Structured Distribution of Electric Power Systems: the Architecture of a Roadway Tunnel

Modeling of the electric system “architecture” aims to achieve performances of safety, maintenance, operation, and reliability. This paper discusses the criteria in designing special cases, such as roadway tunnels, that need a structured architecture complying with electrical loads extensively distributed and with installation requirements proper to external stresses hazards such as fire hazard. Recommendations of mechanical and electrical criteria have to be graduated according to duty categories (as environment parameters for the road tunnels). Their consideration is essential for the settlement of the design criteria, which have to concern variable configurations to simplify installation problems, to allow a flexible operation, and to optimize the cost-benefit efficiency. A special power distribution, “brush-distribution,” is suitable for the strategic buildings with higher risk for seismic event and for the road tunnels against fire. The electrical power system of a roadway tunnel could raise high values with a relevant contribution by the mechanical ventilation and the support lighting. The authors suggest an adaptive criterion in designing the support lighting system in order to mitigate the cost and the energetic impact.