Station Design Research Articles

Analysis of Urban Rail Public Transport Space Congestion Using Graph Fourier Transform Theory: A Focus on Seoul

Urban transportation efficiency is critical in densely populated cities, such as Seoul, South Korea, where subway transfer stations are vital. This study investigates the spatial efficiency and passenger flow dynamics of multilayered transfer stations, using triangular Fourier transform as the primary analytical method. The research incorporates principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering to classify stations based on structural characteristics and congestion patterns. Data derived from transportation card usage during peak hours and architectural layouts were analysed to identify critical bottlenecks. The results highlighted notable inefficiencies in transfer times and congestion. For example, the analysis revealed that optimising transfer corridors at Seoul Station could reduce average transfer times by over 10 min. Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station would benefit from ground-level pathways to address inefficiencies caused by its extensive underground network. Sindorim Station’s reorganisation of above-ground and underground connectivity was found to enhance passenger flow. By introducing the concept of the ‘entry baseline for passenger flow in public buildings’, this study offers a novel framework for evaluating and improving urban transit infrastructure. The findings provide actionable insights into transfer station design, supporting strategies for addressing the challenges of urban mobility in megacities while contributing to transit-oriented development.

The Design and Implementation of Automatic Battery Swap Stations for Electric Vehicles: A Technical Study Focused on Battery Lifting and Transfer Mechanisms

The Design and Implementation of Automatic Battery Swap Stations for Electric Vehicles: A Technical Study Focused on Battery Lifting and Transfer Mechanisms

Design of a photovoltaic fast-charging station for electric three wheelers vehicles in West Africa

Electric tricycles are one of the most promising options for reducing CO2 emissions in sub-Saharan Africa, with lower energy requirements. They are also suitable for transporting passengers and goods in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where urbanization is rife. The lack of recharging infrastructure is holding back the development of tricycles. This paper proposes a methodology for the design of a photovoltaic (PV)-battery stand-alone fast charging station for electric tricycles in Thienaba, Senegal. An ultra-fast charging station powered by photovoltaic panels was designed, modelled and simulated using the Matlab/Simulink platform. The results of this work gave a photovoltaic array with a peak power equal to 45 kW. At least, eight tricycles can be charged between 11 am and 2 pm. At the same time, the storage system can be charged up to 70% of its total charge.

Design of a Low-cost Radiation Weather Station.

Combining a traditional weather station with radiation monitors draws the public's attention to the magnitude of background radiation and its typical variation while providing early indications of unplanned radiological releases, such as nuclear power plant accidents or terrorist acts. Several networks of combined weather and radiation monitoring sensors exist, but these fail to be affordable for broad distribution. This work involves creating an affordable system to accumulate data from multiple locations into a single open-source database. The data collected should thus serve as a friendly database for high school students. The system is designed around an inexpensive sensor package featuring a cup anemometer, wind direction vane, and tip bucket rain gauge. A Raspberry Pi 4 microcomputer interfaces through RJ11 and RJ45 connectors to these and other sensors. Custom-designed circuits were implemented on printed circuit boards supporting sensor chips for temperature, pressure, humidity, and air electrical resistance. The outdoor board communicates with ultraviolet light, soil moisture, and temperature sensors, relaying data using wired connections indoors where a Raspberry Pi 4 and indoor circuit board are located. The indoor board employs wireless internet protocol to communicate with a homemade Geiger-Mueller counter and a consumer-grade temporal radon monitor. The system employs an internet connection to transfer data to a cloud-based storage system. This enables a website with continuously updated pages dedicated to each established system to display collected data. Weatherproofed fused filament fabricated indoor and outdoor cases were designed. Sensor functions were tested for functionality and accuracy.

Intelligent Field Sensor Station for Monitoring Agrophysical Parameters and Phenotyping in Precision Agriculture System

Current trends in agriculture highlight the widespread adoption of information technology and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks for monitoring agrophysical soil parameters and phenotyping objects. This approach enables precise, real-time data analysis, optimizing agricultural processes and supporting the development of adaptive management systems. The integration of information technology with the monitoring of agrophysical parameters and phenotyping objects underscores the strategic importance of this approach, especially in the context of climate variability and the growing need to enhance production sustainability. (Research purpose) To develop an intelligent field sensor station for precision farming that ensures high-accuracy, real-time monitoring of agrophysical parameters and plant phenotyping using an Internet of Things sensor network. (Materials and methods) Existing methods for monitoring agrophysical parameters and phenotyping objects were analyzed. Based on these methods, a design for an intelligent field sensor station was developed, and suitable sensors were selected. (Results and discussion) The intelligent field sensor station successfully demonstrated its efficiency, confirming both its functionality and reliability in simultaneous data collection. The data collected on soil agrophysical parameters, meteorological conditions and plant phenotyping provide extensive knowledge for precision farming and optimizing agricultural processes. (Conclusions) Light gray forest soil with high porosity and neutral pH level provided favorable conditions for crops. Preliminary chemical analysis of the soil revealed moderate levels of organic matter, mobile phosphorus, and potassium, indicating a potentially fertile site. Meteorological data playeda key role in agrometeorological analysis, significantly impacting agricultural processes. The developed station introduces an innovative approach to monitoring agricultural parameters, offering promising prospects for modern agriculture.

Seismic isolation design and resilience improvement of railway station considering the influence of near-fault pulse-like ground motions

Seismic isolation design and resilience improvement of railway station considering the influence of near-fault pulse-like ground motions

Design of Fish Restocking Station for a Water Diversion Project in Guangdong

According to ‘Environmental Impact Report of the Water Diversion Project in Guangdong’ and its reply of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, a fish restocking station is required to be constructed. The fish restocking station locates in the vicinity of Xijiang River in Yunfu City, Guangdong Province. The primary species for breeding include Gan, Siniperca chuatsi, Channa maculata, Snakehead mullet and Spinibarbus with an annual scale of 450,000 tails. The station is equipped with parent fish pools, hatchery workshop, fry workshop, outdoor fish breeding pool, ancillary circulating water treatment rooms and wastewater treatment facilities. Recirculating aquaculture pattern is adopted. This paper gives a thorough introduction on technical design of fish restocking station, thus providing reference for similar projects.

Simulation analysis of 35 MeV high-power electron accelerator driven white neutron source target.

The white neutron source driven by an electron accelerator utilizes a pulsed electron beam to bombard a target, producing neutrons through photoneutron reactions. The white neutron source of photoneutron reaction has advantages such as compact structure, low cost, capability of generating ultra-short pulse, and wide applications in the resonance energy region, effectively complementing reactor neutron sources and spallation neutron sources. The development of high-current, high-power electron accelerator-driven white neutron sources is of significant importance for neutron science research and nuclear technology applications. However, constructing such a strong-current, high-power electron accelerator-driven white neutron source is complex, and a lot of theoretical simulation work is needed in the early stage to guide the obtaining of a set of optimal source parameters, as well as thermal analysis of the electron bombardment to address target cooling issues. Therefore, in this paper, Monte Carlo algorithm is used to comprehensively simulate and optimize the target station of 35 MeV/ 2 mA@ 70 kW electron accelerator driven white neutron source. Including the structural design of the target, the study of neutron physics parameters, distribution of electron energy deposition, and distribution of radiation damage caused by electrons. In addition, thermal analysis of the target is conducted using the finite element analysis software ANSYS. The research results of this paper will provide important references and bases for guiding the engineering design of high-power electron accelerator-driven white neutron source target stations.

Bidirectional seismic response of assembled monolithic subway station-aboveground structure system under artificial bedrock ground motions

Assembled monolithic subway station partly synthesizes the advantages of cast-in-place and precast subway stations. However, the related seismic response analysis considering the influences of vertical ground motion and aboveground structure is still scant. In this study, we firstly performed the statistical analysis on bidirectional bedrock ground motion parameters (response spectrum, duration and envelope function) using KiK-net data, and obtained some suggested values of the above parameters. Then, four sets of artificial bedrock ground motions with statistical meanings were generated and a three-dimensional finite element analysis of the seismic response of an existing two-story three-span subway station was conducted. The main results are summarized below. (1) The significant damage to assembled monolithic station under far-field strong motion firstly occurred at side middle slab; middle slab, upper column and related grouting sleeve joints were more damage-prone. (2) When horizontal peak ground acceleration stayed constant, overall the damage of far-field motion was stronger than that of near-fault motion. (3) Vertical ground motion obviously accelerated the damage progresses of various structural members at various positions, then aboveground structure further enhanced the damages and vertical displacement responses of parts of top slab. (4) For the axial force time-history of upper column during far-field strong motion, aboveground structure uplifted the baseline, and vertical ground motion increased the amplitude and advanced the obvious drop of the baseline, among which the latter effect of vertical ground motion on assembled monolithic station was stronger than that on cast-in-place station. (5) Vertical ground motion enhanced inter-story displacement during far-field strong motion, among which the influence on the upper story of assembled monolithic station could be obviously amplified by aboveground structure, and the amplification effect lagged behind the influence of vertical ground motion. Based on the results of this study, some suggestions for the seismic design of subway station are also provided.

Multi-scale concurrent design of a 100 kW wave energy converter

Wave energy converters (WEC) are complex systems comprising multiple subsystems including wave capture structure and station keeping, power takeoff (PTO), and control. Designing the whole WEC system requires an effective design approach that considers mutual couplings among them throughout the entire design process. Moreover, the traditional serial design approach, transitioning from small-scale to full-scale designs incrementally, often overlooks issues related to scaling factors. This can lead to unexpected challenges and delays towards real ocean deployment. To address system-level considerations and scaling challenges in WEC design, this study introduces a novel multi-scale concurrent design approach. It facilitates full-scale WEC design from the early concept to ocean test planning. This approach ensures a holistic and effective design process that considers interactions among subsystems at each design stage and incorporates control co-design starting with early concept development. To demonstrate the presented approach, we introduce a case study focused on the design of a 100 kW floating oscillating surge wave energy converter (FOSWEC) for PacWave South ocean test site. This includes the design of wave capture structure and station keeping, PTO, control, ocean test planning, and techno-economic analysis. The case study showcases the effectiveness of the proposed approach, offering invaluable guidance and insights for future WEC development and support efficient, cost-effective collaboration in WEC design and testing.

RIS-aided integrated sensing and communication: Beamforming design and antenna selection

This work considers an integrated sensing and communication system, where a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is utilized to manage interference and radar signals. The sensors are attached to the RIS to sense multiple targets. A joint design of the base station transmit beamforming and RIS phase shift matrix is proposed to minimize total interference and maximize the worst received signal power at the RIS sensors. Due to highly coupled transmit beamforming and RIS phase matrices, the optimization problem is decoupled into two subproblems and solved iteratively by semidefinite programming and a manifold-based Riemannian steepest descent algorithm. We further design energy-aware beamforming to eliminate the interference induced by radar probing signals. Antenna selection with the ℓ0 norm is introduced to exclude redundant antennas while maintaining the sufficient multiple beams for multiple users and targets with minimized required antennas. Due to the nonconvexity of the ℓ0-norm, we relax the number of active transmit antennas as a weighted ℓ1-norm and employ a concave approximation for the constraint on the radar beampattern. Numerical results illustrate that the proposed algorithms can effectively reduce interference and strengthen the received signal power for radar sensing, achieving mutual benefit for communication and sensing performance.

A study of the correlation between summer outdoor meteorological parameters and hydropower station ventilation schemes

For an underground hydropower stations, understanding the heat and mass transfer behaviour of outdoor air flowing through ventilation tunnel can help improve the design of ventilation systems and reduce energy consumption. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influences of summer outdoor meteorological parameters on the tandem ventilation process and the designed parameter requirements in the main plant. A series of field tests and numerical simulations were conducted to determine the variations in outdoor air parameters passing through the ventilation tunnel. Theoretical analyses were developed to clarify the variations in air parameters through the ventilation process in i-d diagram. Results show that the outdoor meteorological temperature has the largest influence on heat transfer between the ventilation tunnel and airflow. The relative humidity in the air at the tunnel outlet could reach 90% under most conditions. The reasonable air supply area and the critical air supply temperature of the mechanical ventilation were determined. Once the outdoor air passes through the ventilation tunnel and the i-d diagram falls in air supply area II, the outlet air can be directly supplied to the main plant. For conditions that did not satisfy the mechanical air supply scheme, the measure of setting dehumidifiers at 200—250 m arranging intervals in the tunnel were proposed to improve the air humidity. Based on the meteorological parameters of typical climate zones in China, a reasonable air supply scheme for the main plant was determined. The results could technically guide the ventilation design of underground hydropower stations, which can help to enchance energy-efficient and low-carbon ventilation schemes.

Exploring the Spatial Patterns of Accessibility to Metro Services Considering the Locations of Station Entrances/Exits

Accessibility to metro services is often evaluated based on the locations of stations. However, compared to the location of station itself, focusing on its entrances/exits offers a more accurate approach to assessing station supply and demand levels. Despite this, research focusing on the supply of and demand for metro services concerning metro entrances and exits remains limited. This study employed multi-source geospatial data from Xiamen, China, to examine the supply and demand dynamics of metro stations with a particular emphasis on entrances/exits. In the first phase, we treated entrances/exits as supply facilities and used land plot boundaries as the fundamental spatial units for accessibility calculations. Taking into account the layout characteristics of entrances/exits, along with the traffic generation of various land-use types, we employed the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) method to gauge the supply and demand levels of plots. Subsequently, we computed the spatial supply-and-demand relationships of station entrances/exits for both station-level and shared usage level of entrances/exits. We found that the accessibility from plots to entrances/exits diverged from previously observed spatial distribution trends, being higher in city centers, regional boundaries, and terminal stations and lower in transitional areas. Moreover, “metro accessibility” and the “imbalance index of entrances/exits” are associated with the primary functions of stations and the surrounding urban development; yet they exhibit spatial heterogeneity. The stations with a high value for “imbalanced index of entrances/exits” were always near some business parks, and “metro accessibility” seemed to be more easily affected by location factors. Based on two metrics, stations were categorized into four types, each displaying unique characteristics regarding location distributions, entrance/exit configurations, and commuting passenger sources. This research aims to identify the phenomenon of unfair transport in metro service from the perspective of their entrances, inform the optimization of metro station designs, and tailor planning recommendations, ultimately enhancing transport equity and contributing to sustainable urban built environments.

How service design improves inclusivity within a new underground station

Progress towards social equity in the built environment is slow and few examples of sustainable, inclusive design transport buildings exist. The literature identifies poor experiences of inclusivity within existing stations. While there was an industry and societal desire to improve passenger experiences and inclusivity it was unclear how, when and where improvements could be achieved. This case study of a new station serving London’s Elizabeth Line at Farringdon Station showed for the first time how Service Design (SD), used in service industries, was transferred to the design of the built environment. Results show improved user experience for a typical user when travelling within the vertical and horizontal circulation system of the new station during morning and evening operations. An innovative auto-ethnographic (AE) observation method was applied, using video diaries, and a participant observer as a research instrument. The AE method identified surprising differences and similarities that identified issues with information and direction signs, seating, locations of lifts, and materials. Conclusions are that this innovative case study, which transferred SD methods during the early design stage to the Built Environment provided desirable benefits for passenger experience and inclusivity. This study could be replicated in other contexts within the built environment.

Design and evaluation of a standalone electric vehicles charging station for a university campus in Argentina

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles in recent years has led to a growing demand for charging stations. In this context, universities are an ideal setting for their installation, as they have a large number of students, professors, and staff who could benefit from them and, at the same time, it serves as teaching material to raise awareness in the use of renewable energy. This work presents the design and proposal of an electric vehicle charging station for the campus of the Universidad Nacional de Rafaela (UNRaf). The station will be located in an area of the campus where the construction of more buildings and sport facilities is planned. This area will not be connected to the electrical grid and instead, will have an energy storage system to guarantee supply. The station will have the capacity to simultaneously charge 4 bicycles and 2 light electric vehicles, with an average energy demand of 0.786 kWh per hour. Homer Pro software was used for the calculations. The most economically viable option was a 100% renewable solution powered only by solar energy. It is expected to consist of a 15-kW solar system that will produce 22,922 kWh/year and a bank of 30 batteries of 3 kWh plus a single battery of 1 kWh. The installation of the electric vehicle charging station on the UNRaf campus will contribute to promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions without using the public power grid.

Enhancing bikeshare planning and operation: Strategic use of web-based public feedback

Bikeshare system operators have leveraged online platforms to gather user feedback on station experiences and service quality. This crowdsourced data presents a valuable opportunity to enhance bikeshare planning and operations. However, planners have limited methods to analyze those qualitative data given the sparse nature of this data, which is insufficient for training comprehensive machine learning models. Addressing this challenge, our study employs a novel approach combining spatial analysis and Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) to delve into bikeshare users’ perceptions and expectations. Focusing on Chicago’s bikeshare system, we utilize its limited online comments to demonstrate the robustness of our algorithm and its applicability to both large and small datasets. Our findings reveal a geographic pattern in feedback: negative comments on bike rebalancing, station locations, and facilities are concentrated in the city center, while dissatisfaction with the cycling environment is consistent across both urban and peripheral areas. Moreover, we discovered that the demographic and employment characteristics of areas surrounding bikeshare stations significantly influence positive feedback, overshadowing the impact of station design and local infrastructure. Overall, this study offers a quantitative framework for leveraging limited crowdsourced feedback effectively, providing strategic insights for refining bikeshare planning and operational decisions.

Solar Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging System

This project outlines the design and implementation of a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station that addresses the dual challenges of high gasoline prices and harmful emissions. The number of countries adopting electric vehicles continues to rise, as they not only promote environmental sustainability but also significantly lower transportation costs by substituting expensive fuels with more affordable electricity. In this context, developing an electric vehicle charging infrastructure offers an innovative and effective solution. This system enables electric vehicles to charge while in motion, eliminating the need for stationary charging stops. Powered entirely by solar energy, it requires no additional power supply. The system incorporates solar panels, batteries, transformers, regulator circuits, copper coils, AC/DC converters, Atmega328P controllers, and LCD displays. This technology demonstrates the feasibility of an on-road solar-powered wireless charging system for electric vehicles.

Dynamic response analysis of pipelines in gas distribution stations under seismic loads

Seismic loads in earthquake-prone regions significantly affect the structural integrity of pipelines at urban natural gas distribution stations, compromising safety. This study analyzes the dynamic response of pipelines in gas distribution stations under seismic loading and proposes effective measures to mitigate stress concentration. A numerical model of the pipeline in the gas distribution station, based on actual cases, was established. The material’s constitutive relationship was derived from tensile tests. The seismic response spectrum, obtained from ground motion data, was introduced to analyze the pipeline’s mechanical behavior. The dynamic response analysis identified critical stress concentration locations in the pipeline under operational conditions. Based on displacement analysis, the study recommended seismic measures. Results indicated that under seismic loading, higher stress values occurred primarily in pipeline sections with intricate flow pattern variations. The manifold connection was the most vulnerable point, with its average stress being 3.37 times that of the system’s average stress. The proposed seismic measures effectively reduced stress concentration at these critical points, mitigating the earthquake’s impact on the gas distribution station. This study establishes a theoretical framework for improving the seismic design and maintenance of natural gas distribution stations, enhancing their seismic resilience and operational safety.

Novi Sad cultural stations as healthy buildings for wellbeing concept

Abstract Creating spaces for all citizens through the cultural stations project within the Novi Sad - European Capital of Culture 2022 has set an example of applying the concept of well-being which involves integrating various elements that support physical, mental, and social health. Cultural stations project in the city of Novi Sad is a concept supporting cultural programming, healthy food options, mental health support, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as community engagement. Social interaction in urban areas is vital for mental and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and community, diverse cultural programming that appeals to different groups, cultural activities such as art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events provide opportunities for creativity, learning, and social engagement, enhancing overall well-being. Access to cultural stations, spending time there has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and increased feelings of well-being within 7 neighborhoods of Novi Sad. This includes providing barrier-free access, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and programming that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Participation of the local community in the design, programming, and management of cultural stations is also important. By integrating these principles into the design, programming, and management of cultural stations, Novi Sad creates vibrant, inclusive, and healthy spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of its residents and visitors. Cultural stations are located in different parts of the city in order to provide accessibility to all citizens. Their arrangement is in accordance with the recommendations of green construction and restoration, and the interior and surroundings foster respect for nature and nature-based solutions. Also, they are developing different content in line with culture, but also science, health and smart solutions as a tool for well-being.

Age-Friendly Environment Design of High-Speed Railway Stations from a Healthy Ageing Perspective: A Case Implementation in Nanjing, China

China stands out as one of the countries with the largest and fastest-growing elderly populations. Elderly requirements for the quality of high-speed railway stations environment are increasing. The relationship between the built environment of high-speed railway stations and elderly health has become an urgent problem to be solved. The challenge necessitates a systematic approach to age-friendly design. Based on the practical experience of the authors in an age-friendly design of an indoor environment at Nanjing South Railway Station, questionnaire surveys and user interviews were employed to profile four types of typical elderly passengers. Data collection methods were used to create behavior maps. (1) This study identifies the age-friendly needs of elderly passengers, pinpointing the key environment issues. (2) It proposes age-friendly design strategies for various functional areas of Nanjing South Railway Station. (3) It introduces an age-friendly module combination design system, which including basic type I, enhanced type II, and optimized type III, in order to meet the demands for six levels of high-speed railway stations in China. This study promotes the age-friendly transformation of environments at a high-speed railway station, offering theoretical foundations and methodological references for constructing an age-friendly environment from a healthy ageing perspective.