Tunnel Ventilation Damper Layout for Single-Fan Multi-Mode Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ventilation devices for confined spaces, such as tunnels, often require multiple fan groups and additional ventilation ducts, which can be impractical for smaller spaces or when spaces are connected, leading to inefficiencies in air circulation and safety functions.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation device with a single fan group and a transition zone that includes a damper and deflector, allowing the fan group to operate in various modes to manage air flow between different paths, eliminating the need for secondary fan units in the ducts and enabling extraction or introduction of air through a single duct.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fan groups and additional ventilation ducts are installed, then air circulation and safety functions are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair circulation and safety functionsVSAvoidnumber of fan groups and ducts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single fan group is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in first mode to circulate air along the first path for general ventilation, and in second mode to extract air through the ventilation duct for smoke removal or fresh air supply. The register enables the fan group to switch between these modes, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple fan groups and ducts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single fan group is used, then device complexity is reduced, but air circulation efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of fan groupsVSAvoidair circulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The register is designed as a movable flow control device that can dynamically adjust the air flow path. By rotating the register between different positions, the system can dynamically switch the fan group's operation between first mode (circulation along first path) and second mode (extraction through ventilation duct), optimizing air circulation efficiency for different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional ventilation ducts are installed, then safety functions are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionVSAvoidnumber of ventilation ducts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing ventilation duct is made multi-functional through the register mechanism. The same duct can serve dual purposes: in first mode, it allows air circulation along the first path for general ventilation; in second mode, it functions as an extraction duct for smoke removal or fresh air supply. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated extraction ducts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the register is positioned in the transition zone, then air flow control is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow controlVSAvoidtransition zone space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The register is designed as a rotatable flow control device that operates in the angular dimension rather than requiring additional linear space. By rotating the register between different angular positions, the system controls air flow direction and switches between modes without requiring extra space in the transition zone, utilizing dimensional transformation to achieve compact control.

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

This configuration allows for efficient air circulation, smoke management, and fresh air supply in confined spaces with a single fan group, enhancing health and safety functions without the need for additional fan units in the ventilation ducts.

Implementation Method 1

at least one fan unit arranged in the confined space so as to discharge air into the transition zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

The damper can be controlled between a first state where it conducts the air discharged by the fan unit mainly along the first path and a second state where it conducts the air discharged by the fan unit mainly along the second path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow control:

Data Source

PatentEP3581758B1Device for ventilating confined spaces, such as tunnels
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 EIFFAGE ENERGIE SYSTEMES PARTICIPATIONS
  • EP3581758B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3581758B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3581758B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A ventilation system for a confined space (3) includes a ventilation duct (7) that opens both into the space (3) and to the outside. The confined space (3) is designed to accommodate airflow along a first path (27;21) within the confined space (3), and airflow along a second path (27;18) extending from the inside of the confined space (3) to the ventilation duct (7). The system further includes a transition zone (10) located within the confined space (3), between the first (27;21) and second (27;18) paths. A fan unit (11) is positioned within the confined space (3) to deliver air into the transition zone (10). A damper (19) is mounted within the space (3), in the transition zone (10).This register (19) can be controlled between a first state where it conducts the expelled air mainly along the first path (27;21) and a second state where it conducts this air mainly along the second path (27;18).