Smog-Sucking Tower Cleans 30,000 Cubic Meters of Air Per Hour

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Smog-Sucking Tower Cleans 30,000 Cubic Meters of Air Per Hour

29 Jan

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

smog sucking machine

Successfully crowdfunded last year, the Smog Free Tower has just gone from concept to reality; these machines are now using green energy to create zones of smog-free space in public places in Rotterdam.

smog machine

Daan Roosegaarde’s Smog Free Project may not be a complete solution to urban air pollution, but it can at least carve out breathable spaces in key city spaces like downtown squares and public parks.

smog device at night

Each 20-foot tower is lightweight and elegantly designed, running on about the same amount of electricity used by a water boiler (1,400 watts). Their low-energy ionization technology also powers LEDs that light the structures up at night.

smog device detail

The device sucks smog in from above then using a small positive current to charge ions, which in turn attach to fine dust particles.

smog cufflink

smog ring

The particulates processed by the tower are to be compressed and turned into jewelry including rings and cuff links, or packed into transparent cubes, available to crowdfunding backers and others who wish to support the project as it continues to expand and grow.

smog jewelry

smog free zone

New towers are planned for cities in particularly urgent need around the world, including Beijing, Paris, Mexico City and Los Angeles. As a solution to environmental issues in cities, this may only be a first step, but at least it can provide some relief – a breath of fresh air for smog-weary citizens.