“It is estimated that consumption by tunnel fans could be reduced by 40% and lighting by 20%”.
TECNALIA develops technological solutions based on augmented reality, digital twins and AI to optimise the energy consumption of road tunnels in Bizkaia
TECNALIA is leading an initiative to optimise energy consumption in road tunnels in Bizkaia. The network of these tunnels is vitally important for road mobility in the region and poses a challenge in terms of energy demand and decarbonisation. This has led infrastructure managers to consider designing new solutions to optimise energy consumption in tunnels so as to contribute to a more sustainable future. They currently account for 73% of the electricity consumption of the total road network. The initiative is supported by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, which was responsible for deploying and implementing the initiative.
Technological solutions developed
TECNALIA has developed a digital laboratory with augmented reality for tunnels, using technology based on digital twins. This solution makes it possible to simulate and optimise the performance and operation of lighting and ventilation equipment in tunnels.
Frequency inverters have been developed in collaboration with Zitron to adjust the speed of the motors while ventilating the tunnels. This minimises consumption and achieves better performance, which translates into significant energy savings.
In the coming months, various algorithms based on artificial intelligence will be validated to optimise the use of lighting and air ventilation inside the tunnel. As a result, it is estimated that consumption by fans could be reduced by 40% and lighting by 20%.
These developments are part of the European LIAISON initiative.
