HONG KONG, March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sino Green and Arup have unveiled a research project on a city air purification system that can clean air in the open space through filtration. The preliminary results of the study show significant improvement in air quality through the system.
Jointly developed by Sino Green and Arup, the prototype of the patent-pending air purification system, fabricated in the format of a bus shelter, has been set up for two weeks in Queen's Road East, collecting data on one of the busiest streets in the city. The prototype draws air into the system from the inlet located at bottom, the air current then passes through a bag filter, which is effective in removing fine suspended particles (PM10 and PM2.5), before coming out through the louvre overhead. The system has been specially designed with fluid mechanic consideration and equipment specifications so that it can build up positive pressure within the prototype area with the air curtain acting as a barrier against pollutants. Empirical data shows an average reduction of 40% in the concentration of air pollutants.
The prototype includes a censor and a device to collect data real-time and is connected to the air quality health index website, enabling hourly comparisons of air quality data.
"We are glad that the empirical data shows encouraging results with significant improvement in concentration of pollutants. While the Street Canyon Effect contributes to the accumulation of air pollutants on the street, the air purification system allows simultaneous production of air currents in between buildings and roads which generate wind channels to improve roadside ventilation in addition to purifying air through filtration. Empirical data collected from the study forms a good base for the next phase of research," explains Dr Jimmy Tong of Arup.
The air purification system has wide-ranging ramifications and applications. Hong Kong has a well-established public transport network, meaning the system can be adopted for bus shelters, tram stations, or other applications to improve air quality.
Mr David Ng, Executive Assistant to Chairman, Sino Group, remarks, "It is very encouraging to see our conception brought to life. We hope this green initiative brings real benefits to our society, and also inspires more people to contribute to a greener future."
Mr Daryl Ng, Executive Director of Sino Group, adds, "We are delighted to collaborate with Arup on another novel green initiative. Hong Kong is a densely populated city with busy road traffic, and poor roadside air quality poses a threat to public health. The technology is a welcome development, which has wide applications, including the existing canopy structures of buildings in addition to the transport network. We also hope that the technology can be adopted in China as we work together to tackle air pollution and improve air quality. This is our contribution to building a greener, cleaner community in our small, humble way."
The prototype will be relocated to other locations in town for data collection. Further enhancements are being planned for subsequent phases, including installation of smart-controllers to control operating hours, solar panels to harvest solar energy, energy tiles that generate energy when stepped on and a mist cooling system for cooling in hot weather
About Sino Group
Sino Group is one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong with core business in developing residential, office, industrial and retail properties for sale and investment. The Group is also a major player in hotel investment and management, club management, property management, car park operations as well as environmental and security services. With a 11,000-strong team of dedicated professionals, Sino Group strives to consistently deliver quality properties and services that surpass the expectations of customers.
A committed corporate citizen, Sino Group has been actively participating in community services and green activities as well as art and culture events over the years. The Group focuses corporate social responsibility efforts on four areas: Sino Care, Sino Green, Sino Art and Sino Heritage. The efforts have received recognitions, including the 'Sustainability Excellence Award' by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and the Centre for Corporate Governance and Financial Policy of the Baptist University of Hong Kong as well as 'Best Investor Relations Company', 'Best Environmental Responsibility' and 'Best CSR' at the Third Asian Excellence Recognition Awards 2014. Sino Land Company Limited (083) has been a constituent member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index since September 2012 for its continual efforts in promoting sustainability.
About Arup
Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world's most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. From 91 offices in 39 countries our 11,000 designers, engineers, planners and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world with creativity and passion.
Founded in 1946 with an enduring set of values, our unique trust ownership fosters a distinctive culture and an intellectual independence that encourages collaborative working. This is reflected in everything we do, allowing us to develop meaningful ideas, help shape agendas and deliver results that frequently surpass the expectations of our clients.
The people at Arup are driven to find a better way and to deliver better solutions for our clients. We shape a better world.
