Implementation of air filter technology in road tunnels- A study regarding air purification and health
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Infrastructure and environmental engineering (MPIEE), MSc
Publicerad
2019
Författare
Walian, Kevin
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Road traffic is the major source of PM10, PM2.5 and NOx in ambient air, which all are evidently harmful to the human health. While infrastructure is continuously developed, pollutions in ambient air is increased as a result of rising traffic. Despite difficulties to collect emissions to prevent the harmful effects, one possible location of assembly is road tunnels. The aim of this study is to see what possibilities extract tunnel air may have of reducing negative impact on local human health and environment.
The method of this study is executed by a case study in Stockholm, Sweden. Possibilities to implement an electrostatic particle filter in one of Sweden’s biggest infrastructure investments, the Stockholm bypass, is investigated. The bypass is to bind the southern and northern part of Stockholm with a 19 km long tunnel, with 6 different interchanges. The interchange with the most pollution, Kungens kurva, is to be studied further for implementation of electrostatic particle filter.
Results are retrieved from a dispersion calculation by the Swedish transport administration and filter results from ESP filter manufacturer Aigner. The dispersion calculation shows that the predicted most polluted interchange, Kungens kurva, is to exceed the EQS in terms of PM10 outside the road area and NOx within the road area. Filter tests made by Aigner show a total suspension of particles by 77% AWG and 72% of PM10.
The filter test was not identical to pre-sets of the projected tunnel ventilation system. EQS are shown to be exceeded outside the road area, exposing nearby residential areas to harmful levels of PM10. The filter results show a great potential in intercepting this kind of harmful particle. No investigation has yet been done by the Swedish transport administration in regards of filter lifecycle costs or efficiencies of particle removal for the specific purpose of health impacts.
In conclusion the Swedish transport administration is suggested to further investigate the potential of electrostatic particle filter and compare similar reference projects provided in this study. An additional dispersion calculation is recommended to be conducted with ameliorated measurements, including such of an electrostatic particle filter. Studies regarding life cycle calculations of ESPs including natural resources required for the filter technology, energy consumption and wastemanagement is recommended for further studies.
Discussing ratios regarding socio-economic loss and moral terms in comparison to the avoidance of congestion is of importance. The bypass is shown to certainly increase the risk of negative health impacts along the suburban areas where it is to be built, whilst inner-city residentials are to be relieved of emissions. In order to prevent an inequity that may inflate segregation, politicians and authorities are urged to re-assess, investigate and analyse the available technology, such as the electrostatic particle filters.