Optimization-based control of ventilation in a road tunnel complex

This paper introduces a novel approach for controlling the operational ventilation in complex road tunnels. Basically, the control structure is feed-forward with an adaptive logic. The feed-forward part includes the static optimization which uses the mathematical model of airflow dynamics. The adaptive logic is based on the recursive least squares with exponential forgetting, which compensates deviations between the mathematical model and real measured data, and thus provides a feedback. During the standard operation of road tunnels, requirements to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ) and protect the surrounding area of a tunnel from pollution, are necessary. Moreover, reducing electricity costs is desirable, as the ventilation in road tunnels forms a significant part of electricity costs. The control scheme has been validated through the long-term evaluation of operation in the Blanka tunnel complex in Prague, Czech Republic, which is the largest city tunnel in Central Europe. The experimental validation of the proposed control scheme is the main contribution of the paper.