Research on partially optimized air conditioning system in station space

Abstract

There are expectations recently for improving comfort in railway stations. The need to mitigate hot environments in stations in summer is especially strong. The purpose of this study was to investigate the achievement of thermal comfort in summer in railway stations while conserving energy, not by cooling down the whole area but by utilizing localized air conditioning systems. A field study was first conducted in an underground station concourse, measuring the thermal environment, surveying equipment that dissipates heat, and examining occupant density. Under existing conditions, the highest daily interior air temperature was almost the same as that outside the station, while the lowest temperature was higher than that outside; air velocity inside was low. Study results led to the conclusion that a localized air conditioning system utilizing air movement is effective in improving comfort, and to the development of a localized air conditioning system effective for special module concourses in railway stations. A planning method for selecting effective locations for the system is proposed. An evaluation of the system using actual devices was conducted in a mock-up spaces. The CFD simulation in an actual station concourse showed improved thermal comfort using the developed system.