sustainability
Article
An Air Heat Tracing System of Firefighting Pipeline in Cold
Region Highway Tunnel
Mengze Zhang, Yongli Xie and Zhichao Wang *
Citation: Zhang, M.; Xie, Y.; Wang, Z.
An Air Heat Tracing System of
Firefighting Pipeline in Cold Region
Highway Tunnel. Sustainability 2022,
14, 16056. https://doi.org/10.3390/
su142316056
Academic Editor: Cinzia Buratti
Received: 26 September 2022
Accepted: 15 November 2022
Published: 1 December 2022
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Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
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4.0/).
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316056
School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
* Correspondence: wangzc@chd.edu.cn
Abstract: Ensuring the proper operation of tunnel firefighting systems in cold regions is a key issue
at hand. According to the characteristics of cold region tunnel fire control systems, this paper puts
forward a kind of air heat tracing system (AHTS) that is suitable for cold region tunnel firefighting
systems. In the AHTS, an annular air duct was used to heat the firefighting pipe and keep it warm,
so that the water temperature in the firefighting pipe is above the freezing point, which helps
prevent the water in the firefighting pipe from freezing and avoids the failure of the firefighting
system. Meanwhile, the finite element software ANSYS was used to simulate the working state of the
AHTS under different conditions, and the insulation effect under different conditions was evaluated.
The results showed that the AHTS has a good heating and heat preservation function, which can
effectively maintain the normal operation of the tunnel firefighting system in cold regions under
a low temperature environment (below 0 ◦ C). Furthermore, increasing the air temperature and air
speed in the system was beneficial to the working effect of the AHTS, and the “high temperature
and low speed” mode was beneficial to reduce the system power consumption. It is recommended
that v = 5 m/s and Ta = 50 ◦ C be used as the preset operating parameters. Finally, according
to the numerical analysis results, the scientific and reasonable working parameters of the AHTS
under different working conditions were optimized. The research content can provide new ideas
and theoretical support for the thermal insulation technology of tunnel firefighting systems in cold
regions in the future.
Keywords: cold region tunnel; firefighting system; antifreezing heat preservation; air heat tracing
system; numerical simulation
1. Introduction
In recent years, along with the large-scale construction of infrastructure in China, a
large number of railway and highway tunnels have been put into construction. By the end
of 2019, China had 19,067 road tunnels built, increasing by 7.5 percent compared to last year,
and the total length of tunnels reached 18,966,600 m, increasing by 10 percent compared to
last year. However, tunnel fires often occur as those tunnels are under construction. Due to
the narrow and closed structure of the tunnel, fire hazard in the tunnel often causes serious
consequences [1–3]. Meanwhile, 43.5% of China’s land is within the cold region, which
is mainly distributed in North, Northwest, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China [4]. As
of 2014, 52.4% of tunnels in China have experienced freezing damage, and 25.5% of them
have experienced severe freezing damage [5]. In addition, freezing damage of tunnels in
other countries also happens from time to time. According to relevant statistics, 34% of
railway tunnels in cold regions in Japan have suffered from freezing damage, and some
tunnels in Russia, North America, and Northern Europe have structural damage due to
freezing damage, endangering operation safety [6–8].
The tunnel temperature in cold regions is low in winter, and the tunnel fire system
is helpful to avoid freezing damage in winter. Currently, many scholars have conducted
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The tunnel temperature in cold regions is low in winter, and the tunnel fire system is
helpful to avoid freezing damage in winter. Currently, many scholars have conducted
studies and accumulated rich achievements in the rock constitutive model [9–11], tempera-
studies and accumulated rich achievements in the rock constitutive model [9–11], temper-
ture field [12–14], frost heaving stress [15–18], surrounding rock deformation [19,20], lining
ature field [12–14], frost heaving stress [15–18], surrounding rock deformation [19,20], lin-
insulation [21–23], and other aspects of tunnels in cold regions. However, there are few
ing insulation
research works[21–23],
on thermal and insulation
other aspects of tunnels
technology andinparameter
cold regions. However,ofthere
optimization are
fire pipes
few research works on thermal insulation technology and
in cold region tunnels. The low temperature in cold regions makes the firefighting system parameter optimization of fire
pipes
in theintunnel
cold region
(especiallytunnels. The low temperature
the entrance section) easily infreeze,
cold regions
which makes
greatlythe firefighting
reduces the fire
system in the tunnel (especially the entrance section) easily
emergency response ability of the tunnel in cold regions in the winter and easily puts the freeze, which greatly reduces
the fireand
lives emergency
property response ability of
of the personnel in the tunnel in
the tunnel in ancold regions
unsafe in Meanwhile,
state. the winter and dueeasily
to the
puts the lives and property of the personnel in the tunnel
maintenance costs, operation costs, and other practical problems, a considerable number of in an unsafe state. Meanwhile,
due to the
tunnel firemaintenance
pipes in lowcosts, operation
temperature costs,are
regions and inother practical
the frozen problems,
failure a considera-
state, making tunnel
ble number of tunnel fire pipes in low temperature regions
fire safety unable to be effectively guaranteed. Ensuring the effective operation of are in the frozen failure state,
fire
making
control tunnel
systems fire
insafety unable under
cold tunnels to be effectively guaranteed.
a low-temperature Ensuring the
environment haseffective
become op- one
eration
of the keyof fire
safetycontrol systems
problems of in cold engineering
tunnel tunnels under in acold
low-temperature
regions. In order environment
to improvehas the
become one of the key safety problems of tunnel engineering
reliability of the tunnel firefighting systems in cold regions under low temperature and in cold regions. In order to
improve the reliability of the tunnel firefighting systems
reduce the energy consumption and operation cost of the tunnels, this paper proposes an in cold regions under low tem-
perature
efficient and reduce the energyfriendly
environmentally consumption and operation
fire prevention cost of the
and insulation tunnels,
system for this paper
the tunnels
proposes an efficient
in cold regions, which and environmentally
integrates fire safety,friendly fire prevention
environmental protection, and insulation
energy system
consumption,
for
andthe tunnels in
economic cold regions, which integrates fire safety, environmental protection, en-
benefits.
ergy consumption,
Thermal insulation and economic
measures benefits.
for firefighting pipes in tunnels are mainly divided
intoThermal
active and insulation
passive measures for firefighting
thermal insulation measures pipes in tunnels
[24–26] (Table are1).mainly
The main divided into
principle
active and passive
of passive insulation thermal insulation
measures is usingmeasures
insulation [24–26]layers (Table
and 1). The mainwhich
antifreeze, principle
has theof
passive
advantages insulation
of lowmeasures
investment is using
and easyinsulation layers and
maintenance. antifreeze,
However, the which
insulation has the
effectad-of
tunnel firefighting
vantages of low investment systems and under easylow temperatures
maintenance. while having
However, a long duration
the insulation effect ofistun-
very
limited,
nel thus making
firefighting systemsitunder necessary to work together
low temperatures while with active
having insulation
a long duration measures.
is very lim- The
mainthus
ited, principle
making of itactive heat preservation
necessary to work together measureswith is to heat
active the liquid
insulation in the pipe
measures. Thethrough
main
an activeofheating
principle active heat device, so that the
preservation temperature
measures is to heatof the theliquid
liquidininthe the pipe
pipe is above an
through the
freezing point. Common measures include electric heat
active heating device, so that the temperature of the liquid in the pipe is above the freezingtracing systems, drainage heat
preservation,
point. Common and so on. Among
measures includethe active
electric insulation
heat tracing measures,
systems, drainagethe electric heatheat tracing
preserva-
system
tion, andhas theAmong
so on. advantages of quick
the active response,
insulation an obvious
measures, effect, and
the electric heatadjustability,
tracing system but hasits
construction
the advantagescost and operation
of quick response, an cost are high.
obvious Drainage
effect, thermal insulation
and adjustability, can utilize
but its construction
geothermal
cost and operation energycost with area high.
low operating cost; however,
Drainage thermal insulation its thermal
can utilize insulation
geothermal effecten-is
limited by geothermal energy, and it is difficult to solve
ergy with a low operating cost; however, its thermal insulation effect is limited by geo- the problem of the icing of the
water outlet in cold regions. In order to ensure the effective
thermal energy, and it is difficult to solve the problem of the icing of the water outlet in operation of tunnel insulation
systems
cold regions.at low temperatures,
In order to ensurethisthepaper proposes
effective operationan airofheattunneltracing systemsystems
insulation (AHTS),atwhich low
is suitable for tunnel firefighting pipes in cold
temperatures, this paper proposes an air heat tracing system (AHTS), which isregions. In this paper, the AHTS andfor
suitable its
principles
tunnel are introduced
firefighting pipes inincold detail, and the
regions. In working
this paper, results
the AHTSof the andAHTS its under different
principles are
environments and working parameters are analyzed by
introduced in detail, and the working results of the AHTS under different environments numerical simulation. The scientific
and reasonable working parameters of the AHTS under different working conditions are
and working parameters are analyzed by numerical simulation. The scientific and reason-
optimized, which provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the application of
able working parameters of the AHTS under different working conditions are optimized,
the AHTSs of tunnels in cold regions in the future.
which provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the application of the AHTSs
of tunnels in cold regions in the future.
Table 1. Common antifreezing measures for tunnel fire extinguishing systems.
Table 1. Common antifreezing measures for tunnel fire extinguishing systems.
Advantages and
Measure Principle Section Diagram
Measure Principle AdvantagesDisadvantages
and Disadvantages Section Diagram

The laying
The laying thickness
thickness cancanbe be
ad-
The insulation The material
insulation ismaterial
laid out-
is laid adjusted and run free. Only
Laying insu- justed and run free. Only suitable
side the
Laying insulation layerfire outside
pipe tothe
reduce theto
fire pipe tem-
reduce suitable for tunnels with a
lation layer the temperature loss. for tunnels with a highand
high temperature tempera-
short
perature loss.
ture and short
winterwinter duration.
duration.
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Table 1. Cont.
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14, xx FOR
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19
Advantages and
Measure Principle Section Diagram
Disadvantages

The
The fire
fire pipe
pipe is filled
is fire
The filled with
with
pipe anti-
anti-with Low
is filled operating
Low Low
operating cost.
cost.
operating Need
Need
cost. Needto re-
toto
re-
Filling
Filling with
with freeze
freeze to
to lower
lower the
the freezing
antifreeze
freezing point
to lower
point of
the
of place
place the liquid
replace
the in the
the liquid
liquid in the pipe
inpipe regu-
the pipe
regu-
Filling with antifreeze
antifreeze
antifreeze the the liquid infreezing
liquid in the
the pipe
pipepoint
andofavoid
and the liquid
avoid ic- in and
ic- larly
larly regularly
and maintainand the
maintain maintain
the the
firefighting
firefighting
the pipe
ing. and avoid icing. firefighting
pipe. pipe.
ing. pipe.

Electric Fast response and universal

Electric heat
heat Heating
Heating cable is
is wrapped
cableHeating cable isaround
wrapped wrapped Fast
around Fast response
response and
and universal
universal
Electric heat tracing adaptability. High
tracing sys-
tracing sys- the firefighting
around pipe
the to heat the
firefighting pipe adaptability.
to High construction
system the firefighting pipe to heat the adaptability. High construction
construction cost and
tem pipe heatinsulation.
the pipe for insulation.
tem pipe for
for insulation. cost
cost and
and operation
operation
operation costs.
costs.
costs.

The
The geothermal
geothermal Thewater is
is connected
geothermal
water water is Can
connected Can make
make full
full use of
of geothermal
use fullgeothermal
Can make use of
Drainage in- to the connected
firefighting to
pipe, the
and firefighting
the
Drainage in- to the firefighting pipe, and the wa- energywa- energy and has environmental
and has energy
environmental
geothermal and has
Drainage insulation
sulation ter pipe,regularly
and the water is released
sulation ter is
is released regularlytoto
released regularly ensure
toensure
ensure the
benefits.
benefits. High
High application
environmental benefits. limita-
application High
limita-
the temperature
the temperature of the pipe.
of theofpipe.
temperature the pipe.
tions.
application
tions.limitations.

2.
2. Antifreezing
Antifreezing System System of of Fire
Fire Pipe
Pipe BasedBased on on Air Air Heat
Heat Tracing
Tracing System System
2. Antifreezing System of Fire Pipe Based on Air Heat Tracing System
Among
Among many thermal insulation materials, air has the most similar
many thermal insulation materials, air has the most similar thermal
thermal conduc-conduc-
tivity Among many thermal insulation materials, air has the most similar thermal conduc-
tivity and
and specific
specific heat heat capacity
capacity to to common
common thermal thermal insulation
insulation materials.
materials. It It is
is easy
easy to to heat
heat
tivity
and hasandgoodspecific heat
fluidity, capacity
and it can tobecommon
used as thermal
an insulation
effective medium materials.
to avoid It is easy
the to heat
freezing
and has good fluidity, and it can be used as an effective medium to avoid the freezing
and has
failure of good
the fluidity,
tunnel and it can
firefighting be used
system. The asAHTSan effective
makes medium
full use of to
the avoid the freezing
characteristics of
failure
failure of
of the
the tunnel
tunnel firefighting
firefighting system.
system. The
The AHTS
AHTS makes
makes full
full use
use of
of the
the characteristics
characteristics of
of
air
air (thermal),
(thermal), and
and the
the air
air duct
duct with
with the
the external
external insulation
insulation layer
layer is
is installed
installed on
on the
the outside
outside
air
of (thermal),
the fire pipe to and the
form theair duct with
air duct. the external
When the insulation
sensor detects layer is
that the installed on
temperature of the outside
the
of
ofthe
thefire
firepipepipeto toform
formthe theairairduct.
duct.When Whenthe thesensor
sensordetectsdetectsthat thatthe thetemperature
temperatureof ofthe
the
pipe
pipe wall is too low, the heating fan is activated to introduce hot air into the air duct and
pipewall
wallisistoo toolow, low,the theheating
heatingfan fanisisactivated
activatedto tointroduce
introducehot hotair airintointothe theair airduct
ductand and
discharge
discharge the cold air to achieve the effect of raising the pipe wall temperature, ensuring
dischargethe thecoldcoldair airto toachieve
achievethe theeffect
effectof ofraising
raisingthe thepipe
pipewall walltemperature,
temperature,ensuring ensuring
that
that the temperature of the firefighting pipe is always above the freezing point. Compared
that the temperature of the firefighting pipe is always above the freezingpoint.
the temperature of the firefighting pipe is always above the freezing point.Compared
Compared
with
with traditional antifreeze measures, the AHTS has aa strong adaptability, aa rapid re-
with traditional antifreeze measures,
traditional antifreeze measures,the theAHTSAHTS hashas a strong strong adaptability,
adaptability, a rapid rapid
response, re-
sponse,
sponse, and
and aa low
low cost.
cost.
and a low cost.
Figure
Figure 1 shows the specific installation position of the AHTS in the tunnel. AHTSs
Figure11shows showsthe thespecific
specificinstallation
installationposition positionof ofthe
the AHTS
AHTS in in the
the tunnel.
tunnel. AHTSs AHTSs
are
are located outside the main fire extinguishing pipe in the cable trench on both sides of
arelocated
located outside
outside the main fire
the main fireextinguishing
extinguishingpipe pipeininthe thecable
cable trench
trench onon both both sides
sides of
of the
the
the tunnel.
tunnel. Only
Only a 3 cm rigid foam polyurethane insulation layer is laid on the outside of
tunnel. Only a 3acm 3 cm rigidrigid
foam foam polyurethane
polyurethane insulation
insulation layerlayer is laid
is laid on onthethe outside
outside of
of the
the
the fire branch pipe. Figure 22 shows the main components of
of the AHTS, which are:
firefire branch
branch pipe. pipe. Figure
Figure 2 shows shows thethe main main components
components of the the
AHTS, AHTS, whichwhich are:are:
①
① Central
1 Central
controller: the central controller is located in the tunnel control room.
Central controller:
controller: the thecentral
centralcontroller
controllerisislocated locatedininthe thetunnel
tunnelcontrol controlroom. room.
Through
Through the
Through the central
the controller,
central controller,
controller,the the system
thesystem monitoring
systemmonitoring
monitoring temperature
temperature
temperature cancan
canbe bebe set
set for for
set for auto-
auto-
automatic
matic
matic
control,control,
control,
and the and
and the
the system
system system
can also can
canbealso
also be
be manually
manually manually
controlled controlled
controlled
for detectionfor
for detection
detection and
and debugging.and debug-
debug-
ging.
ging. 2 Heating fan: The heating fan is located in the equipment room near the tunnel
②
② Heating
entrance. Heating
The central fan:
fan: TheThe heating
heating
controller fan
fan is
controls is located
located
the working in
in the equipment
thestatus
equipment room
room near
of the heating fan. the
near the tunnel
tunnel
entrance.
entrance.3 Air The
The central
central
duct: controller
Thecontroller controls
air duct iscontrols
fixed on the the working
the working
outside ofstatus status
the fireof the
of pipe heating
the heating
throughfan. fan.
a fixed bracket.
The ③ air Air
③ Airthe
in duct:
duct: The
The is
air duct air duct
duct is
airactively fixed
fixed on
isheated andthe
on the outside
outsidefor
insulated of the
of the fire
fire pipe
the system pipe through
through
in the heating aa fixed
fixed
stage
bracket.
and is used
bracket. The
The air air
as inin the
a passive air
the air ductduct is actively
insulation
is actively layerheated
in the
heated and
and insulated
heat for
preservation
insulated the system
for the stage.
systemThe in the
in the heating
airheating
duct is
stage and
and is
externally
stage used
used as
iscoated aa passive
with
as 3 cm ofinsulation
passive rigid foam
insulation layer in
in the
the heat
polyurethane
layer heatas preservation
a passive insulation
preservation stage.
stage. The The air
air duct
layer. duct
is externally coated
4 Temperature
is externally coated with with 3
sensor:cm
3 cm of of rigid
A rigid foam
temperature polyurethane
sensor is installed
foam polyurethane as a passive
as a passive on the insulation
outer wall
insulation layer.of the
layer.
④
④ Temperature
firefighting pipeline sensor:
Temperature every 25A
sensor: Am temperature
along the axial
temperature sensor
sensor is
is installed
direction installedof the on the
the outer
on tunnel outer wall
wall of
to monitor of the
the
the
firefighting
temperature pipeline
of the every
pipe 25
wall m
and along
give the axial
feedback direction
to the
firefighting pipeline every 25 m along the axial direction of the tunnel to monitor the tem- of
system the tunnel
in real to
time.monitor the tem-
perature
perature of of the
the pipe
pipe wall wall andand give
give feedback
feedback to to the
the system
system in in real
real time.
time.
⑤
⑤ End controller and end damper: The end controller is
End controller and end damper: The end controller is located
located at at the
the end end of of the
the
system
system (deep tunnel). The main function is to control the opening and closing of the end
(deep tunnel). The main function is to control the opening and closing of the end
damper
damper to to ensure
ensure good good air air flow
flow in in the
the airair duct
duct during
during the the heating
heating stage stage and and static
static air air in
in
the air duct during the insulation
the air duct during the insulation stage. stage.
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End controller and end damper: The end controller is located at the end of
5 4 of
the19
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
system 4
(deep tunnel). The main function is to control the opening and closing of the endof 19

damper to ensure good air flow in the air duct during the heating stage and static air in the
air duct during the insulation stage.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the AHTS’s location.

Figure 1.
Figure Schematic diagram
1. Schematic diagram of
of the
the AHTS’s
AHTS’s location.
location.

Figure2.2.Composition
Figure Compositionofofthe
theAHTS.
AHTS.
Figure 2. Composition of the AHTS.
Figure33shows
Figure showsthe
theworking
workingflow
flowchart
chartof
ofthe
theAHTS,
AHTS,and
andits
itsspecific
specificworking
workingflow
flowisis
as Figure
asfollows:
follows: 3 shows the working flow chart of the AHTS, and its specific working flow is
as
1. follows:
Determine the installation range of the AHTS according to the temperature at the
1. Determine
arch foot ofthe
theinstallation
tunnel, andrange of the
complete theAHTS according
installation to the temperature at the
and debugging.
arch foot of the tunnel, and complete the installation and debugging.
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1. Determine the installation range of the AHTS according to the temperature at the arch
foot of the tunnel, and complete the installation and debugging.
2.
2. Monitor
Monitorthethetemperature
temperatureof ofthe
theouter
outerwall
wallof
ofthe
thefirefighting
firefightingpipe
pipein inreal
realtime
timethrough
through
the
the temperature sensor. If the temperature of the pipe wall is lower than 55 °C,
temperature sensor. If the temperature of the pipe wall is lower than ◦ C, the
the
system
systemwill
willenter
enterthe
theheating
heatingstage;
stage;ififthe
thewall
walltemperature
temperatureisishigher
higherthanthan 55 °C,
◦ C, the
the
system
systemcontinues
continuestotomaintain
maintainthe theheat
heatpreservation
preservationstage.
stage.
3.
3. After
Afterthe
thesystem
systementers
entersthetheheating
heatingstage,
stage,thethe central
central controller
controller commands
commandsthe the end
end
controller
controller to open the end damper and the heating fan, and the hot air entersthe
to open the end damper and the heating fan, and the hot air enters theairair
duct
ductto
to expel
expel the cold air
air from
fromthetheend
endofofthetheair
airduct
duct and
and raise
raise thethe temperature
temperature of
of the
the pipe
pipe wall.
wall.
4.
4. Close
Closethe
theendenddamper
damperand andheating
heatingfanfanwhen
whenthethework
workreaches
reachesthethepreset
presettime
timeof ofthe
the
system,
system,andandthe
theair
airininthe
theairairduct
ductwill
willno nolonger
longerflow;
flow;the
thesystem
systemwill willenter
enterthe
the heat
heat
preservation
preservationstage.
stage.
5.
5. Repeat
RepeatSteps
Steps2–4
2–4until
untilantifreezing
antifreezingisisunnecessary.
unnecessary.

Figure 3.
Figure Flowchartof
3. Flowchart ofAHTS.
AHTS.

3. Analysis
3. Analysisof ofAHTS
AHTS
The operation stage of the AHTS consists of two parts: heating stage and insulation
The operation stage of the AHTS consists of two parts: heating stage and insulation
stage. The heating stage is when the system detects that the outer wall temperature of
stage. The heating stage is when the system detects that the outer wall temperature of the
the fire extinguishing pipe is lower than the preset value, and the system starts to heat
fire extinguishing pipe is lower than the preset value, and the system starts to heat the air
the air in the air duct. When the system reaches the working time, the system is shut
in the air duct. When the system reaches the working time, the system is shut down for
down for heat preservation. Since the heating and insulation effects of the AHTS are
heat preservation. Since the heating and insulation effects of the AHTS are directly af-
directly affected by the operating parameters of the system, it is very important to set the
fected by the operating parameters of the system, it is very important to set the operating
operating parameters of the AHTS. In this study, taking Zhatunhe Tunnel as an example,
parameters of the AHTS. In this study, taking Zhatunhe Tunnel as an example, the ANSYS
the ANSYS finite element software was used to simulate the working process of the AHTS
finite element software was used to simulate the working process of the AHTS under dif-
under different environmental conditions with different wind temperature and wind speed
ferent environmental conditions with different wind temperature and wind speed set-
settings, analyze the working effect of the system under different conditions, and optimize
tings, analyzeparameters.
the working the working effect of the system under different conditions, and optimize
the working parameters.
3.1. Project Overview
3.1. Project Overview
Zhadun River Tunnel in Inner Mongolia is located in Miadu River Town, Yakeshi City,
InnerZhadun
Mongolia River Tunnel in Inner
Autonomous Region, 120◦ 270 is
Mongolia located
east longitude, 49◦ 04
in Miadu 0 north
River Town, Yakeshi
latitude. The
City,
tunnel Inner
site isMongolia
located inAutonomous Region, 120°27′
the high mid-latitude zone of east longitude,
the Eurasian 49°04′ north
continent, whichlatitude.
belongs
The tunnel
to the site is continental
temperate located in the high mid-latitude
semi-arid steppe climate.zoneThe
of the Eurasian
annual minimumcontinent, which
temperature
belongs
is −46.7to ◦ C;
thethetemperate continental
annual average semi-arid
frost-free periodsteppe climate.
is 95 days; the The annualfreezing
maximum minimum tem-is
depth
perature is −46.7 °C;tothe
2.2 m. According annual
field average the
monitoring, frost-free period isof95days
total number days; 0 ◦ C at the
the maximum
below freezing
tunnel
depth is 2.2 m. According to field monitoring, the total number of days below 0 °C at the
tunnel entrance is 197 days; the minimum temperature can reach −23.1 °C; the average
wind speed is 3.3m/s [27].
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 6 of 19

entrance is 197 days; the minimum temperature can reach −23.1 ◦ C; the average wind
speed is 3.3m/s [27].

3.2. Basic Assumptions

In this study, the convection–conduction heat transfer model was used to study the
insulation effect of the AHTS under different parameters. Due to the small pore size of
the air duct and the rapid turbulence of the air flow, only the main factors were retained
to facilitate the numerical simulation and result analysis, and the following assumptions
were made:
(1) The air duct and fire hose have good thermal conductivity, so their thickness is
ignored in the model.
(2) The air flow in the air duct is ideal air flow, without considering its compressibility,
and the wind speed of the fan was assumed to be uniform at the heating stage.
(3) The insulation layer and the liquid in the tube are homogeneous and isotropic, and
no phase transition occurs during the working process.
(4) Since the temperature of the system working environment is low and located in
the cable trench, the thermal radiation effect between the walls was not considered.
This study focused on the effects of the AHTS’s operating parameters and ambient
temperature on the system. The above assumptions can simplify the model and highlight
the key points, so as to facilitate the analysis of the influence of various parameters on the
working effect and energy efficiency of the AHTS.

3.3. Working Condition Design

When the AHTS works, the hot air in the air duct exchanges heat with the firefighting
pipe and the insulation layer. Therefore, the main parameters that affect the working of the
AHTS include air temperature, air velocity, and ambient temperature. In this study, the
air temperature was set at 20 ◦ C, 30 ◦ C, 40 ◦ C, and 50 ◦ C, the air velocity at 5 m/s, 10 m/s,
and 15 m/s, and the ambient temperature at −23.1 ◦ C, −15 ◦ C, −10 ◦ C, and −5 ◦ C, a total
of 48 working conditions, respectively labeled T1–T48. The specific parameters are shown
in Table 2.

Table 2. Working condition parameter table.

Air Ambient Air Ambient

Design Air Velocity Design Air Velocity
Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
Conditions (m/s) Conditions (m/s)
(◦ C) (◦ C) (◦ C) (◦ C)
T1 20 5 −23.1 T25 20 5 −10
T2 30 5 −23.1 T26 30 5 −10
T3 40 5 −23.1 T27 40 5 −10
T4 50 5 −23.1 T28 50 5 −10
T5 20 10 −23.1 T29 20 10 −10
T6 30 10 −23.1 T30 30 10 −10
T7 40 10 −23.1 T31 40 10 −10
T8 50 10 −23.1 T32 50 10 −10
T9 20 15 −23.1 T33 20 15 −10
T10 30 15 −23.1 T34 30 15 −10
T11 40 15 −23.1 T35 40 15 −10
T12 50 15 −23.1 T36 50 15 −10
T13 20 5 −15 T37 20 5 −5
T14 30 5 −15 T38 30 5 −5
T15 40 5 −15 T39 40 5 −5
T16 50 5 −15 T40 50 5 −5
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 7 of 19

Table 2. Cont.

Air Ambient Air Ambient

Design Air Velocity Design Air Velocity
Temperature Temperature Temperature Temperature
Conditions (m/s) Conditions (m/s)
(◦ C) (◦ C) (◦ C) (◦ C)
T17 20 10 −15 T41 20 10 −5
T18 30 10 −15 T42 30 10 −5
T19 40 10 −15 T43 40 10 −5
T20 50 10 −15 T44 50 10 −5
T21 20 15 −15 T45 20 15 −5
T22 30 15 −15 T46 30 15 −5
T23 40 15 −15 T47 40 15 −5
T24 50 15 −15 T48 50 15 −5

3.4. Parameter Calculation

During the heating phase, the hot air generates convective heat transfer with the fire
pipe and the insulation layer, respectively, and the heat conduction occurs in the insulation
layer and the liquid inside the pipe. In the heat preservation stage, the heat transfer of the
system is heat conduction. The working section of the AHTS is annular, and it has been
found that more accurate convective heat transfer parameters can be obtained by using the
Gnilinsky formula (Equations (1)–(5)) [28–31]:

( f /8)( Re − 1000) Pr f
Nu f = cl ct (1)
1 + 12.7 f /8( Pr2/3
p
f − 1)

f = (1.82 log Re − 1.64)−2 (2)

 0.45
Tf Tf
ct = , = 0.5 ∼ 1.5 (3)
Tw Tw
"  2/3 #
de
cl = 1 + (4)
l

λ· Nu f
hf = (5)
de
where: Nu f is the Nusselt number, f is the Darcy friction coefficient, Re is the Reynolds
number, Pr f is the Prandtl number, cl is the slenderness ratio correction coefficient, ct is the
temperature correction coefficient, T f is the fluid temperature, Tw is the wall temperature,
de is the equivalent diameter, and l is the length of the air duct.

3.5. Numerical Model and Boundary Conditions

Figure 4 is the numerical model. Figure 4a is the schematic diagram of the simplified
model. Figure 4b is the section diagram of the numerical model. Figure 4c is the overall
diagram of the numerical model. According to the previous assumptions, the numerical
model and boundary conditions were set as follows:
(1) The heated air enters from the EFGH boundary and exits from the IJKL boundary
(Figure 4a). In order to study the effect of different temperatures and wind speeds on the
AHTS’s insulation effect, the inlet temperature was set as 20 ◦ C, 30 ◦ C, 40 ◦ C, and 50 ◦ C,
the inlet wind speed as 5 m/s, 10 m/s, and 15 m/s, and the outlet as the pressure outlet.
(2) The boundaries AC and BD were set as constant temperature boundaries to simulate
the air temperature in the pipe trench. In order to study the working effect of the AHTS
under different temperature environments, the boundaries were set as −23.1 ◦ C, −15 ◦ C,
−10 ◦ C, and −5 ◦ C.
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 8 of 19

(3) The boundaries EI and HL are the contact boundaries between the air and insulation
layer, and the boundaries FJ and GK are the contact boundaries between the air and
firefighting pipeline. The convective heat transfer coefficient and other parameters can be
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19
obtained by the above formula (Equations (1)–(5)).
◦
(4) The initial value of liquid temperature in FGJK was set as 5 C. After the 10 min
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19
response phase, the system entered the insulation phase, and the boundaries EFGH and
IJKL (5)
were setworking
The as adiabatic boundary
interval of theconditions
AHTS was toset
study the working
to 200 effect of the
m; the thickness system in
of insulation
the insulation
layer AE was 30 phase.
mm; the radius of the air duct EF was 20 mm.
(5)The
(5) Theworking
working interval
interval of
of the
the AHTS
AHTSwas wasset
settoto200
200m;m;the
thethickness
thicknessof of
insulation
insulation
layer AE was 30 mm; the radius of the air duct EF was
layer AE was 30 mm; the radius of the air duct EF was 20 mm. 20 mm.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)

(c)

Figure
Figure4.
Figure 4.4.Simplified
Simplifieddiagram
Simplified diagram
diagramof thethe
ofof AHTS
AHTS model:
model:
AHTS (a)Schematic
(a)
model: Schematic diagram
diagram
(a) Schematic ofof simplified
simplified
diagram model;
model;
of simplified(b) (b)
model;
cross-sectiondiagram
cross-section diagramof ofnumerical
numerical model;
model; (c)
(c)Overall
Overalldiagram
diagramofofthe numerical
the model.
numerical model.
(b) cross-section diagram of numerical model; (c) Overall diagram of the numerical model.

3.6.Layout
3.6. LayoutofofMeasuring
Measuring Points
Points
3.6. Layout of Measuring Points
Figure 5 shows the layout of
Figure 5 shows the layout of the
the temperature
temperaturemeasurement
measurementpoints in in
points thethe
calculation
calculation
Figure
model. In 5 shows
the model,the
a layout of themeasurement
temperature temperaturepointmeasurement
was set points
every 25 min to
therecord
calculation
thethe
model. In the model, a temperature measurement point was set every 25 m to record
model. In the model,
temperaturechanges
changesofa temperature
ofthe
the outer
outer wallmeasurement point was set every 25 m to record the
temperature wall of
ofthe
thefire
fireextinguishing
extinguishingpipeline during
pipeline during thethe
heating
heating
temperature
andinsulation changes
insulationstages of
stagesof the
of the outer
the AHTS.
AHTS.wall of the fire extinguishing pipeline during the heating
and
and insulation stages of the AHTS.

Figure 5. Layout of model temperature measurement points.

Figure 5. Layout of model temperature measurement points.
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 19

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 4. Results and Analysis 9 of 19

Due to the fast wind speed and small section of the channel, the temperature of each
measuring point changes synchronously after entering the heat preservation stage. The
4. Results and
measuring pointAnalysis
S5 was selected as the reference point for the heat preservation time, that
is whenDuethe
to temperature
the fast wind ofspeed and small section
the measuring point S5 of is
thelower
channel,
thanthe temperature
5 °C, the systemofends
each the
measuring point changes synchronously after entering
heat preservation state and enters the heating state again. the heat preservation stage. The
measuring point S5 was selected as the reference point for the heat preservation time, that
is when ◦
4.1. Workthe temperature
Effect Analysis of the measuring point S5 is lower than 5 C, the system ends the
heat preservation state and enters the heating state again.
4.1.1. Heating Stage
4.1. Work Effect Analysisand increase of the outer wall of the firefighting pipe after heating
The temperature
under various Stage
4.1.1. Heating conditions are shown in Figure 6. The outer wall temperature of T1 was the
lowest,Thewhich
temperature
was 12.5and increase
°C. of the
The outer outer
wall wall of the of
temperature firefighting
T48 was pipe after heating
the highest, and the
temperature was 39.9 °C. The outer wall temperature of T9 to T10 increased thethe
under various conditions are shown in Figure 6. The outer wall temperature of T1 was most
lowest,The
which was 12.5 ◦ C. The outer wall temperature of T48 was the highest, and the
(47%). outer wall temperature of T5 to T9 showed the smallest increase of 9%. When
temperature ◦ C. The outer wall temperature of T9 to T10 increased the most (47%).
was 39.9rose
the air temperature from 20 °C to 30 °C, the average increase of the outer wall tem-
The outer wall temperature
perature was 44%; when the ofair
T5temperature
to T9 showed thefrom
rose smallest
30 °Cincrease of the
to 40 °C, 9%. average
When the air
increase
temperature rose from 20 ◦ C to 30 ◦ C, the average increase of the outer wall temperature
of the outer wall temperature was 30%; when the air temperature rose from 40 °C to 50
was 44%; when the air temperature rose from 30 ◦ C to 40 ◦ C, the average increase of the
°C, the average increase of the outer wall temperature was 23%. When the air velocity
outer wall temperature was 30%; when the air temperature rose from 40 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C, the
increased from 5 m/s to 10 m/s, the outer wall temperature increased by 27% on average.
average increase of the outer wall temperature was 23%. When the air velocity increased
When
from 5them/sairtovelocity
10 m/s, increased
the outer wallfromtemperature
10 m/s to 15 m/s, thebyouter
increased 27% on wall temperature
average. When in-
creased by 11% on average. When the ambient temperature changed, the
the air velocity increased from 10 m/s to 15 m/s, the outer wall temperature increased by increase of the
outer
11% on wall temperature
average. When thewasambient
0. temperature changed, the increase of the outer wall
temperature was 0.

Figure
Figure 6.
6. Outer
Outer wall temperature
temperatureofoffirefighting
firefightingpipe
pipeinin
thethe AHTS’s
AHTS’s heating
heating stage
stage under
under different
different
environment,
environment, wind speed,and
wind speed, andtemperature
temperatureconditions.
conditions.

ItIt can
can be
be seen
seenthat
thatincreasing thethe
increasing air air
temperature and the
temperature andair
thevelocity of the system
air velocity can
of the system
effectively
can increase
effectively the temperature
increase of the outer
the temperature wall
of the of the
outer firefighting
wall pipe after heating,
of the firefighting pipe after
and the ambient temperature had no influence on the temperature change of the outer wall
 heating, and the ambient temperature had no influence on the temperature change of the
outer wall of the firefighting pipe during the heating stage. The reason for this phenome
non is that the AHTS has a thermal insulation layer on the outside and the air flow speed
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 10 of 19
in the tube is fast, so the influence of environmental temperature change in the heating
phase of the AHTS is negligible.
of the firefighting pipe during the heating stage. The reason for this phenomenon is that
4.1.2.
theHeat
AHTSPreservation
has a thermalStage
insulation layer on the outside and the air flow speed in the tube
isThe
fast, holding
so the influence of environmental
time and increase of temperature change
each working in the heating
condition phase ofinthe
are shown Figure 7
AHTS is negligible.
Among them, the holding time of T1 was the shortest (3.92 h). T48 had the longest holding
time4.1.2.
of 75.67
Heat h. The holding
Preservation time of T21 to T22 increased the most, which was 99%. T44 to
Stage
T48 showed the smallest
The holding time and increase
increaseinofthe holding
each working time of 14%.
condition areWhen
shownthe in air temperature
Figure 7.
increased from 20 °C to 30 °C, the average increase of the holding time
Among them, the holding time of T1 was the shortest (3.92 h). T48 had the longest holding was 87%; when the
air temperature
time of 75.67 h.increased
The holding from
time 30 °C to
of T21 toT22
40 increased
°C, the average
the most,increase
which was of99%.
the T44
holding
to time
T48 showed the smallest increase in the holding time of 14%. When
was 50%; when the air temperature increased from 40 °C to 50 °C, the average increase o the air temperature
◦ to 30 ◦ C, the average increase of the holding time was 87%; when the
the increased
holding timefrom 20
wasC33%. With the increase of the air temperature, the growth rate of the
air temperature increased from 30 ◦ C to 40 ◦ C, the average increase of the holding time
system’s holding time gradually decreased. When the air velocity increased from 5 m/s to
was 50%; when the air temperature increased from 40 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C, the average increase
10 m/s,
of thethe average
holding timeincrease
was 33%. of With
the holding timeofwas
the increase 50%.
the air When thethe
temperature, air growth
velocity increased
rate
from 10 m/s to 15 m/s, the average increase of the holding time was
of the system’s holding time gradually decreased. When the air velocity increased from 18%. When the ambi
ent 5temperature
m/s to 10 m/s, increased
the average from −23.1
increase of °C to −15 °C,
the holding timethewasaverage
50%. When increase of the holding
the air velocity
time was 53%. When the ambient temperature increased from −15 °C to −10 When
increased from 10 m/s to 15 m/s, the average increase of the holding time was 18%. °C, the aver
−23.1 ◦ C to −15 ◦ C, the average increase of the
age the ambient
increase oftemperature
the holdingincreased
time was from
43%. When the ambient temperature increased from
holding time was 53%. When the ambient temperature increased from −15 ◦ C to −10 ◦ C,
-10 the
°C average
to −5 °C, the average increase of the holding time was 62%. It can be seen that the
increase of the holding time was 43%. When the ambient temperature increased
improvement
from -10 ◦ C toof−the
5 ◦ C,operating
the averagetemperature,
increase of the wind
holdingspeed,
time wasand
62%.ambient
It can betemperature
seen that can
improve the system’s holding time, but the improvement effect was
the improvement of the operating temperature, wind speed, and ambient temperature can different.
improve the system’s holding time, but the improvement effect was different.

Figure 7. The
Figure AHTS’s
7. The AHTS’sinsulation phaseduration
insulation phase duration under
under different
different environment,
environment, windand
wind speed, speed, and
temperature conditions.
temperature conditions.

4.2. Parameter Analysis

 Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 11 of 19

4.2. Parameter Analysis

In order to further understand the effects of the working parameters on the AHTS,
T1, T2, T3, T4, T8, T12, T13, T25, and T37 were used for the analysis of air temperature, air
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEWvelocity, and temperature effects on the AHTS. Figure 8a shows the temperature variation
11 of 19
of the outer wall of the AHTS fire pipe at different working air temperatures for 30 h
(without restart) when the ambient temperature was Te = −23.1 ◦ C and the wind speed was
5 m/s. Figure 8b shows the temperature changes of the outer wall of the fire extinguishing
In order to
pipeline further
when the understand the effectsTe
ambient temperature of=the working
−23.1 ◦ C and parameters
the working on the AHTS,
air temperature
T1, T2,
wasT3,50T4, T8,and
◦ C, T12, T13,
the AHTST25,worked
and T37for were used time
a single for the analysis
period of 30 of hair temperature,
(without restart) airunder
velocity, and temperature effects on the AHTS. Figure 8a shows the
different working air wind speeds. Figure 8c shows the temperature variation of the outertemperature variation
of thewall
outer wallfire
of the ofextinguishing
the AHTS fire pipe
pipe at different
when the AHTSworkingworkingair airtemperatures
temperature was for 30
20 ◦hC and
(without restart) when the ambient temperature was Te = −23.1
the wind speed was 5 m/s, and the system worked for 30 h without restart at different °C and the wind speed
was 5ambient
m/s. Figure 8b shows As
temperatures. thecantemperature
be seen from changes
Figureof8,thetheouter wall of change
temperature the fire of extin-
the outer
guishing
wallpipeline when the pipeline
of the firefighting ambient experienced
temperature the Te =heating
−23.1 °C andand
stage the the
working air tem-
insulation stage, in
perature
whichwas 50temperature
the °C, and the AHTS changeworked for a singlestage
of the insulation timecanperiod of 30 h (without
be divided restart)
into the rapid cooling
understage
different working air wind speeds. Figure 8c shows the temperature
and the slow cooling stage. In the rapid cooling stage, due to the large temperature variation of
the outer wall ofbetween
difference the fire extinguishing
the inside and pipe whenofthe
outside AHTS
the working
system, the wall air temperature
temperature was dropped
20 °Cfaster.
and the wind speed was 5 m/s, and the system worked
When the wall temperature decreased, the temperature difference between for 30 h without restarttheatinside
different
and ambient
outside of temperatures. As can bedecreased
the system gradually seen fromand Figurebegan8, the temperature
to enter the slow change
cooling ofstage.
the outer
When wall
theoftemperature
the firefightingof thepipeline
pipe wallexperienced
entered the theslow
heating
coolingstagestage,
and the theinsulation
temperature of
stage,the
in pipe
which thewould
wall temperature
directlychange
affect theof holding
the insulation
time ofstage can be divided into the
the system.
rapid cooling stage
It can and thefrom
be found slowFigure
cooling 8astage.
that theIn the
wallrapid cooling stage,
temperature of T1,due T2,toT3,theand
largeT4 had
temperature
the same difference between
change trend. the the
After inside and outside
heating stage, the of the
wallsystem, the wall
temperature tempera-
reached 12.5 ◦ C,
17.4 ◦ C, 22.3
ture dropped ◦ C,When
faster. and 27.1the ◦wall
C, respectively,
temperature and the increase
decreased, the of the wall temperature
temperature difference was
about
between thehalf of the
inside andincrease
outside of of the
the air temperature.
system graduallyThe holdingand
decreased timesbeganof T1,
to T2,
enter T3,the
and T4
slow were
cooling 3.92 h, 6.5
stage. h, 9.58
When theh,temperature
and 13.25h,of respectively,
the pipe wall which
enteredindicates
the slow that the holding
cooling stage, time
increased greatly
the temperature of the with
pipe the
wallincrease
would of the airaffect
directly temperature.
the holdingThe timereason of for
thethis
system.phenomenon
is that, when the air temperature is higher, the wall temperature is higher when it starts to
decrease slowly, so the holding time is longer.

(a)

Figure 8. Cont.
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 19

Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 12 of 19

(b)

(c)
Figure 8. Variation
Figure of the
8. Variation offire
thepipe wall wall
fire pipe temperature under
temperature different
under parameters
different of theofAHTS
parameters for a for a
the AHTS
single time period of 30h of operation: (a) Diagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at 𝑇𝑓 =
single time period of 30h of operation: (a) Diagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at T f = 20,
20, 30, 40, 50 °C◦(𝑇𝑒 = −23.1 °C, ◦𝑣 = 5 m/s); (b) Diagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at 𝑣
30, 40, 50 C (Te = −23.1 C, v = 5 m/s); (b) Diagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at
= 5, 10, 15 m/s (𝑇𝑒 = −23.1 °C, 𝑇𝑓 =◦50 °C); (c) sDiagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at 𝑇𝑒
v = 5, 10, 15 m/s (Te = −23.1 C, T f = 50 ◦ C); (c) sDiagram of temperature change of fire pipe wall at
= −23.1, −15, −10, −5 °C (𝑇𝑓 = 20 °C,𝑣 = 5 m/s).
Te = −23.1, −15, −10, −5 ◦ C (T f = 20 ◦ C, v = 5 m/s).
It can be found from Figure 8a that the wall temperature of T1, T2, T3, and T4 had
According to Figure 8b, it can be found that T4, T8, and T12 had different wall
the same change trend. After the heating stage, the wall temperature reached 12.5 °C, 17.4
temperature variation trends. The wall temperature of T8 and T12 changed rapidly at
°C, 22.3
first°C,
andand then27.1 °C, respectively,
slowly, while the wall and the increaserising
temperature of thespeed
wall in
temperature
the heatingwas stageabout
of other
half working
of the increase
conditions showed little change. The reason for this phenomenon is that were
of the air temperature. The holding times of T1, T2, T3, and T4 the faster
3.92 air
h, 6.5 h, 9.58
speed h, and 13.25h,
is conducive to therespectively,
heat transferwhichof theindicates that reduces
wall, which the holding time in-
the temperature
creased greatlybetween
difference with the the
increase
wall andof the
theairairtemperature. The reason
rapidly, resulting in thefor this phenomenon
lower wall temperature
is that,
change speed. After the heating stage, the wall temperatures of T4, T8,when
when the air temperature is higher, the wall temperature is higher it starts
and T12 reached
to decrease◦ slowly,◦ so the holding
◦ time is longer.
27.1 C, 35.5 C, and 39.9 C, respectively, and the holding time was 13.25 h, 20.92 h, and
According
25 to FigureThe
h, respectively. 8b,change
it can betrend
found ofthat
wallT4, T8, and T12inhad
temperature thedifferent
insulationwall tem-of all
stage
perature variation trends. The wall temperature of T8 and T12 changed
working conditions was the same, because T4, T8, and T12 had the same air temperature, rapidly at first
and and
thenthere
slowly,waswhile the wall heat
no convective temperature risingthe
transfer after speed
system in entered
the heating stage of other
the insulation stage, so
working conditions change
the temperature showedinlittle change. The
the insulation reason
stage for this phenomenon
was independent is that the
of the air velocity.
faster airIt speed
can be is conducive
found from Figureto the8c heat transfer
that, after of the stage,
the heating wall, which
the wallreduces
temperaturethe of
◦
T1, T13, T25, and T37 reached 12.5 C, and the holding time was 3.92 h, 5.5 h, 7.58 h, and
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 13 of 19

12.92 h, respectively. Their wall temperature curves partly coincided in the heating stage
and the holding stage. Starting from Node A, the wall temperature decreased faster when
the ambient temperature was lower. The reason is that the air temperature in the pipeline
was consistent at the beginning of insulation, and the temperature change in the system
did not affect the wall temperature in the first 10 min. However, the temperature difference
between the inside and outside of the system was large, and the heat loss was faster when
the ambient temperature was low.
Table 3 shows the influence of changes in wind speed, wind temperature, and ambient
temperature on the working effect of the AHTS. The air temperature increment ratio takes
the ambient temperature as the base value, and the ambient temperature increment ratio
takes the air temperature as the base value. The temperature increment ratio = temperature
increment/temperature difference. The increment ratio of holding time = increment of
holding time/original holding time. The influence coefficient of wall temperature = wall
temperature increase ratio/increment ratio of each parameter. The influence coefficient of
holding time = increment ratio of holding time/increment ratio of each parameter.

Table 3. Effects of air temperature, air velocity, and ambient temperature on the AHTS.

Wall Temperature Influence

Working Air Temperature Wall Temperature Increasing Ratio
Influence Coefficient of
Condition Increase Ratio Increase Ratio of Holding Time
Coefficient Holding Time
T1→T2 23% 14% 0.59 66% 2.84
T2→T3 19% 12% 0.64 47% 2.52
T3→T4 16% 11% 0.67 38% 2.42
T4→T8 100% 17% 0.17 58% 0.58
T8→T12 50% 8% 0.15 20% 0.39
T1→T13 19% 0% 0.00 40% 2.14
T13→T25 14% 0% 0.00 38% 2.65
T25→T37 17% 0% 0.00 70% 4.23

As can be seen from Table 3, when the air temperature increased from 20 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C,
the wall temperature influence coefficient increased from 0.59 to 0.67, indicating that the
wall temperature increased rapidly with the increase of the air temperature. When the air
velocity increased from 5 m/s to 15 m/s, the influence coefficient of the wall temperature
decreased from 0.17 to 0.15, and the influence ability of air velocity on wall temperature
was only 1/4 of that of the air temperature. The reason is that the air temperature directly
increased the total energy of the system, while the air velocity only increased the convective
heat transfer coefficient of the wind duct wall. When the ambient temperature rose from
−23.1 ◦ C to −5 ◦ C, the wall temperature influence coefficient was always 0. The reason for
this phenomenon may be that the AHTS has a thermal insulation layer on the outside and
the air flow speed in the tube is fast. Therefore, the influence of the ambient temperature
change on the heating stage of the AHTS is negligible.
When the air temperature increased from 20 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C, the influence coefficient of
the holding time decreased from 2.84 to 2.42, indicating that increasing the air temperature
of the AHTS can significantly prolong the holding time of the system, and the increase
of the holding time slows down with the increase of the air temperature. When the air
velocity increased from 5 m/s to 15 m/s, the influence coefficient of the holding time
decreased from 0.58 to 0.39, indicating that the effect of increasing the AHTS’s wind speed
on extending holding time was limited, and the influence of the air velocity on the holding
time was only 1/4 of that of the air temperature. When the ambient temperature rose from
−23.1 ◦ C to −5 ◦ C, the influence coefficient of the holding time increased from 2.14 to
4.23, indicating that the holding time increased rapidly with the increase of the ambient
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 14 of 19

temperature. The possible reason is that the main form of heat transfer in the system is
heat transfer in the stage of the heat preservation work, and the increase of the ambient
temperature reduces the overall heat loss of the system. Therefore, it is better to use the
AHTS for pipe antifreezing at a higher ambient temperature.
Therefore, under proper conditions, it is recommended to increase the air tempera-
ture in the system and the ambient temperature outside the pipe (in the cable trench) as
much as possible to improve the fire pipe wall temperature and the AHTS’s holding time
after heating.

4.3. AHTS’s Efficacy Study

Operation cost is one of the most important non-natural factors affecting the selection
of tunnel thermal insulation systems in cold regions, which must be considered in the
system design. Therefore, it is necessary to study the system efficiency of the AHTS and
optimize the scientific and reasonable construction parameters. In the following studies, the
average system power P was used as the index to measure the system efficiency (ignoring
fan transmission and heating efficiency).
 
P = Pf + Ph ∗ th /ti (6)

where P is the average energy consumption of the system (KW), Pf is the wind speed
energy consumption (KW), Ph is the energy consumption of the air temperature (KW), th is
the system working time (h), and ti is the system holding time (h).

4.3.1. Calculation of Wind Speed Power

Since the outlet of the air duct is located in the cable trench, the kinetic energy loss and
transmission efficiency of the outlet of the heating fan were ignored, and the static pressure
power was used to measure the power consumption caused by the wind speed [32].

αLUQ3
Pf = (7)
1000A3
where, Pf is the wind speed energy consumption (KW), α is the friction resistance coefficient
ρ
(α = 8 λ), L is the length of the air duct (m), U is the perimeter of the section (m), Q is the
air volume (m3 /s), and A is the cross-sectional area of the air duct (m2 ).

4.3.2. Heating Power Calculation

Ignoring the fan thermal efficiency and local loss, Equation (8) is used to calculate the
heating power of the AHTS.
Ph = cQρ∆T (8)
where Ph is the energy consumption of the air temperature (KW), c is the specific heat
capacity (KJ/(kg·K)), Q is the air volume (m3 /s), ρ is the density (kg/m3 ), and ∆T is the
temperature difference between the system air temperature and the environment (◦ C).
The average power and increase of the system under different working conditions
are shown in Figure 9. It can be seen from the figure that the average system power P is
proportional to the air speed and inversely proportional to the air temperature and the
ambient temperature. Among them, T40 had the lowest average system power of 0.019 KW,
while T9 had the highest average system power of 0.912 KW. T37 to T41 showed the largest
average power increase of 132%. T25 to T37 had the smallest average power increase of
−49%. When the air temperature rose from 20 ◦ C to 30 ◦ C, the average power increased by
−40%; when the air temperature rose from 30 ◦ C to 40 ◦ C, the average power increased by
−27%; when the air temperature rose from 40 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C, the average power increased
by −18%. As the air temperature increased, the average power growth rate of the system
decreased gradually. When the air speed increased from 5 m/s to 10 m/s, the average power
increased by 102%. When the air speed increased from 10 m/s to 15 m/s, the average power
 largest average power increase of 132%. T25 to T37 had the smallest average pow
crease of −49%. When the air temperature rose from 20 °C to 30 °C, the average p
increased by −40%; when the air temperature rose from 30 °C to 40 °C, the average p
increased by −27%; when the air temperature rose from 40 °C to 50 °C, the average p
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 increased by −18%. As the air temperature increased, the average power 15 of 19growth r
the system decreased gradually. When the air speed increased from 5 m/s to 10 m
average power increased by 102%. When the air speed increased from 10 m/s to 1
the average
increased by 98%. When the power increased
ambient by 98%.increased
temperature When thefrom
ambient
−23.1temperature
◦ C to −15 ◦increased
C, the from
°C to −15 °C, the average power increased by −41%. When the
average power increased by −41%. When the ambient temperature increased from −15 C ambient ◦ temperatu
creased power
to −10 ◦ C, the average from −15 °C to −10
increased °C,
by − the When
34%. averagethepower increased
ambient by −34%.
temperature When the am
increased
◦ temperature
◦ increased from −10 °C to
from −10 C to −5 C, the average power increased by −42%. −5 °C, the average power increased by −42%.

Figure 9. Average system

Figure power ofsystem
9. Average the AHTS under
power different
of the AHTS environment, wind
under different speed, andwind
environment, windspeed, and
temperature conditions.
temperature conditions.

Table 4 analyzes the4 influence

Table of influence
analyzes the the changes in changes
of the wind speed, wind
in wind temperature,
speed, wind temperatur
and ambient temperature on the average
ambient temperature on the power
averageofpower
the AHTS,
of the where
AHTS,power
where influence
power influence c
coefficient = system
cient =average
system power increment
average ratio/each
power increment parameter
ratio/each increment
parameter ratio. ratio.
increment

Table 4. Influence of wind

Table temperature,
4. Influence wind temperature,
of wind speed, and ambient temperature
wind speed, on the average
and ambient power on the a
temperature
of the AHTS. power of the AHTS.

Working
Working AirTemperature
Temperature Increase Power Influe
Air Increase RatioSystemSystem
AverageAverage
Power Power Increment
Power Influence
Ratio
Condition
Condition Ratio Increment Ratio Coefficient Coefficien
T9→T10
T9→T10 23%23% −43% −43% −1.87 −1.87
T10→T11 19% −34% −1.80
T11→T12 16% −24% −1.52
T1→T5 100% 122% 1.22
T5→T9 50% 103% 2.05
T9→T21 19% −37% −1.97
T21→T33 14% −36% −2.49
T33→T45 17% −45% −2.69

As can be seen from Table 4, when the air temperature increased from 20 ◦ C to 50 ◦ C,
the power influence coefficient increased from −1.87 to −1.52, indicating that the average
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 16 of 19

power of the system decreased with the increase of the air temperature. When the air
velocity increased from 5 m/s to 15 m/s, the power influence coefficient increased from
1.22 to 2.05, indicating that the influence of air velocity on the average power of the system
increased at an accelerated pace. When the ambient temperature rose from −23.1 ◦ C to
−5 ◦ C, the power influence coefficient decreased from −1.97 to −2.69, indicating that the
average system power was more sensitive to the change of ambient temperature and the
AHTS operates better when the ambient temperature is higher.
Therefore, in practical applications, the air temperature of the AHTS should be in-
creased appropriately and the air speed should be reduced as much as possible. In addition,
measures can be taken to increase the temperature of the external environment of the fire
pipeline (in the cable trench). As can be seen from FIG. 10, when the ambient temperature
was unchanged, Ta = 50 ◦ C, v = 5 m/s, the average power P of the system was the lowest.
Therefore, v = 5 m/s and Ta = 50 ◦ C are recommended as the operating parameters of
the system.

5. Conclusions
Aiming at the problems of insufficient antifreezing measures and ineffective operation
of existing insulation measures in tunnel fire protection pipes in cold regions, this paper
proposed a new air heat tracing system with high efficiency and environmental protection.
The system consists of an insulation layer, air duct, heating fan, and controller. The study
showed that the AHTS can effectively prevent the freezing failure of firefighting pipes in
cold regions and has high application value. Meanwhile, this paper used the numerical
simulation method to study the three factors (air temperature, air velocity, and ambient
temperature) that affect the work of the AHTS and drew the following conclusions:
(1) The AHTS uses the heating fan to make hot air pass through the annular air duct
to heat and preserve the firefighting pipeline, which prevents the water in the firefighting
pipeline from freezing and has a good heat preservation effect, which can effectively ensure
the normal operation of the firefighting systems in tunnels in cold regions.
(2) During the operation of the system, the fire pipe wall temperature changes through
the heating stage, rapid cooling stage, and slow cooling stage. Increasing the tube wall
temperature when the system enters the slow cooling phase is beneficial to extending the
system holding time.
(3) When the air temperature is different, the wall temperature of the firefighting
pipeline has the same trend, and the increase of the wall temperature of the pipeline
is about half of the increase of the air temperature. Meanwhile, the increase of the air
temperature increases the initial temperature and increases the holding time in the slow
descending stage.
(4) Under the condition of fast air velocity, the pipe wall temperature changes from
uniform growth to decelerating growth in the heating stage of the system. There is no
significant correlation between the wall temperature change and air velocity.
(5) The wall temperature change of the firefighting pipe has nothing to do with the
environment temperature in the heating stage and the initial stage of heat preservation,
and the system heat preservation time is greatly affected by the environment temperature.
The lower the ambient temperature, the shorter the system heat preservation time is.
(6) The influence of air temperature on the heating stage of the AHTS is about four-
times the air speed, and the influence of the air temperature on the AHTS’s holding time is
about five-times the air speed. At a high temperature, the environment temperature has
the greatest influence on the system holding time.
(7) The average power consumption of the system decreases with the increase of
the air temperature and ambient temperature and increases with the increase of the air
speed. Among them, the increase of the ambient temperature can reduce the average
power consumption of the system to the greatest extent. Under proper conditions, it is
recommended to raise the system air temperature as much as possible and work in the “high
temperature and low speed” mode. In addition, other measures can be taken to increase
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 17 of 19

the ambient temperature outside the pipe, further reduce the system power consumption,
and prolong the heat preservation time. It is recommended that v = 5 m/s and Ta = 50 ◦ C
be used as the preset operating parameters. In this case, the average power consumption of
the system is the lowest, that is the operating cost of the AHTS is the lowest.

6. Limitations and Recommendations for Further Study

This paper analyzed the working effect and energy efficiency of the AHTS under
different working conditions, but it has been not used in the field due to some reasons. The
next step is to perform field operations to verify the effectiveness of the AHTS. Further, the
system should be networked with the local weather forecast, and the parameters such as
the air speed and air temperature of the system can be automatically adjusted through the
weather forecasting data to achieve intelligence.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.Z. and Y.X.; methodology, M.Z.; software, M.Z.; valida-
tion, M.Z., Y.X. and Z.W.; formal analysis, M.Z.; investigation, M.Z.; resources, M.Z.; data curation,
M.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, M.Z.; writing—review and editing, M.Z. and Z.W.; visual-
ization, M.Z.; supervision, Y.X.; project administration, Z.W.; funding acquisition, Z.W. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by [the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,
CHD] grant number [300102212204].
Data Availability Statement: All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear
in the submitted article.
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by the Fundamental
Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD (Grant No. 300102212204).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Nomenclature
A Air duct section area, m2
c Specific heat capacity, kJ/(kg K)
cl Slenderness ratio correction factor
ct Temperature correction factor
de Equivalent diameter, m
f Darcy coefficient of friction
hf Convective heat transfer coefficient, W/(m2 K)
L Length of air duct, m
Nu f Nusselt number
P Average system energy consumption, kW
Pf Wind energy consumption, kW
Ph Air temperature energy consumption, kW
Pr Prandtl number
Q Air volume, m3 /s
Re Reynolds number
Tf Fluid temperature, ◦ C
Tw Wall temperature, ◦ C
th AHTS’s working time, h
ti AHTS’s holding time, h
Temperature difference between the system working air temperature and the
∆T
environment, ◦ C
U The perimeter of the section, m
Greek letters
ρ
α Friction resistance coefficient, α = 8 λ
λ Wall friction coefficient, 0.1~0.2
λ Heat transfer coefficient, W/(m K)
ρ Density, kg/m3
Sustainability 2022, 14, 16056 18 of 19

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