A fluid dynamics analysis and simulation of the airflow-generated kinetic energy in SRP Tunnel, Cebu, Philippines.

The study of potential abundant natural resources as an energy source has become a trend in the past years. Wind energy is seen as an abundant natural resource which can be produced and generated. Roadways are great sources of wind energy since vehicles moving at certain speeds cause wind movements. The airflow inside SRP Tunnel, located at Cebu City, Philippines, underneath Plaza Independencia, is the focus of this paper. The structural layout and dimensions of the tunnel and the velocities of the vehicles passing through the tunnel were gathered and were used for the CFD simulation. Relevant data includes the traffic count inside the tunnel. Results show the quantity and location of the maximum airflow produced by moving vehicles at certain speeds inside the tunnel. The areas of the moving vehicle inside the tunnel significantly affect the amount of kinetic energy generated. The locations where the maximum airflow velocities occur are at segment b' and a' at ZX plane. Since b' is located on the roadway of the tunnel, it is recommended to utilize segment a'. Segment a' covers 1.85 meters from the wall of the tunnel to the side of the roadway. At YZ plane, as aforementioned, the maximum airflow velocities occur at segment e, f, and g. Segment e covers 2.7 meters, segment f covers 2.8 meters, and segment g covers 1.46 meters from the ground of the tunnel. This means that if a wind energy harvester will be installed along segment a', the recommended height of the harvester should be at the range of 1.46-2.7 meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]