### **Smog Control Tower Concept – Electrostatic Precipitation**

#### **Overview of Electrostatic Precipitation**

Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are devices that remove particulate

matter from the air by applying an electric charge to particles. These
charged particles are then attracted to plates of the opposite charge,
capturing pollutants before clean air is released. ESP technology is
commonly used in industrial air purification but has recently been adapted
for urban applications in projects like the Smog Free Tower.

#### **Working Principles for a Smog Control Tower**

1. **Air Intake**: The tower draws in polluted air from the surrounding
environment. Large fans can enhance this intake, though some designs
rely on natural airflow.

2. **Electrostatic Charging**:

- Polluted air passes through an ionization section where particles,

including PM2.5 and PM10, receive a positive or negative charge.

- This charging mechanism can be solar-powered, reducing operational

costs and environmental impact.

3. **Precipitation Plates**:

- Inside the tower, oppositely charged collection plates attract and

capture the charged particles.

- The plates are strategically placed for maximum particle adherence,

ensuring a higher filtration efficiency.

4. **Clean Air Release**:

- Once the air is filtered, it exits the tower, dispersing purified air into
the surroundings.

- The cleaned air provides a localized improvement in air quality,

particularly effective within a certain radius around the tower.
5. **Maintenance and Sustainability**:

- Collection plates must be periodically cleaned to maintain efficiency,

especially in areas with dense pollution.

- Solar panels and energy-efficient fans support a sustainable, low-cost

operation.

#### **Key Advantages of This Approach**

- **Efficiency with Fine Particles**: Electrostatic precipitation is particularly

effective for fine particulate matter, which poses the greatest health risks.

- **Local Air Quality Impact**: This technology is ideal for urban areas with
high foot traffic and dense pollution, providing cleaner air within its
immediate vicinity.

- **Low Energy Requirements**: Powered by renewable energy sources

like solar panels, the smog tower can operate with minimal environmental
impact.

#### **Challenges and Considerations**

- **Localized Effectiveness**: While effective within a limited area,

multiple towers would be needed for broader impact.

- **Maintenance**: The effectiveness depends on regular cleaning and

maintenance of the collection plates, which may need dedicated
personnel or automation.
 Prototype Details

### 1. **Quantity of Air Filtered Per Hour**

- **Benchmarking from Similar Projects**: The Smog Free Tower in

Rotterdam by Daan Roosegaarde, for example, can process around
**30,000 cubic meters of air per hour** and has shown localized
improvements within a small radius.

- **Scaling for Lahore Prototype**:

- We can start with a target capacity of **30,000 to 50,000 cubic

meters of air per hour** for the prototype. This capacity would allow for a
substantial impact on air quality in a high-traffic, high-pollution area.

- Aiming for **higher capacities, like 100,000 cubic meters per hour**,
may be achievable if scaling is needed, though initial designs should
balance size, energy needs, and cost-effectiveness.

### 2. **Size of the Solar PV System**

- **Power Requirements for Fans and Electrostatic Charging**:

- Industrial electrostatic precipitators use around **0.3–1 kWh per

1,000 cubic meters** of air filtered, depending on the design. Assuming
30,000 cubic meters per hour for the prototype, this means approximately
**9–30 kWh per hour**.

- **Solar PV Capacity Calculation**:

- To support continuous operation during daylight hours (8 hours of

operation), the PV system would need an array producing **at least 72–
240 kWh daily**.

- With an average of **4.5 peak sunlight hours in Lahore**, the

required solar array capacity would be approximately **16–54 kW**.

- For reliable operation, we could target an array around **50 kW** for
flexibility and to cover fluctuations in solar generation.
### 3. **Mechanism for Cleaning Plates/Filters and Collection of
Particles**

- **Plate Cleaning Mechanism**:

- **Automatic Rapping System**: Many ESPs use an automated rapping

mechanism that periodically shakes or vibrates the plates, causing
particles to fall into a collection bin at the bottom. This system could be
set to activate at regular intervals (e.g., every few hours) to prevent
particle buildup.

- **Self-Cleaning Coatings**: Another option is to use anti-static or self-

cleaning coatings on the collection plates to reduce the rate of particle
buildup.

- **Particle Collection**:

- **Particle Collection Bin**: The particles dislodged from the plates

would fall into a collection bin. This bin should be **sealed and designed
to be easily removable** to facilitate periodic emptying and disposal.

- **Automated Conveyor System**: For larger installations or a

prototype that can be scaled, a small conveyor could transfer collected
particles to a dedicated storage area, reducing manual labor
requirements.

### **Prototype Scale Summary**

- **Air Processing Capacity**: 30,000–50,000 cubic meters of air per

hour.

- **Solar PV Array**: 50 kW system for reliable daytime operation.

- **Cleaning System**: Automated rapping or shaking mechanism, with

a particle collection bin and potential self-cleaning coatings.

- **Estimated Impact Radius**: This setup could improve air quality

within a **200–300-meter radius** around the tower, depending on
ambient conditions.

Cost of Building a Prototype

Here’s a rough cost estimate to build a smog control tower prototype with
a capacity of around 30,000–50,000 cubic meters of air per hour, which
could be installed at a high-traffic construction site in Lahore. This
estimate includes key components, construction, and operational
elements:

### **1. Structural Components and Construction**

- **Tower Structure**:

- Height of 10–20 meters with a steel or concrete frame.

- Estimated Cost: **$30,000 - $50,000** (includes labor, materials, and

design work).

- **Greenhouse Base**:

- Transparent material to maximize solar heating, with a reinforced

frame.

- Estimated Cost: **$10,000 - $15,000**.

### **2. Electrostatic Precipitation System**

- **Ionization and Collection Plates**:

- Custom-built for high-volume air filtration.

- Estimated Cost: **$15,000 - $25,000**.

- **Fans and Ventilation System**:

- Industrial-grade fans for drawing air through the tower at required

volumes.

- Estimated Cost: **$8,000 - $12,000**.

- **Control and Monitoring Systems**:

- Sensors for measuring air quality before and after filtration, and
monitoring energy use.

- Estimated Cost: **$5,000 - $8,000**.

### **3. Solar Power System**

- **Solar PV Array**:

- A 50 kW solar array to power the fans, ionization, and any monitoring

equipment.

- Estimated Cost: **$40,000 - $60,000**.

 - **Battery Storage and Backup**:

- Batteries to store solar power for consistent operation, particularly

during evening hours.

- Estimated Cost: **$10,000 - $20,000**.

### **4. Cleaning and Maintenance Mechanisms**

- **Automated Cleaning System**:

- Mechanized rapping or shaking system to dislodge particulates from

collection plates.

- Estimated Cost: **$8,000 - $10,000**.

- **Particle Collection and Disposal**:

- Collection bins with easy disposal options.

- Estimated Cost: **$3,000 - $5,000**.

### **5. Installation, Labor, and Miscellaneous Costs**

- **Installation and Labor**:

- Includes assembly, electrical work, and testing.

- Estimated Cost: **$20,000 - $30,000**.

- **Permits and Miscellaneous Expenses**:

- Permits, transport, contingency costs.

- Estimated Cost: **$5,000 - $10,000**.

### **Total Estimated Cost for Prototype**

- **Total Range**: **$139,000 - $195,000**

This prototype budget would provide a fully functional, self-sustaining

smog control tower that can operate continuously with solar power,
requiring minimal external support. Maintenance costs would be separate,
with periodic expenses for cleaning and minor repairs.

Timeline for Building a Prototype

Here’s a proposed timeline for the design, construction, and deployment
of the smog control tower prototype. This schedule is designed to
complete the project within 6–8 months, from initial planning to final
deployment.

### **1. Project Planning and Approval (1 month)**

- **Week 1-2**: Finalize design requirements and obtain approvals from

senior management.

- **Week 3-4**: Secure budget, assign project team members, and

establish project goals.

- **Deliverables**: Approved project plan, timeline, budget allocation,

team assignments.

### **2. Design and Engineering (1-2 months)**

- **Week 5-6**: Preliminary design, including conceptual layouts, air

filtration specifications, and tower dimensions.

- **Week 7-8**: Engineering analysis for structural stability, airflow

mechanics, and solar energy integration.

- **Week 9-10**: Finalize detailed designs, 3D models, and shop

drawings; acquire permits as needed.

- **Deliverables**: Complete design package, structural calculations,

finalized shop drawings, and procurement list.

### **3. Procurement and Fabrication (2-3 months)**

- **Week 11-12**: Identify and contract suppliers for structural

materials, electrostatic plates, fans, and solar PV components.

- **Week 13-16**: Fabricate tower structure components and

electrostatic plates; procure the solar PV system, battery storage, and
fans.

- **Week 17-18**: Quality inspection and testing of components to

ensure they meet specifications.

- **Deliverables**: All required materials and components ready for on-

site assembly, pre-tested where possible.
### **4. Site Preparation and Foundation Construction (1 month)**

- **Week 19-22**: Prepare the construction site (leveling, foundation

installation, access setup).

- **Deliverables**: Completed foundation and site prepared for tower

installation.

### **5. Assembly and Installation (1 month)**

- **Week 23-24**: Install the main tower structure and assemble

electrostatic plates, fans, and ventilation system.

- **Week 25**: Install the solar PV array and connect battery storage
and electrical systems.

- **Week 26**: Integrate monitoring sensors and testing equipment,

conduct initial calibration and testing of components.

- **Deliverables**: Fully assembled and installed smog control tower

prototype with operational systems.

### **6. Testing and Commissioning (1 month)**

- **Week 27-28**: Conduct performance testing under operational

conditions, fine-tuning system settings as needed.

- **Week 29-30**: Finalize monitoring protocols and schedule regular

maintenance checks.

- **Deliverables**: Commissioned smog control tower prototype with

verified air filtration capacity, ready for monitoring.

### **7. Monitoring and Adjustment Phase (Ongoing)**

- **Post-Deployment (3–6 months)**: Continuously monitor air quality

improvements and operational performance.

- Collect data to evaluate the system’s efficiency and make any

necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

### **Total Timeline: Approximately 6-8 months**

 Expertise and Man-Hours Needed for Building a Prototype

Total Estimated Man-Hours: 1,630 hours

2. Spatial Requirements

Development and Testing Space

 Design and Planning Area:

 o A small office or conference room (approximately 100-150
sq. ft.) for design meetings, planning, and document
preparation.

 Prototype Modeling Area:

o 200-300 sq. ft. for building scale models, ideally near the
main office space for easy access. This space should include
workbenches, model materials, and tools for preliminary
design validation.

 Electrical and Mechanical Testing Area:

o 100 sq. ft. with safety protocols for testing components like
the electrostatic plates, fans, and PV setup before full
assembly.

Construction Site Requirements

 On-Site Staging and Assembly Area:

o A designated area of 400-500 sq. ft. to store and assemble

components such as the steel structure, fans, and PV system.
This staging area should allow for secure storage and
organized assembly.

 Construction Area:

o The full prototype (tower and greenhouse base) will require

around 600-800 sq. ft. during the construction phase,
including space for scaffolding, equipment, and personnel
movement. This area may need slight expansion depending
on nearby facilities and ease of material access.

 Solar Array Area:

o The solar PV system installation (assuming a 50 kW array)

requires about 250-300 sq. ft. if ground-mounted. Roof or
adjacent installations may need additional spatial
considerations.

3. Resources and Equipment Needed

 Office and Planning:

o Computers with CAD and structural modeling software (for

design and engineering).

o Meeting space with projector for regular updates and team

coordination.
  Fabrication Equipment:

o Welding tools, steel cutters, and mechanical fasteners for

tower assembly.

o Electrical testing equipment for solar PV and electrostatic

system calibration.

 On-Site Construction:

o Scaffolding, cranes, or lifts (as needed for assembly).

o Personal protective equipment (PPE) for safety compliance.

o Portable power sources, especially for initial on-site assembly

before PV integration.

 Monitoring and Testing Instruments:

o Air quality sensors for real-time PM2.5 and PM10

measurement.

o Calibration tools for plate cleaning system and particle

collection.

o Data logging equipment to track energy usage and air quality

metrics over time.

This setup ensures comprehensive resource allocation for each project

phase, with flexibility to scale up as the project progresses.
The height of smog typically varies depending on meteorological
conditions, urban topography, and particle sizes, but understanding the
typical vertical distribution of particulate matter (PM) can help estimate
the height at which a smog control tower should effectively operate.

### Key Points on Smog and Suspended Particles:

1. **Typical Smog Layer Height**:

- **Urban Areas**: In many urban settings, smog primarily accumulates

within the **first 100–300 meters** above ground, where buildings and
emissions are concentrated. This height varies with wind patterns,
temperature inversions, and sources of pollution.

- **Severe Conditions with Inversions**: During temperature inversions,

when warm air traps cooler air (and pollutants) close to the ground, the
smog layer can be compressed to **just 50–100 meters** or even lower,
which is common in cities like Lahore during colder months.

2. **Height of Suspended Particulate Matter (PM)**:

- Most particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) tends to concentrate within

the **first 200 meters** above ground, as these particles are heavy
enough to remain closer to the source of emissions and near the breathing
zone of urban populations.
 - **Higher Altitudes**: While some ultrafine particles can remain
suspended at higher altitudes (up to 500–1000 meters), they disperse
more easily and are less likely to impact ground-level air quality directly.

3. **Effective Height for Air Cleaning Calculation**:

- For calculating the **volume of air to be cleaned** in a dense urban

area like Lahore, a height of **up to 100–150 meters** above ground is
practical, as this would capture the majority of harmful pollutants affecting
air quality directly experienced by the population.

- **Prototypes and Smaller Installations**: For a prototype installation,

cleaning the first **30–50 meters** could provide significant benefits,
especially if the device is located at pollution hotspots.

### Practical Consideration for Prototype and Scaling

In practical terms, the initial prototype might target cleaning air within a
**30–50 meter height range**. For larger installations intended to have a
more substantial urban impact, **100 meters** is a reasonable height
assumption for estimating the volume of air that needs to be filtered.

Full Scale Tower

To expand the smog control tower’s impact area effectively, several

scaling factors come into play. A larger, more powerful tower could cover a
broader area, but urban placement, structural limitations, and energy
requirements all need careful consideration. Here’s an outline of how we
could scale up the tower for broader impact:

### 1. **Increased Air Processing Capacity**

- **Capacity Goal**: A full-scale tower could target processing up to

**200,000–500,000 cubic meters of air per hour**, depending on local air
pollution levels and area size.

- **Impact Radius**: Based on models from existing projects, a smog

tower processing this volume could positively affect an area of **up to 1–3
kilometers** in radius, creating cleaner air in dense zones or public
spaces.
 - **Modular Scaling**: Instead of a single massive tower, multiple towers
(even at the prototype scale) strategically positioned across Lahore’s most
polluted zones could be more manageable and equally effective.

### 2. **Physical Tower Dimensions**

- **Height**: The prototype height (10-20 meters) could be scaled up to

around **40–60 meters** for a full-scale installation, depending on wind
patterns and visibility requirements. This would maximize air intake and
provide a vertical separation from ground-level pollutants.

- **Base Area**: The base greenhouse area would need expansion to

support higher airflow; a full-scale base could span around **400–600
square meters**, allowing for sufficient solar heating to drive upward
airflow.

### 3. **Power Requirements and Solar Array Expansion**

- **Energy Demands**: A larger smog tower will require more

substantial fans and more electrostatic charge generation. For a capacity
of 200,000 cubic meters per hour, we might need around **60–200 kWh
per hour**.

- **Solar Array**: A full-scale tower could benefit from a dedicated

**200–250 kW solar array** (potentially larger depending on sunlight
hours and backup needs). This could be installed on-site or nearby, with
battery storage for night operation. A secondary power source, like grid
backup, would ensure consistent performance.

### 4. **Enhanced Filtration and Collection Mechanisms**

- **Advanced Plate Cleaning and Collection**: For continuous operation,

a **rotary or robotic cleaning system** could be integrated to keep the
plates clean automatically, minimizing human maintenance.

- **Centralized Particle Storage**: Larger towers could incorporate

multiple collection bins that feed into a central storage unit, allowing
periodic removal and disposal.

### 5. **Strategic Placement and Networked Approach**

- **Multiple Sites Across Lahore**: Instead of a single large tower, a

network of mid-sized towers at strategic locations across Lahore (high-
traffic areas, public parks, near schools) could achieve a more evenly
distributed improvement in air quality.

- **Urban Integration**: Towers could be integrated into government or

public infrastructure, like transportation hubs, stadiums, or major
intersections, for efficient use of space and greater public visibility.

### **Estimated Impact for a Full-Scale Network**

- **City-Wide Impact**: With a network approach, the towers could cover

Lahore’s densest and most affected areas, achieving a **city-wide
reduction in PM2.5 and PM10** levels during peak pollution seasons.

- **Visibility and Public Awareness**: Larger towers in prominent

locations would also serve as symbols of Lahore’s commitment to clean
air, raising public awareness and potentially inspiring community support
for further environmental initiatives.