Abstract

Underground utility tunnels are spaces densely packed with various infrastructure facilities, such as power, telecommunications, and water supply and drainage systems, making internal environment management crucial. An investigation into accident cases and on-site demands in these tunnels revealed that while fires and floods are the most common types of incidents, the demand for real-time condensation prevention and response is frequent according to on-site managers. Condensation occurs due to the difference in humidity and temperature between the inside and outside of the tunnel. Frequent or prolonged condensation can lead to metal pipe corrosion, electrical failures, and reduced equipment lifespan. Therefore, this study developed a control algorithm and monitoring system to prevent condensation in underground utility tunnels. The proposed control algorithm estimates the likelihood of condensation in real-time based on the measured temperature and humidity and suggests appropriate responses for each stage to the managers. Finally, a practical condensation prevention monitoring system was built based on the developed algorithm, verifying the feasi- bility and applicability of this technology in the field.