In recent news, the air purifiers installed in Delhi NCR, including on roads and atop buses, have had limited success in combating the high level of air pollution in the area. Despite deploying innovative technologies such as Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit (WAYU) and High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters, the city remains shrouded in unhealthy air quality. This article explores these two technologies and their impact on air pollution control.
Understanding WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit)
WAYU is a device developed to tackle air pollution at traffic intersections and densely trafficked zones. It was indigenously created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). The device is designed with an impressive capacity to purify the air within a 500-meter square radius.
The unit is known for its energy efficiency and requires minimal maintenance. Its operation relies on two main principles. These include wind generation for diluting air pollutants and active pollutant removal to transform harmful particles into less detrimental substances.
Wind Generation for Dilution of Air Pollutants and Active Pollutant Removal
The wind generation function involves a fan that intakes the polluted air and removes dust and particulate matter. Meanwhile, the active pollutant removal engages activated carbon coated with titanium dioxide to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful carbon dioxide.
The Role of High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) Filters
Alongside WAYU, HEPA filters are used to help trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. They effectively capture air contaminants within a complex web of fibers. However, like the WAYU devices, these filters have not substantially reduced air pollution levels in Delhi NCR.
An Overview of Air Pollution Facts in Delhi NCR
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of WAYU Devices Installed | 50 |
| Average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi NCR | 300 (Poor) |
| Most Common Pollutants | Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide |
| Effects of Air Pollution | Respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer |
Conclusion: The Challenge Ahead
While significant efforts have been made to improve the air quality in Delhi NCR using devices like WAYU and HEPA filter technologies, the city’s struggle with air pollution continues. These technologies, though impressive in their design and intention, have yet to significantly reduce the hazardous air quality levels. The road to purifying Delhi NCR’s air is still a long one, with more innovative solutions and comprehensive strategies required in the fight against air pollution.
