Smart tools make it easier to design efficient control systems for modern tunnels

Modern tunnels are complex systems that need constant monitoring to ensure they are safe. That is where TU/e PhD student Lars Moormann came up with an efficient solution. Moormann is working on developing smart tools that make it easier to devise efficient control systems for tunnels. “With the new tool, the researcher improved the performance of the control system synthesis process by as much as 80 per cent,” TU Eindhoven writes in a press release.

From model to synthesis

Creating suitable models of the tunnel and associated requirements is an important process. For this purpose, Moormann has created a tool that can model a complete traffic tunnel in a matter of minutes. By specifying the parameters of a tunnel, such as the number of traffic tubes, lanes and escape doors, the tool automatically determines which models are needed for that tunnel.

“We then use computer algorithms to automatically derive a specific control system from the created models,” says Moormann. “This is a complex problem that grows exponentially with the number of system components and parameters. But because road tunnels are usually symmetric, we were able to significantly reduce the complexity of the synthesis problem. After all, if a system contains similar subsystems, the controller calculations only have to be done once.”

Revolutionary tunnel builder another step forward thanks to Vinci grant

British tunneling start-up hyperTunnel has received financial investment from VINCI, a global leader in concessions, energy and construction businesses.

Moormann’s research is also part of a larger project called: MultiWaterWerk (MWW). This is a collaborative project between TU/e and Rijkswaterstaat. The project aims to standardise the design of new locks, tunnels and other infrastructure to save costs and time.