Targeted tech approach, smart poles expected to boost fight against air pollution, Pg4

Key Highlights:

• Delhi is implementing a target-based model for selecting pollution-control technologies and deploying digital smart poles to combat air pollution.
• The Delhi government's Innovation Challenge, launched in October, is currently testing 22 technologies, including 13 for vehicular emissions and nine for ambient pollution.
• IIT Delhi, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) are independently evaluating these technologies.
• Smart poles display live pollution data, such as PM2.5 and PM10 levels, and some may incorporate air-cleaning tools like mists.
• The deadline for the final recommendations on technology evaluation has been extended to September 10.

Delhi Pollution.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• The target-based model will prioritize technologies that demonstrate a higher percentage of pollution reduction, provided claims are scientifically validated.
• Technologies under trial include vehicle-mounted air filters, particulate matter collectors, retrofit emission control devices (RECDs) for BS-IV vehicles, and large-scale air purifiers.
• Trials are being conducted at various locations across Delhi, including ISBT Kashmere Gate, the Red Fort area, and key roads.
• Existing pilot deployments include the EV-mounted anti-smog gun, the PAWAN III roadside pollution-control system, and the ShuddhVayu vehicle-mounted air filter.
• The STR-101 filter-free air-purification system, capable of treating three lakh liters of air per hour, has been installed on electricity poles.
• The EV-mounted anti-smog gun uses high-pressure water sprays to settle dust and particulate matter.
• PAWAN III draws polluted air and processes it through a multi-stage purification system.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM2.5 and PM10: Fine particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers or less, respectively, which are major air pollutants.
• Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs): Aftermarket devices installed on existing vehicles to reduce their exhaust emissions.
• BS-IV vehicles: Vehicles compliant with Bharat Stage IV emission standards, which specify limits for pollutants released from internal combustion engines.
• Internet of Things (IoT): A network of interconnected physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data over the internet.