HPC-Based Engineering Design for Control of Smoke in Subway Tunnels

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The experiment focuses on the development of a framework that combines on-demand remote HPC resources with advanced open-source CFD software like HELYX to simulate large models of a subway node in event of fire. The design of a real subway line by TECNOSISTEM will be taken as a validation test case.

Start date: 01/06/2021

Duration in months: 18

Problem Description

This experiment developed a unique CFD-based framework using HPC resources to simulate large transient models of a subway node in fire scenarios, contrasting traditional design practices that rely on iterative and approximate methods, primarily using 1-dimensional simulation codes.

Goals

New application

Challenges

Traditional methods for designing of smoke control systems, based on trial-and-error and simplified simulation tools, are neither cost-effective nor accurate. Inefficient design leads to increased costs for civil works, oversized ventilation fans, and increased risk factors for train passengers.

Innovation results

The innovative process developed for designing smoke control systems and emergency strategies in tunnels was validated with a real subway line in Southern Italy. It increased market competitiveness and internal cost savings, benefiting TECNOSISTEM and customers.

Business impact

The HPC-based framework reduces ventilation fans and silencers size, reducing excavation volumes and civil work costs. This results in an estimated 7%-15% internal cost savings for TECNOSISTEM and a projected 4%-7% increase in turnover in five years.

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