Study on the Influence of High-Altitude Helical Tunnel Curvature on Jet Fan Spatial Layout

Abstract

During the operational ventilation process of high-altitude helical tunnels, the installation method of jet fans is a key factor in determining the ventilation efficiency of the tunnel. In this study, the CFD numerical simulation method is adopted to establish three-dimensional ventilation models of helical tunnels with different curvature radii. Through orthogonal experiments, the effects of tunnel curvature radius on the characteristics of the air jet flow field, under the coupled influences of factors such as lateral spacing of jet fans, vertical height of fans, longitudinal spacing, and lateral offset, are investigated. The results show that when R = 500 m, 600 m, 700 m, and 800 m, the longitudinal spacing has the most significant impact on ventilation efficiency, followed by vertical height, with lateral offset and fan spacing having the least impact. The optimal spacing and vertical height of the fan groups remain consistent under different curvature radii, at 1.25D (fan diameter) and 15 cm, respectively. The optimal longitudinal spacing of the fan groups is 90 m, 90 m, 135 m, and 90 m, respectively. Shifting the fan groups 0.25 to 0.75 m towards the inner side of the tunnel helix (for R < 700 m) can optimize the flow field distribution within the tunnel. Finally, expressions for the relationship between the helical radius and the lateral offset and longitudinal spacing of the fan groups are established for the optimal installation parameters of fan spatial positions under different helical tunnel radii.