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Project Code [2019-CCRP-PhD.6]

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Project title

Development of a roof-top clean air deflector system for the control of air pollution hot-spots

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Aonghus McNabola

Project Abstract

Air pollution hot-spots frequently occur in urban street canyons due to a coincidence of factors negatively impacting on emissions and dispersion. Air pollution hot-spots are areas within an urban environment where concentrations of air pollution are breaching air quality standards, and are at levels not normally experienced in the city as a whole. Commonly dispersion is restricted in these locations due to a street canyon formation of the local buildings, coupled with unfavorable prevailing meteorological conditions. This together with high rates of street level emission causes a risk to public health in terms of the occupants of the surrounding buildings, and users of the street. The DEFLECT-AIR project aims to develop a system of roof-top deflectors which, when correctly positioned, will significantly reduce air pollution concentrations within a street canyon. These function by diverting a greater amount of clean roof-level air into the street canyon below, increasing mixing and reducing residence time for pollutants emitted at street level. Our preliminary investigations of this concept have shown potential to reduce concentrations in street canyons by 20-60%, considering various ambient weather conditions.The project will develop an understanding on how we can design and operate roof-level clean air deflectors.

Grant Approved

�48,904.40

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Air science

Start Date

02/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/03/2024