Active Pressurization System for Underground Station Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground train stations experience air pressure issues causing ear-discomfort for waiting passengers due to fast trains passing through, and there is a need for effective ventilation in case of a train fire to ensure passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
An active pressurization system utilizing an upper slab of a platform track area, where the track is divided into fast-train and slow-train spaces with controlled air-stream out- and in-flow spaces and vents, managed by pressure sensors and a control panel to regulate air supply and venting, and equipped with a fire detecting device for smoke evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If structural methods such as increase of vertical pits and ventilation pits or adjustment of tunnel pit mouth are used to reduce air pressure, then ear-discomfort of waiting passenger is solved, but construction cost of underground train station is considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (pressure control system with adjustable barriers and ventilation mechanisms) between the fast train running space and slow train running space. This intermediary system actively manages pressure waves without requiring extensive structural modifications to the station itself, thus reducing construction costs while effectively controlling air pressure effects on passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable barriers and ventilation pits with controllable openings that can dynamically change their parameters (opening size, position, ventilation rate) based on train operation conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying pressure conditions without permanent structural changes, reducing both construction and operational costs.
2Productivity
If fast trains run through underground train station at high speed, then traffic efficiency is improved, but air pressure problems occur in the platform causing ear-discomfort to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the underground train station into separate running spaces for fast trains and slow trains, with independent pressure control systems for each zone. This segmentation allows fast trains to maintain high speed for efficient traffic operation while the slow train space and platform areas are protected from pressure waves through controlled ventilation and adjustable barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure control mechanisms (adjustable barriers, controlled ventilation pits) as intermediary elements between the fast train running space and the platform area. These intermediaries allow high-speed train operation to continue while mediating the transmission of pressure waves to the platform, thus maintaining both productivity and passenger comfort.
3Ease of operation
If ventilation pits and vertical pits are increased to solve air pressure problem, then passenger comfort is improved, but the system complexity and construction cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static ventilation structures into dynamic, controllable systems. Instead of increasing the number of fixed ventilation pits, the system uses adjustable barriers and controllable ventilation openings that can be dynamically opened or closed based on real-time pressure conditions, reducing structural complexity while maintaining passenger comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing ventilation pits rather than increasing their quantity. By making ventilation openings adjustable and controllable, the system achieves better pressure control with the same or fewer physical structures, reducing construction complexity while improving passenger comfort through optimized ventilation timing and rate.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces air pressure discomfort for waiting passengers and enhances safety by facilitating effective ventilation in case of a fire, meeting the 700 Pa standard for ear-discomfort and ensuring timely smoke clearance.
Implementation Method 1
supply positive pressure to a slow-train running space to counterbalance the negative pressure wave
Implementation Method 2
release the pressure wave in the fast-train running space to the outside
Implementation Method 3
pressure sensors for sensing pressure
Implementation Method 4
facilitating ventilation of smoke generated in the train station in an event of a train fire
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an active pressurization system making use of a platform track area upper slab of an underground train station. A track area, where a fast train and a slow train pass through an underground train station, is divided into a fast-train running space and a slow-train running space by means of a partition wall. Formed in an upper slab of the train station, there are a first and a second air-stream out- and in-flow space respectively linking to the fast-train running space and the slow-train running space. The front end of the second air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a first port and a first damper, while the rear end is provided with a second port and a second damper. The second air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a third port for venting of the slow-train running space. The first air-stream out- and in-flow space is provided with a fourth port for venting of the fast-train running space. When a fast train is running, a control panel that receives a sensing signal input from a pressure sensor for sensing pressure ensures that, on the slow-train running space where there is no slow train waiting, the first and second ports are closed and the first and second dampers are open and the third port is open and on the fast-train running space the fourth port is open, while on the slow-train running space where there is a slow train waiting, the first and second ports are open and the first and second dampers are closed and an air supplying and venting fan is driven in such a way as to supply air to the slow-train running space where there is a slow train waiting. The present invention makes it possible to solve the problem of ringing in the ears of waiting passengers by providing the fast-train running space where fast trains pass through and the slow-train running space where slow trains either stop or pass through, and by actively adjusting the supply and venting of air.