people stay for a long time, smoke prevention for machinery, and post-disaster ventilation. In addition, conventional systems occupy a lot of space and have poor airtightness.

Method used

The fireproof air duct with a fully welded structure and a high airtightness design, combined with fire doors, fireproof air vents, pressure relief valves and smoke detectors, forms a pressure-driven airflow system, realizing the combination of mechanical smoke prevention and ventilation systems, and ensuring airflow and smoke prevention functions inside the tunnel.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient ventilation and smoke prevention in long tunnels, reduces air volume loss, improves transportation efficiency, ensures safe evacuation of personnel and post-disaster air replacement, and reduces energy consumption.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a fire-proof and smoke-proof ventilation system for a long-distance underground tunnel, which is characterized in that the internal space of the tunnel is divided into a plurality of adjacent fire-proof subareas, fire-proof walls are arranged among the fire-proof subareas and on the outer side of the fire-proof subarea on the outermost side, and fire-proof doors capable of being opened and closed and fire-proof air ports capable of being opened and closed are arranged on the fire-proof walls. An excess pressure valve is further arranged at the fireproof tuyere and only allows one-way opening, and the allowed airflow flows from the center part of the tunnel to the outer part of the tunnel; an air inlet machine room is connected to the outer portion of the tunnel, a fan is arranged in the air inlet machine room, the output end of the fan is connected with a fireproof air pipe, fresh air outlets are formed in the tail ends of branch pipes, located in all the fireproof subareas, of the fireproof air pipe, and fireproof valves used for controlling on-off are arranged on all the branch pipes of the fireproof air pipe. The scheme has the dual functions of smoke prevention and ventilation, and can meet the requirements of smoke prevention and post-disaster ventilation of small-section and long-distance tunnel engineering at ordinary times.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of tunnel ventilation technology, specifically relating to a fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional mechanical smoke control systems typically consist of air ducts with a fire resistance rating of at least one hour, pressurized air supply fans, fire dampers, and air outlets. The areas they serve typically include stairwells, vestibules, refuge rooms, and refuge corridors. Conventional mechanical ventilation systems typically consist of air ducts, fans, dampers, and air outlets, and the areas they serve typically include any room requiring mechanical ventilation. In existing tunnel engineering projects, conventional mechanical smoke control systems and conventional mechanical ventilation systems are usually installed separately and operate independently.

[0003] For some special work areas such as laboratories and cleanrooms, tunnels are often constructed within mountains to create the necessary working environment in the middle of the mountain, and the required special work areas are built within the tunnel space. For tunnel projects characterized by small cross-sections and long tunnels, the internal space needs to accommodate personnel activities and fire evacuation. Furthermore, because tunnel interiors typically have multiple fire compartments, the required process and electromechanical installation pipelines are numerous. Conventional smoke control and ventilation systems, with their dispersed locations, occupy too much space and are insufficient to meet the space requirements of the narrow cross-sections. In addition, due to the extremely long distances between ventilation openings in long tunnels, conventional mechanical smoke control and ventilation systems have poor airtightness and cannot meet the needs of long-distance air delivery. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, which solves the problem that existing tunnel ventilation schemes cannot be applied to special engineering needs of small cross-sections and long distances. It can provide normal ventilation for the space where people stay for a long time in long-distance underground tunnels, even when the ventilation openings are far away. When a fire occurs in the tunnel space, it can provide mechanical smoke prevention function. After the fire is extinguished, it can be used as a make-up air system for post-disaster ventilation to replace the air in the tunnel space.

[0005] According to the technical solution of this utility model, this utility model provides a fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, including a tunnel. The internal space of the tunnel is divided into multiple adjacent fireproof zones, of which one or more fireproof zones in the central part of the tunnel are special working areas, and the remaining fireproof zones are tunnel partition areas. Firewalls are set between the fireproof zones and on the outermost fireproof zone. Firewalls are equipped with openable and closable fireproof doors and openable and closable fireproof air vents. Pressure relief valves are also installed at the fireproof air vents. The pressure relief valves are designed to allow only one-way opening and allow airflow from the central part of the tunnel to the outer part of the tunnel. An air intake room is connected to the outer part of the tunnel. A fan is installed in the air intake room. The output end of the fan is connected to a fireproof air duct. The fireproof air duct branches into multiple branches, which extend from the air intake room to each fireproof zone. Fresh air outlets are set at the ends of the branches of the fireproof air duct in each fireproof zone, and fireproof valves for controlling the on / off state are set on each branch of the fireproof air duct.

[0006] In some implementations, a regulating valve is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet of the special work area is located.

[0007] In some implementations, each fire compartment is equipped with a smoke detector.

[0008] In some implementations, the fireproof duct is a fully welded structure.

[0009] In some implementations, the air intake room is equipped with air intake louvers, and the input end of the fan is connected to the outside through the air intake louvers.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fan is a centrifugal fan unit consisting of one or more centrifugal fans, and / or the fresh air outlet is a single-layer louvered air outlet.

[0011] In some implementations, the tunnels are T-shaped, Y-shaped, straight, cross-shaped, radial, or interwoven to form a network.

[0012] In some implementations, in addition to firewalls adjacent to special work areas, other firewalls are also equipped with fire-resistant roller shutters that can be opened and closed.

[0013] In some implementations, a smoke exhaust valve is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet of the tunnel separation area is located.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] This utility model's long-distance underground tunnel fire prevention and smoke control ventilation system has the dual functions of a mechanical smoke control system and a mechanical ventilation system, and occupies a small space. It can meet the ventilation needs of small-section, long-distance tunnel projects for peacetime, smoke prevention, and post-disaster ventilation. Due to the special characteristic of slow air flow in the depths of long-distance tunnels, the airflow in this solution is pressure-driven. Without pressure, the air flow would be very slow, and the air quality deep in the tunnel would not meet the requirements for personnel to work inside for a long time. In the event of a fire in a certain area of ​​the tunnel, it can isolate that area from other areas and prevent harmful smoke generated by the fire from entering other areas by creating positive pressure in other areas, thus achieving the smoke control function and ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel. Furthermore, the use of a fully welded structure to achieve a highly airtight system configuration can effectively reduce air volume loss during long-distance air transport, improve the transport efficiency of the ventilation system, and reduce fan energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the system structure provided by this utility model.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0018] 1. Tunnel; 2. Fan; 3. Fireproof air duct; 4. Smoke exhaust valve; 5. Fresh air outlet; 6. Fireproof air outlet; 7. Pressure relief valve; 8. Fire damper; 9. Air supply room; 10. Special work area; 11. Exhaust outlet; 12. Air inlet louver; 13. Regulating valve; 14. Fireproof roller shutter door; 15. Smoke detector; 16. Fire door. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This utility model provides a fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, solving the problem that existing tunnel ventilation solutions cannot be applied to special engineering needs with small cross-sections and long distances. It can provide normal ventilation for the space where people stay for a long time in long-distance underground tunnels, even when the ventilation openings are located far away. When a fire occurs in the tunnel space, it can provide mechanical smoke prevention. After the fire is extinguished, it can be used as a make-up air system for post-disaster ventilation to replace the air in the tunnel space.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 This utility model discloses a fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, comprising a tunnel 1. The internal space of the tunnel 1 is divided into multiple adjacent fireproof zones, each of which can form a relatively independent area. Among them, one or more fireproof zones in the central part of the tunnel 1 are special work areas 10, which refer to areas used for personnel to work and conduct experiments in the tunnel, such as laboratories or clean rooms; the remaining fireproof zones are tunnel partition areas, mainly used for passage.

[0021] Firewalls are installed between fire compartments and on the outermost fire compartment. These firewalls are equipped with openable and closable fire doors 16 and openable and closable fire-resistant air vents 6. A pressure relief valve 7 is also installed at each fire-resistant air vent 6. The pressure relief valve 7 allows only one-way opening (or unidirectional flow) and permits airflow from the center of tunnel 1 to the outer part of tunnel 1. As a supplementary explanation, the pressure relief valve is an existing device; for example, its unidirectional flow direction can be limited by its installation orientation.

[0022] An air intake room 9 is connected to the outer part of tunnel 1. A fan 2 is installed in the air intake room 9. The output end of the fan 2 is connected to a fireproof air duct 3. The fireproof air duct 3 branches into multiple branches and extends from the air intake room 9 to each fire compartment. Fresh air outlets 5 are installed at the ends of the branches of the fireproof air duct 3 in each fire compartment. The fresh air outlets 5 are, for example, single-layer louvered air outlets. Fire dampers 8 for controlling the on / off state are installed on each branch of the fireproof air duct 3.

[0023] More specifically, taking deep-earth engineering projects such as underground laboratories as an example, tunnel 1 is constructed within a mountain, extending from a low elevation outside the mountain into its interior, reaching the location needed for constructing a special working area 10. This location is beneath a thick layer of mountain rock. From this location, tunnel 1 continues to extend outside the mountain, with or without changing direction. Generally, there are at least two tunnel paths on both sides outside the special working area 10. For example, from a top-down view, tunnel 1 may appear as a T-shape, Y-shape, straight line, cross shape, radial line, or an interlaced network. Figure 1 In the structure shown, tunnel 1 is T-shaped. The central section, where the longitudinal and transverse tunnels intersect, forms a special working area 10. The longitudinal and transverse tunnels outside the special working area 10 each have multiple fire compartments. The outermost fireproof ventilation vent 6 is an exhaust vent 11, which connects to the outside. The air intake room 9, for example, is located outside the mountain and can connect to the outside. The outermost end of tunnel 1 also extends outside the mountain and can connect to the outside.

[0024] Furthermore, a regulating valve 13 is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet 5 of the special working area 10 is located. The fan 2 is a centrifugal fan unit consisting of one or more centrifugal fans (more specifically, for example, a high-temperature resistant fixed-frequency centrifugal fan). The ventilation volume required in the tunnel 1 can be adjusted by changing the number of workstations and / or the valve opening of the regulating valve 13 (or other valves on the output side of the fan 2). The air intake room 9 is equipped with air intake louvers 12, and the input end of the fan 2 is connected to the outside through the air intake louvers 12; of course, the input of the fan 2 is not limited to this, for example, it can be input through a duct, and the required filter components can be optionally installed on the input side, etc.

[0025] Preferably, each fire compartment is equipped with a smoke detector 15, which can automatically and promptly detect fire situations and further cooperate with the control system to automatically control the opening and closing of various valves, doors and air vents.

[0026] Preferably, the fireproof duct 3 is a fully welded structure. For conventional above-ground ventilation systems, due to the low internal pressure, flange connections with gaskets and bolt fastening are typically used. This connection method has poor sealing performance and cannot meet the air leakage requirements of long-distance underground tunnels. Full welding refers to the complete welding of all joints in the duct system, providing high airtightness and meeting extremely low air leakage levels during long-distance air transport, while also avoiding the risk of air leakage under smoke-proof conditions. Correspondingly, all valves are high-sealing products. This solution employs a high-sealing system configuration, effectively reducing airflow loss during long-distance air transport, improving the transport efficiency of the ventilation system, and reducing fan energy consumption.

[0027] Preferably, in addition to the firewall adjacent to the special work area 10, other firewalls are also equipped with fire-resistant roller shutters 14 that can be opened and closed. The special work area 10 is surrounded by firewalls (or tunnel walls), and personnel can only pass through fire doors 16 opened in the firewalls. Other areas can also be accessed through the doorways of the fire-resistant roller shutters 14. Considering that long-distance tunnel travel may be carried out by means of mobility vehicles, the fire-resistant roller shutters 14 are normally open, and when open, they directly connect two adjacent fire compartments. In the event of a fire, specific fire-resistant roller shutters 14 are lowered and closed.

[0028] Preferably, a smoke exhaust valve 4 is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet 5 is located in the tunnel separation area. More specifically, it is a high-tightness normally closed smoke exhaust valve, which is opened only when air circulation is required, to further ensure the accuracy and tightness of the fresh air flow pattern in the system.

[0029] Based on the fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels described above, this utility model provides a method for fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation in long-distance underground tunnels. The preferred system structure of this utility model is adopted, namely, in addition to the firewall adjacent to the special work area 10, other firewalls are also equipped with openable and closable fireproof roller shutters 14, and smoke exhaust valves 4 are also installed in the branch pipes where the fresh air outlets 5 in the tunnel partition area are located; other aspects of the structure can be added or adjusted as needed.

[0030] The fire prevention and smoke control ventilation method for long-distance underground tunnels of this utility model includes three working modes, which correspond to the normal ventilation condition of the tunnel, the smoke control ventilation condition of the tunnel during a fire, and the ventilation condition of the tunnel after a disaster.

[0031] Under normal ventilation conditions in the tunnel, fire door 16 is normally closed when not in use, fire vent 6 is open, fire roller shutter door 14 is open, fire damper 8 is open, and smoke exhaust valve 4 is closed. Fresh air is delivered to special work area 10 through fan 2 and fire duct 3. The fresh air delivered to special work area 10 is pressed into the fire compartment adjacent to special work area 10 through the pressure relief valve 7 of fire vent 6. The fresh air then flows outward through the fire compartments one by one, and finally is discharged to the outside of tunnel 1 through the fire vent 6 of the outermost fire compartment.

[0032] When a fire occurs in a fire compartment, the tunnel enters fire smoke control and ventilation mode. The fire damper 8 corresponding to the fire compartment where the fire occurred is closed, and the fireproof roller shutter door 14 and fireproof air vent 6 adjacent to the fire compartment where the fire occurred are also closed, thus separating the fire compartment where the fire occurred. The smoke exhaust valve 4 corresponding to the fire compartment where the fire did not occur is opened. Fresh air is sent into the fire compartment where the fire did not occur through the fan 2 and fireproof air duct 3. The pressure relief valve 7 ensures that the fire compartment where the fire did not occur is under positive pressure (more specifically, a positive pressure of 25Pa to 30Pa) to prevent smoke from the fire compartment where the fire occurred from entering the fire compartment where the fire did not occur, thereby helping people in the tunnel to take refuge and evacuate.

[0033] As a supplementary explanation, the one-way conduction and opening degree of the pressure relief valve 7 are automatically realized based on air pressure. Fireproof air vents 6 are also installed synchronously with the pressure relief valve 7. The operating logic of the fireproof air vents 6 is that when a fire occurs in a certain zone, the fireproof air vents 6 of that zone will be closed, and the closure of the fireproof air vents 6 will achieve the isolation of the zone. Normally, the fireproof air vents 6 are open, and air can flow (in a specific direction) through the pressure relief valve 7 and the fireproof air vents 6. Assuming a fire occurs in zone B of three consecutive adjacent zones A, B, and C, zone B will be isolated, and fresh air will be introduced into zones A and C. If there is an unaffected area on the side of zone A or C facing the unidirectional flow direction of the pressure relief valve 7, the newly added air will flow towards that side and will not enter zone B. If zones A and C are at the very end of the tunnel or at the very end of the unidirectional flow direction of the pressure relief valve 7, the newly added air will be trapped in zones A and C, causing the air pressure in zones A and C to rise until no more air can be introduced. Since the air pressure in zones A and C is higher than that in zone B, and the fire doors 16, fire-resistant roller shutters 14, and fire-resistant air vents 6 on both sides of zone B are closed, it can be ensured that fire smoke from zone B cannot enter zones A and C. Under the smoke control and ventilation conditions during a tunnel fire, personnel in tunnel 1 can evacuate to either side of the fire-affected zone and eventually evacuate outside tunnel 1.

[0034] After the fire in the fire compartment where the fire occurred has been extinguished, the tunnel enters the post-disaster ventilation mode. Fire damper 8 is opened, smoke exhaust damper 4 corresponding to the fire compartment where no fire occurred is closed, smoke exhaust damper 4 corresponding to the fire compartment where the fire has been extinguished is opened, fireproof air vent 6 is opened, and fireproof roller shutter door 14 remains closed. Fresh air is sent into the fire compartment where the fire has been extinguished through fan 2 and fireproof air duct 3. Based on the unidirectional conduction characteristic of pressure relief valve 7, the smoke in the fire compartment where the fire has been extinguished gradually flows to the fireproof air vent 6 downstream of the airflow due to the influence of the pressure gradient. Finally, the smoke is discharged outside the tunnel 1 and fresh air fills each fire compartment.

[0035] As a supplementary explanation, since this is a post-disaster working condition and there are no personnel present, the harmful gases will not cause harm to personnel during the process of being discharged through the downstream airflow zone. Personnel will only enter Tunnel 1 and resume normal working conditions after the fresh air replacement is completed.

[0036] Preferably, each fire compartment is equipped with a smoke detector 15, and the system and method are automatically controlled by a control system. When a fire occurs in a fire compartment, the smoke detector 15 will issue an alarm, and the control system will automatically implement the corresponding process (smoke prevention and ventilation in a tunnel fire). Optionally, it can be used in conjunction with a fire suppression system for automatic fire extinguishing. When the fire is extinguished, the smoke detector 15 stops alarming, and the control system automatically implements the corresponding process (post-disaster ventilation in a tunnel). As a supplementary explanation, for example, after the system automatically closes the fireproof roller shutter door 14, the fireproof door 16 can still be manually opened. Personnel will operate it according to relevant regulations to ensure that the fireproof door 16 is normally closed and to guarantee its required functions.

[0037] Preferably, the fireproof duct 3 can ensure that the fire resistance limit of the duct system meets 3 hours to better meet the system's smoke prevention and post-disaster ventilation functions. Specifically, for example, the internal structure of the fireproof duct system includes a finished fireproof duct, a damper used on the duct, a non-combustible Class A rock wool insulation layer for wrapping the damper, a fireproof board, and related fireproof support components.

[0038] In summary, this utility model is particularly suitable for small-section, long-distance tunnels located far from ventilation openings. Conventional mechanical smoke control systems and conventional mechanical ventilation systems are usually set up separately and operate independently. Conventional mechanical smoke control systems typically consist of air supply ducts with a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, pressurized air supply fans, fire dampers, and pressurized air supply outlets. Conventional mechanical ventilation systems are usually low-pressure or medium-pressure systems with poor duct sealing and large air leakage, making it difficult to meet the ventilation and smoke control requirements of small-section, long-distance tunnel projects. The utility model proposes a highly airtight fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, which can provide more durable fire protection. By combining a mechanical smoke-proof system and a mechanical ventilation system, it can meet the ventilation needs of small-section, long-distance tunnel projects for peacetime, smoke prevention, and post-disaster ventilation. Specifically, since it is applied to long-distance tunnels, where airflow is slow at depth, the airflow is pressure-driven. Without pressure, airflow is very slow, and the air quality at the depths of the tunnel cannot meet the needs of personnel working inside for extended periods. Considering that the rock walls at greater depths may release gases such as radon, the air quality at the depths of the tunnel cannot be guaranteed without sufficient fresh outdoor air being supplied through pipes. In the event of a fire in a certain area of ​​the tunnel, this system can isolate that area from other areas and create positive pressure in other areas to prevent harmful smoke from the fire from entering other areas, thus achieving smoke prevention and ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel. Furthermore, after the fire is extinguished, the system can utilize pressure gradients to gradually direct harmful gases towards the downstream exhaust vents, ensuring that the harmful gases are eventually replaced by fresh air.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it; obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model; for ease of description, only the parts related to the utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other; modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels, characterized in that, The tunnel (1) is divided into multiple adjacent fire compartments, one or more of which are special work areas (10) in the central part of the tunnel (1), and the remaining fire compartments are tunnel separation areas. Firewalls are installed between fire compartments and on the outermost fire compartment. Firewalls are equipped with openable and closable fire doors (16) and openable and closable fire vents (6). Pressure relief valves (7) are also installed at the fire vents (6). Pressure relief valves (7) are only allowed to open in one direction and the allowed airflow direction is from the center of the tunnel (1) to the outer part of the tunnel (1). An air intake room (9) is connected to the outer part of the tunnel (1). A fan (2) is installed in the air intake room (9). A fireproof air duct (3) is connected to the output end of the fan (2). The fireproof air duct (3) branches into multiple branches and extends from the air intake room (9) to each fire compartment. Fresh air outlets (5) are installed at the ends of the branches of the fireproof air duct (3) in each fire compartment. Fire dampers (8) for controlling the on / off state are installed on each branch of the fireproof air duct (3).

2. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, A regulating valve (13) is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet (5) of the special work area (10) is located.

3. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each fire compartment is equipped with a smoke detector (15).

4. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, Fireproof air duct (3) is a fully welded structure.

5. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake room (9) is equipped with air intake louvers (12), and the input end of the fan (2) is connected to the outside through the air intake louvers (12).

6. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan (2) is a centrifugal fan unit consisting of one or more centrifugal fan units, and / or the fresh air outlet (5) is a single-layer louvered air outlet.

7. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tunnels (1) are T-shaped, Y-shaped, straight, cross-shaped, radial, or intersecting to form a network.

8. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, In addition to the firewall adjacent to the special work area (10), the other firewalls are also equipped with fire-resistant roller shutters (14) that can be opened and closed.

9. The fireproof and smoke-proof ventilation system for long-distance underground tunnels according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, A smoke exhaust valve (4) is also installed in the branch pipe where the fresh air outlet (5) is located in the tunnel separation area.