Linear Smoke Extraction Layout for Underground Train Stations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In underground train stations, smoke from fires spreads quickly due to low ceiling heights and high heat release rates, making it difficult to create a low-smoke layer and posing risks to people, especially in escape and rescue routes.

Innovation Solution

A linear smoke extraction system using a vortex hood suction device is installed in the ceiling area above the platform, with sections that can be activated near the fire source to direct smoke outside, minimizing smoke spread and maintaining clear escape routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional smoke extraction systems are used in underground stations with low ceiling heights, then the system structure is simple, but smoke spreads quickly throughout the station and escape routes become contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoke spreadVSAvoidextraction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system is divided into multiple independently controllable extraction sections along the track. Each section can be activated individually based on the fire location, allowing localized smoke extraction without activating the entire system. This segmentation enables effective smoke control while maintaining system simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction system implements different extraction characteristics at different locations along the track. Each extraction section is positioned to address specific local smoke generation zones, with extraction capacity and activation controlled according to the actual fire location and smoke spread patterns in that particular area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If extraction sections are activated far from the fire source, then more smoke can be extracted, but the system consumes more energy and creates unnecessary noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsmoke extraction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system dynamically adjusts which sections are activated based on real-time fire detection data. The control system activates only the extraction sections nearest to the detected fire source, optimizing energy consumption by avoiding activation of distant sections while ensuring effective smoke extraction from the critical zones surrounding the fire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses fire detection feedback to control extraction section activation. When a fire is detected, the control system receives location information and automatically activates the appropriate extraction sections, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy use based on actual fire conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the suction device is positioned centrally above the track, then smoke extraction is maximized, but electrical contact wires and other overhead devices cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoke extraction efficiencyVSAvoidceiling space adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system is segmented into multiple sections positioned at different locations along the track, including edge positions near platforms. This segmentation allows the suction devices to be distributed along the track rather than concentrated centrally, accommodating overhead electrical contact wires while maintaining effective smoke extraction coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction system transitions from a single central extraction point to a distributed linear arrangement of extraction sections along the track length. This dimensional change from point-source to line-source extraction provides flexibility in positioning devices to accommodate overhead infrastructure while maintaining extraction effectiveness through distributed coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively limits smoke spread to the fire's vicinity, keeping escape and rescue routes smoke-free, allowing firefighters to access the fire source quickly and safely.

Implementation Method 1

A linear extraction system for fire smoke is provided or arranged along the route via an extraction device in the ceiling area above the route and/or the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a suction device for extracting smoke and ventilation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2165046B1Method for eliminating smoke from and ventilating an underground train station
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 KESSLER LUCH ENTWICKLUNGS UND INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH CO KG
  • EP2165046B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2165046B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2165046B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for eliminating smoke from and ventilating an underground train station (1) that comprises at least one railway (2), especially a track, and a platform (3) which is associated with the railway (2). In order to keep rescue and emergency routes as smoke-free as possible, a sucking device (9) for fumes is provided along the railway (2) in the ceiling zone above the railway (2) and/or the platform (3) in order to linearly suck off fumes.