Design of ventilation systems for the trainshed and tunnels of Grand Central Terminal, New York

摘要

New York's Grand Central Terminal trainshed is one of the largest underground structures in Manhattan, occupying approximately 2.5 million square feet. Built in 1913, it has 30 platforms on two levels and provides a commuter rail service for over 70 million passengers a year The trainshed currently experiences high air temperatures during the summer months, creating an uncomfortable environment for passengers and employees and increasing the probability of equipment failure or reduced service life. A study has been carried out involving the development and application of global lumped-parameter models and three-dimensional CFD models of the trainshed, in order to gain an understanding of the heat transfer and fluid flow processes which control the trainshed environment. This study has led to the identification of conceptual designs in order to alleviate the extreme temperatures occurring within the trainshed. Simulations using the CFD model also enabled an understanding of smoke behavior from fires occurring in the trainshed. The CFD models are currently being extended and used to support the ongoing design activities and to study fire hazards and ventilation possibilities for the Park Avenue tunnel. This paper discusses the background and technical difficulties in applying modeling to such a complex structure. Technical approach, validation and the optimization of ventilation design using the model are described.