Grant: Engage Grants Program

Air pollution from vehicles has been a growing concern to the public for decades. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) can increase the risk for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Residential areas in close proximity to high volume road ways are currently being protected by sound barrier walls used to reduce noise impacts from traffic. However, there are currently no air pollution control systems similar to the sound barrier walls in place to mitigate traffic pollution for people living adjacent to high ways. Envision SQ Inc. (""Envision"") has therefore developed a technology with the overall function of removing PM from the polluted traffic air stream before it impacts neighbouring residents. The effectiveness of the pollution control technologydepends significantly on the dynamics of the wind/air through the confine space where treatment occurs. The objective of the project is to investigate the aerodynamics of the structure of the pollution control technology in order to optimize the dimensions and shape. This is considered by Envision as a necessary step to improve the effectiveness of the technology and as a final step to commercialisation. To achieve this objective, the applicant plans to employ both computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel measurements for the studies. Different test conditions will be analyzed to provide comprehensive physical insight necessary for the optimization of the pollution control technology. The project has the potential to improve the health of a large number of people living in close proximity to high volume road ways in Ontario, which in turn lessens the burden on the healthcare budget. The collaboration between scientists/engineers from industry and academia as well asstudents will also provide an additional opportunity to nurture and enhance the essential skills needed by Canadian industries.