Numerical study on the effect of smoke emitted from the vents on the roof of a diesel train on the intake of downstream air-conditioning units

Constrained by economic development and geographical features, numerous railway lines remain unelectrified, underscoring the expansive potential of diesel trains. Diesel engine emissions discharged from the roof of trains pose a challenge as some of the smoke infiltrates the cabin through the intake of roof-mounted air-conditioning units (ACUs). This intrusion diminishes the indoor air quality, posing health risks to passengers and potentially jeopardizing their safety. This study employs the shear stress transport k-omega turbulence model to formulate a multiphase flow model for simulating smoke diffusion in diesel trains. Additionally, we conducted an optimization design to minimize smoke entry into the ACUs. This study defined six cases based on variations in the shape and height of the cover and the spacing of the smoke vents. The results show that the effect of the diffusion characteristics decreased with the cover height. With the progression of airflow diffusion, the effect of the smoke vent structure on the concentration diminished farther from the vents. The minimum smoke mass flow rate into the intake occurred with the vent spacing of 2.14 m and without a cover, resulting in a 57.0% decrease compared with the maximum. Thus, a smoke vent spacing of 2.14 m without a cover was deemed to be the optimal configuration. The research results provide certain engineering guidance significance for the design and operation of train-smoke vent structures.