Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A giant tower in the Chinese city of Xi’an has earned global attention for being described as the world’s largest air purifier. Standing more than 100 metres tall, roughly the height of a 20-storey building, the experimental structure is designed to tackle air pollution by cleaning up to 10 million cubic metres of air every day.
Researchers behind the project say the tower has helped improve urban air quality across a 10-square-kilometre area, offering a possible solution to the long-standing smog problems faced by many Chinese cities.
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The project has been under testing as authorities and scientists explore large-scale clean air technology.
HOW THE GIANT AIR PURIFIER WORKS
The tower uses a solar-powered system rather than relying heavily on electricity. Polluted air is drawn into large greenhouse-like structures at the base of the tower.
Solar energy heats the air, causing it to rise naturally through the tower.
As the air moves upward, it passes through several layers of filters that remove pollutants before cleaner air is released back into the atmosphere.
Researchers say the system requires very little power during daylight hours, making it a relatively low-cost approach to air purification.
RESULTS FROM THE XI’AN PROJECT
According to researchers, monitoring stations placed around the site recorded improvements in air quality during testing.
The tower reportedly produces more than 10 million cubic metres of clean air each day and has reduced PM2.5 pollution levels during periods of heavy smog.
Researchers found that pollution levels in the surrounding area fell by around 15% during severe pollution episodes.
On some heavily polluted days, air quality reportedly improved from “severe” to “moderate” levels. However, scientists have also noted that the findings remain preliminary and require further long-term study.
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BIGGER PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The Xi’an tower was developed by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences as part of efforts to find affordable ways to reduce air pollution. Encouraged by the early results, the team has discussed plans for much larger versions in the future.
Proposed designs include towers up to 500 metres tall, supported by extensive greenhouse systems.
Researchers believe such projects could eventually help clean the air across entire cities, although further testing and evaluation will be needed before large-scale deployment becomes a reality.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
