Developing a unique solution to reduce outdoor air pollution

Smart bollards

Air pollution is a growing problem in towns and cities around the world. But a team at Tech Air Solutions is attempting to improve the situation by developing a set of 'smart bollards', which clean the air at locations where there is a high density of traffic and people.

Co-Founder, Andrew Thompson, explains how the idea came about: “It all started when I saw a BBC Inside Out programme that said at McDonalds drive-throughs, air pollution was 25% higher on average than elsewhere. I conducted my own research and found that whilst many councils are now measuring air quality levels and implementing Clean Air Zones, there are very few solutions that actually directly improve air quality in specific outside spaces where traffic and people mix.”

“So working with Paddy Moore and my colleagues at Microtech Filters, we came up with the idea of Tech Air Solutions: smart bollards fitted with filters, fans and connected with realtime air quality data using sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which could actually improve the surrounding air quality in high pollution hotspots, effectively cleaning the air. High-density traffic hotspots include outside schools, fast food and coffee drive-throughs, in train stations or on platforms, and at bus stations or stops.”

The company developed an oversized mobile engineering prototype to test the concept. The bollard draws in air, monitors it, cleans it via a Microtech Air Filter, and then emits cleaner air. Early tests were very successful and positive, indicating that the device could reduce particulate matter 2.5 levels by up to 40%. However, Andrew wanted to better understand the science behind it and gather evidence.

The support from DE-Carbonise

Having worked with the University before through the D2N2 Invest to Grow scheme, Andrew approached our organisation again in early 2021. The firm was awarded 70 hours of fully-funded research time through our DE-Carbonise Project, a programme set up to help local SMEs increase sustainability.

Dr Hirbod Varasteh, Low Carbon Researcher, supported by Dr Shahed Motaman, Lecturer in Motorsport Engineering, produced a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model of the bollard to simulate air flow through the filter and estimate the performance of it. The aim was also to optimise energy use. The researchers then made recommendations on how to improve air flow pattern, design, and performance.

Andrew summarises how this work benefitted them:

“The CFD model was fantastic for us; it was instrumental. It showed how particulates move through the bollard, their velocity and how they are distributed when they exit the bollard, within an area of two cubic metres. This research indicates we can locate the bollards approximately four metres apart to achieve optimal performance and improved air quality. This research model provides important evidence to show interested parties."

“The researchers also made some recommendations about how to make the fan more efficient and reduce the load on it, and we aim to take those recommendations forward in the next phase.”

Tech Air Solutions also thinks that smart bollard owners may want to show visitors at the locations how they are improving air quality, by displaying graphical information on a nearby screen.

The company is now keen for the Government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to follow the new recommended WHO guidelines for Air Quality and to introduce these in the UK by 2030.

For more information about Tech Air Solutions' smart bollard, you can email Info@tech-air-solutions.co.uk.

About DE-Carbonise

DE-Carbonise is a three year collaboration between the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, which started in November 2019. The collaboration is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and follows on from the successful D2 Energy Efficiency/Low Carbon project.