ECO Evaporation System(2024 RSA Student Design Awards Commendation)

This is a collaborative project in which members Danyang Yu and Fei Tian from MA Sustainable Design collaborate throughout the design process, including secondary and primary research, to reach the final outcome.

The Eco Evaporation System addresses the heat problem in London’s underground, contributing to the urban heat island effect. The central line can reach temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius in summer, affecting residents’ comfort and potentially damaging infrastructure.

Our research highlights subsurface heat islands as a significant yet overlooked aspect of climate change, particularly in cities built on clay. Factors such as heat retention by clay materials, insufficient ventilation, and high passenger volumes exacerbate this issue. In 2022, average temperatures on the central and Victoria lines exceeded 31 degrees Celsius, with dense clay materials trapping heat in narrow tunnels.

To combat this, we propose a sustainable cooling method inspired by ancient Egyptian techniques that utilise evaporative cooling without additional electricity. A prototype demonstrated that using breathable materials and water could lower temperatures from 23 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius through evaporation.

The Eco Evaporation System combine AI to optimise cooling by collecting data on temperature, pedestrian flow, and weather patterns. Rainwater is collected and distributed through pipes using AI calculations for optimal evaporation rates. The system consists of three layers: an evaporation layer made from sustainable materials, a waterproof layer for moisture control, and a tunnel layer for air transfer.

This innovative approach aims to cool the subway and has broader applications for public spaces and buildings to mitigate urban heat. Ultimately, the project seeks to leverage AI for a more sustainable future while enhancing commuter comfort in London’s underground.