A Fluid Dynamics Analysis and Simulation of the Airflow-generated Kinetic Energy

in SRP Tunnel, Cebu, Philippines

Alessandro D. Armodia, Jun-Jie Vosotros, Christian Rei Alforque, Mark Borres

1.0 Introduction

The alarming depletion of fossil fuels and their harmful effects to the people and the
environment have increased the demand for alternative, sustainable, and renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy sources come in many forms with wind energy coming in second as the commonly
used energy source as the global wind power capacity exceeded 283GW last 2013 (Gupta, 2014). Power
generation from wind energy has exceptionally increased in the previous year. According to Eurostat,
wind energy as a renewable energy resource accounted for almost 13% of total primary energy
production of renewable in EU-28 in 2015. Wind energy is generally available, thus making it a secured
energy source. Other than natural occurrences, high wind speeds can be produced by a body moving at
a high velocity. Vehicles that pass through the tunnel will experience airflow through vehicles
(Nalathambi, 2014) where the movement of the winds will generate an amount of kinetic energy. In the
Southern part of the Philippines, Cebu City established the South Reclamation Project (SRP) Tunnel. This
paper aims to analyze the magnitude and behavior (simulation) of the air flow and the kinetic energy
generated inside the SRP Tunnel.

In confined spaces, the air movements around high-speed vehicles may be amplifying
(Gilbert et al., 2012). When a moving vehicle passes through a tunnel, pressure waves are generating
which propagate along the tunnel (Novak, 2006). The propagating pressure waves induce a flow in the
tunnel (Novak, 2006). The vehicle form, the vehicle velocity, the tunnel figure, tunnel length, and the
tunnel walls influence the strength of the pressure waves (Khayrullina et al., 2015). The tunnel consists
of four lanes - two in both directions - with lights and safety structures. The tunnel comprises of a twin
box which has 610-meter and a concrete of 360-meter that is 0.97 kilometers long (Pareja, 2010).

Related studies have been conducted on the propagation of pressure waves and the flow
of air along the tunnel when a vehicle passes through. Wind moves from high pressure to low-pressure
areas, and its speed can be determined by the rate of the pressure gradient between the two pressure
areas (Barber, 2018). However, none of these studies are attempted at the local environment of the
 2

researchers of this study. This paper can be utilized for investigating the kinetic energy generated by the
wind movement inside the SRP tunnel and adds to the literature of potential alternative energy sources.

A Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of the traffic movement inside the SRP tunnel
and the airflow generated will be conducted. The tunnel and the types of cars will be modeled.
Dimensions of the tunnel will be taken from the DPWH. A physical survey will be conducted to gather
the traffic flow inside the SRP Tunnel. Vehicle velocities will be collected and classified into three types;
sedans, MPVs, and trucks. ANSYS 16.0 will be used to model the SRP Tunnel and the different types of
vehicles. The results of the CFD simulation will be analyzed to understand the effect of a moving vehicle
on the wind movement inside the SRP Tunnel.

2.0 Literature Review

The development of wind as a vital source of the world’s energy has taken a lead among
renewable sources (Owusu & Asumadu-Sarkodie, 2016). Wind exists everywhere and in some places
with substantial energy density (Manwell et al., 2010). Wind-generated power provides an alternative
and renewable energy source compared to existing fossil fuel power generation (Nalathambi, 2014).
Wind moves with high velocity inside tunnels when high-speed vehicles pass through. The energy
generated by the movement of the wind inside SRP tunnel can be a source for renewable energy.

2.1 Cebu City Coastal Road Tunnel

Coastal Road Tunnel in Cebu City is also called the South Road Properties that links the
SRP overpass leading to SM Seaside City and across the south road. It is underneath the Plaza
Independencia and Fort San Pedro that is 0.97 kilometers long. The construction of the tunnel
started June 28, 2006. (Janeth, April 2014).

2.2 Wind Energy

Of all the renewable sources of energy today, wind energy leads because of no pollution
in the environment with a low costing involved (Bansal, Bhatti, and Kothari, 2002). Wind energy
is also the fourth form of green energy as the wind is generated by solar patterns and is
influenced by the earth’s topography (Hubert 1971; Sark, Patel, Faaij and Hoogwijk, 2006). It is
also one of the most abundant forms of energy that could be collected around the globe, reduce
the needs of fossil fuels, and decrease gas emissions (Gevorkian, 2010).
 3

2.2.1 Kinetic Energy

The Kinetic Energy of the wind is acquired using the formula
1
E= m v2 eq. 1
2
m2
Where m and v are mass and speed respectively; E is in Joule or kg (Gevorkian, 2010).
s2
dE 1 2 dm
Power=P= = v eq. 2
dt 2 dt
As the mass flow rate is given by:
dm dx
= ρA eq. 3
dt dt
And the rate of change of distance is:
dx
=v eq. 4
dt
dm
= ρAv eq.5
dt
1
P= ρA v 3 eq. 6
2

2.3 Reynolds Number

The most important in fluid dynamics and is non-dimensional that is recommended to

calculate before modeling a CFD project. The formula shown in equation 7 is a dimensionless
ratio between the initial forces to viscous forces:

ρU ∞ L
ℜ= eq. 7
µ

Where U∞ and L are the velocity and the length scale of the problem, ρ as the fluid
density and μ as the dynamic viscosity (Nalathambi, 2014).

2.4 Aerodynamics in Tunnels

As the vehicle moves at a velocity through a tunnel, it will displace the surrounding air
which will cause an air flow profile along the vehicle. (Nalathambi, 2014). At great velocities, the
formation of the pressure and airflow field caused by the movement of distinct pressure waves
within the tunnel becomes more noticeable (Reinke, Flueckiger and Wicht, Haerter, Berne,
 4

Switzerland, May 2015). The air movement and augmented velocities around the vehicle are
increased due to space confinement (Baker et al., 2012, Gilbert et al., 2013a, 2013b). When a
vehicle enters or leaves the tunnel, it produces a fixed amount of pressure waves which spread
in the tunnel (William-Louis and Tournier, 2005).

A flow is induced by the propagating waves in the tunnel. The velocity of the induced
flow will depend on the vehicle speed, blockage ratio (ratio of the cross-sectional area of the
vehicle to the cross-sectional area of the tunnel), length of the vehicle, and the length of the
tunnel (Novak, 2006).

2.5 Characteristics of the Wind

Winds are classified into steady, gusty, and spiraling winds (whirlwinds) (Žagar et. al.,
2009). Steady winds do not generate gusts since they blow at a constant velocity. They have
smaller and short-lasting velocity oscillations with average speeds (Suban, 2015). Whirlwinds are
rare and only occurs predominantly during severe storms. Whirlwinds spiral around the center
due to large differences, the velocities are very high and the surface area is small (Suban, 2015).
Wind gusts are short-lasting strong and abrupt rush of wind, which are usually followed by a
period of still air that normally lasts between 20 to 50 seconds (Žagar et. al., 2009, Suban, 2015).

2.5 Number of Vehicles

Type of Vehicle Quantity

Cars 36,291
UV (Utility Vehicles) 94,514
SUV (Sports Utility Vehicles) 18,455
Trucks 18,417
Buses 798
Total: 168,475
Table 2.5 LTO 2018 Semi-Annual Vehicle Statistical Data (Region 7)

Table 2.5 shows the semi-annual report of the numbers and types of motor
vehicles registered in Region 7 in the year 2018.

3.0 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This modeling and simulation research rest from the following structure of concepts
and their interrelationships. The framework is represented below:
 5

Tunnel Wind
Vehicle
Tunnel cross- Vehicle behavior
cross-
length section velocity around the
section area
area vehicle

Amplified airflow inside SRP Tunnel

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Airflow Velocity Determination

Quantity and Location Determination of

Optimum Kinetic Energy Generation

4.0 Research Design and Methods

 6

The study will utilize the exploratory research design by using a modeling and simulation
technique as a method. Modeling were being aimed at describing, controlling and predicting a set of
behaviors confined in a phenomenon of study (National Academy of Science, 2018).

Modeling
Data
Vehicle velocity Tunnel CFD
Tunnel Simulation
Dimensions 3D
simulatio with Air
Traffic count flow as
Type of Vehicle n Input
Air flow

Location of
Maximum Air Data and CFD data and
flow and graph graph
kinetic Interpretation generation
energy
generated

Figure 4.0 Research Parameters, Methods and Procedure

 A Fluid Dynamics analysis and simulation of the airflow in SRP Tunnel will be conducted.
 To proceed with the simulation, parameters in Figure 4.0 will be gathered.
 A constant 60kph (minimum speed in SRP Tunnel) vehicle velocity will be assumed.
 The dimensions of the SRP tunnel will be gathered from the DPWH.
 The vehicles will be classified into three types; Cars, SUVs, and Trucks.
The car to be modelled will be a Toyota Vios
The SUV to be modelled will be a Mitsubishi Montero
 7

The Truck to be modelled will be a Container Truck

 The parameters of the tunnel will be modeled by using a 3D software ANSYS 16.0.
 The model will be generated and a CFD simulation will be conducted on the 3D model.
 The parameter inputs for the simulation will be the model of the vehicle, velocity of the vehicle,
dimensions of the tunnel, and structure of the tunnel.
In the simulation, a number of tests will be conducted in which the vehicle velocity and the
number of vehicles will vary.
 The values obtained from the simulations will be tabulated and graphed according to types of
vehicles, produced-airflow velocity and its location inside the tunnel.
Manual gathering of the velocity of the airflow produced by the moving vehicles will be
conducted. Analysis and calculations will be done to compute for the Theoretical Kinetic Energy
generated (Manual Computation).
 The velocity of the airflow produced by the moving vehicles will be measured using an
anemometer.
In gathering the airflow velocity, assistance from CITOM and LTO will be sought.
Due to the lack of proper instrument and the complexity of other methods, the anemometer
will be situated on the side of the tunnels near the walls.
 The data and graphs produced will be used as variables for computing for the amount of kinetic
energy generated by the airflow inside the SRP Tunnel.

5.0 References
 8

Gupta, A. (2014, January 14). The world's most used renewable power sources. Retrieved from
https://www.power-technology.com/features/featurethe-worlds-most-used-renewable-power-sources-
4160168/

Nalathambi, D. K. (2014). Air flow profile evaluation around moving vehicle. Batu Pahat:
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

Gilbert, T., Baker, C., & Quinn, A. (2013). Gusts caused by high-speed trains in confined spaces
and tunnels. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 121, 39-48.
doi:10.1016/j.jweia.2013.07.015

Novák, J. (n.d.). SINGLE TRAIN PASSING THROUGH A TUNNEL - Unicamp. Retrieved from
http://www.fem.unicamp.br/~phoenics/EM974/PROJETOS/PROJETOS 2 SEM-13/TURMA A/G5 -
Deslocamento ar em tunel/(4) Referencias bibliograficas/SINGLE TRAIN PASSING THROUGH A
TUNNEL.pdf

Khayrullina, A., Blocken, B., Janssen, W., & Straathof, J. (2015). CFD simulation of train
aerodynamics: Train-induced wind conditions at an underground railroad passenger platform. Journal of
Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 139, 100-110. doi:10.1016/j.jweia.2015.01.019.

Pareja, J. A. (n.d.). Arroyo opens SRP subway. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/cebu-

news/2010/06/11/583001/arroyo-opens-srp-subway

Barber, D. (2018). The Four Forces That Influence Wind Speed & Wind Direction. [online]
Sciencing. Available at: https://sciencing.com/list-7651707-four-wind-speed-wind-direction.html
[Accessed 22 Nov. 2018].

Owusu, P. A., & Asumadu-Sarkodie, S. (2016). A review of renewable energy sources,

sustainability issues and climate change mitigation. Cogent Engineering, 3(1), 1167990.
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2016.1167990

Manwell, J. F., McGowan, J. G., & Rogers, A. L. (2011). Wind energy explained: Theory, design
and application. Chichester: Wiley.

Bansal, R. C. (2005). Optimization Methods for Electric Power Systems: An

Overview. International Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems,2(1). doi:10.2202/1553-779x.1021
 9

GREEN TECHNOLOGIES: ENERGY GENERATION. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/browse/green-architecture-advanced-technologies-and-
materials/p20019d2f9970067001?q=wind energy Hubert 1971; Sark, Patel, Faaij and Hoogwijk,
2006#p20019d2f9970079004

WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/browse/alternative-energy-systems-in-building-
design/p200188a99970267001?q=Wind energy is one of the most abundant forms of renewable energy
and could be harvested throughout the globe, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and decrease green-
house gas emissions. Owing to the intermittency of wind, power produced by wind turbines lacks
stability and consistency. In order to stabilize and regulate electrical power production, wind power
farms make use of special energy storage devices and supplemental power-cogeneration and energy-
storage technology in order to harmonize power production #p200188a99970268001

Aerodynamics and ventilation in rail tunnels May 2015. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://tunneltalk.com/TunnelTECH-May2015-Aerodynamics-and-ventilation-in-rail-tunnels-civil-
measures.php

Baker, CJ, Gilbert, T & Quinn, A 2013, 'Gusts caused by high-speed trains in confined spaces and
tunnels' Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, vol. 121, pp. 39-48. DOI:
10.1016/j.jweia.2013.07.015

China's High-Speed Rail Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books?

id=HzhDDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA91&lpg=PA91&dq=enters or leaves a tunnel, it generates finite amplitude
pressure waves which propagate in the tunnel (William-Louis and
Tournier,2005).&source=bl&ots=FmqlsKlkmb&sig=y2ElrpsqJa-ToDGeId-
iA63e8aI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjA5aiExtbdAhUWPXAKHVY2A8IQ6AEwAHoECAYQAQ#v=onepage
&q=enters or leaves a tunnel, it generates finite amplitude pressure waves which propagate in the
tunnel (William-Louis and Tournier, 2005).&f=false

Suban, A., Petelin, S., & Vidmar, P. (2015). Effect of Gusty Wind on Road Tunnel Safety. Strojniški
Vestnik - Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 61(7-8), 421-431. doi:10.5545/sv-jme.2015.2433
 10

Wind Loads. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.accessengineeringlibrary.com/browse/steel-

structures-design-for-lateral-and-vertical-forces-second-edition/c9781259588013ch02lev1sec08?
q=Wind Stagnation Pressure#c9781259588013ch02lev2sec58

William-Louis, Mame, and Claude Tournier. “A Wave Signature Based Method for the Prediction
of Pressure Transients in Railway Tunnels.” Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,
vol. 93, no. 6, 2005, pp. 521–531., doi:10.1016/j.jweia.2005.05.007.

Wang, Li, et al. “Design of Intelligent Power Supply System for Expressway Tunnel.” IOP
Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 108, 2018, p. 052062., doi:10.1088/1755-
1315/108/5/052062.