Central air conditioning configuration selection plan for station waiting hall
Train station waiting halls are public building scenarios characterized by ultra-high ceilings, ultra-large spaces, highly fluctuating passenger density, and high demand for fresh air . Therefore, they place extremely high demands on air conditioning systems regarding air delivery distance, temperature uniformity, energy efficiency, low noise, and intelligent control. Currently, the mainstream configuration for waiting halls of high-speed and conventional train stations in China consists of four types of central air conditioning systems, with differentiated selections for newly built large hubs, renovated and expanded stations, and small and medium-sized station buildings. Specific configuration schemes are as follows:
I. Preferred for large high-speed rail hubs: Water-cooled centrifugal/screw chillers + combined air handling units (mainstream standard configuration)
This is the core configuration solution for the waiting hall of a newly built large-scale high-speed railway station in China. It is suitable for large station buildings with large building area, floor height of more than 10 meters, and extremely high cooling load requirements. It is also the most mature and widely used system at present.
System composition : The cold and heat source adopts a combination of permanent magnet synchronous variable frequency centrifugal water-cooled unit and variable frequency screw water-cooled unit , combined with combined air conditioning unit, air duct nozzle air supply system, and some auxiliary equipment such as cooling tower and water pump.
Key advantages : The unit's comprehensive energy efficiency far exceeds the national first-class standard. It can adjust the load within a wide range of 12.5%-100% according to the tidal changes in passenger flow in the waiting hall, perfectly adapting to the load fluctuations of peak congestion and off-peak open spaces. With the addition of a long-range nozzle side air supply and bottom return air mode, the air supply is uniform and without dead zones, solving the problem of uneven heating and cooling in tall spaces. It operates stably and with low noise, and can operate 24 hours a day without interruption, meeting the all-weather operation needs of the station.
Applicable scenarios : provincial capital-level high-speed rail stations and large railway hub stations (such as most newly built provincial key stations).
II. Features of the New High-End Hub: Integrated Island Air Conditioning System (New and Preferred Option)
This is a customized air conditioning solution for high-speed railway stations that has been innovatively applied in recent years. It is currently widely used in newly built benchmark high-speed railway stations, completely solving the pain points of traditional duct air conditioning, such as strong airflow, high energy consumption, and poor compatibility with decoration. Representative applications include large hub stations in Southwest China such as Chongqing East Station.
System composition : A highly integrated vertical island air conditioning unit that requires no complex ductwork, can be installed independently on the ground, and can be customized to match the station's decoration style (such as petal shape or landscape-style body), and is equipped with a smart energy management platform.
Key advantages : Supports 360° surround and 180° side airflow dual air supply, forming a uniform and gentle "air lake" within a 20-meter range, eliminating the discomfort of direct airflow; ultra-long-distance air supply with extremely low air loss, saving more than 20% energy compared to traditional air conditioners; high-sealing cabinet design with extremely low operating noise; intelligently monitors temperature and humidity, dynamically adjusting the air supply strength to adapt to real-time changes in pedestrian flow; does not occupy ceiling space, balancing functionality with the overall aesthetics of the hall.
Applicable scenarios : New high-end high-speed railway stations, modern large-scale waiting halls, and benchmark station buildings with high requirements for comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
III. Suitable for small and medium-sized stations: Air-cooled screw heat pump unit + combined air conditioning unit (high cost performance option)
For small and medium-sized railway stations and the mainstream economic configuration for station renovation and expansion, there is no need to build a cooling tower system, which is simple to construct and has low initial investment.
System composition : The system uses an air-cooled screw heat pump unit as the heat source and is paired with a combined air handling unit, integrating cooling and heating without the need for a boiler.
Key advantages : The unit has a high energy efficiency rating, excellent energy saving performance, and flexible load adjustment, which can adapt to the load requirements of small and medium-sized waiting halls; air-side heat exchange does not require a cooling water system, the equipment is easy to install, has low operation and maintenance costs, and a low failure rate; it is suitable for all seasons, and no additional heating equipment is required in winter, making it suitable for small and medium-sized stations in most parts of the north and south.
Applicable scenarios : small and medium-sized railway stations in prefecture-level cities and counties, and air conditioning renovation projects for old stations.
IV. Adaptation to Special Climates: Independent Temperature and Humidity Control + Solution-Based Temperature and Humidity Control Air Conditioning System
Optimized configurations specifically for stations in southern regions with high temperatures and humidity and long rainy seasons, solving the problem of traditional air conditioning not dehumidifying and resulting in stuffy and humid indoor environments.
System composition : It adopts a water-cooled solution fresh air unit + combined air conditioning unit to achieve independent temperature and humidity control, and handles indoor sensible heat and latent heat loads respectively. Some are equipped with heat pump solution dehumidification equipment.
Key advantages : Breaking through the limitations of traditional refrigeration dehumidification, it precisely controls indoor temperature and humidity, avoiding problems such as dampness, condensation, and stuffiness in waiting halls; the fresh air dehumidification effect is excellent, the indoor air is fresh and comfortable, and the passenger waiting experience is greatly improved; the system operates stably and is suitable for year-round operation in the high-humidity climate of southern China.
Applicable scenarios : waiting halls of train stations in rainy and humid areas of southern China.
