May 11, 2023
Air quality is of greatest relevance for Metropolitano de Lisboa (ML), the metro system from Lisbon, as it directly impacts the health and wellbeing of their passengers and employees. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues, which can ultimately result in reduced productivity and increased medical costs. [1][2] ML has installed monitoring equipment in every station. This allows ML to continuously monitor the levels of pollutants in the air, and take appropriate action if necessary, contributing to a cleaner and healthier city for everyone
Metro Tunnel, Metropolitano de Lisboa
ML has been actively involved in the AeroSolfd project over the past 10 months, primarily on the use of ML stations as test site demonstrators for the air filtration devices and also the support for the test/evaluation of brake particle measurements.
One of the initial activities was to gather information characterizing the ML stations, including air quality measurements. This information was used to evaluate the potential for improvement of air quality within the stations. To further assess the ML stations, a technical visit was organized in June 2022, with partner M+H (MANN+HUMMEL) and CSIC (The Spanish National Research Council), during which 7 stations were assessed, including Alto dos Moinhos, Parque, Avenida, Martim Moniz, Anjos, Areeiro, and Entrecampos.
Stationary Air Filtration Devices by MANN+HUMMEL
Based on the information gathered and the technical visit, proposals for the pilot’s stations were discussed internally and with the other partners. The evaluation was based on criteria such as air quality potential for improvement and restrictions regarding the placement of filtering and monitoring equipment. For the target stations, a pre-study for the equipment installation was made by ML with the following assumptions: 8 air filtration devices + 1 monitoring equipment per station. This pre-study was conducted from August to November 2022.
Alto dos Moinhos Station, Metropolitano de Lisboa
Ultimately, the project team made a decision to install the test equipment in one station, Alto dos Moinhos, in December 2022 and to keep the devices installed for a longer period (2-3 months). This station was chosen based on its potential for air quality improvement and the feasibility of installing the equipment.
In addition to station-based activities, ML also supplied IUTA (Institut für Energie und Umwelttechnik e.V.) partner with several information about the ML train’s brake system, layout, and operational data for the Blue Line. This information was used to simulate the operation of the ML train brake system and measure the brake particles produced.
Regarding dissemination activities, Tomé Canas from Metropolitano de Lisboa participated in the round table “Healthier commute: EU project AeroSolfd for Cleaner Air in Urban Transport” at InnoTrans 22 fair on September 2022. The round table focused on the importance of clean air in public transport, and how the AeroSolfd project is working to improve air quality in urban transportation. InnoTrans is a major international rail technology fair that takes place every two years and occupies all 42 pavilions available at the Berlin Exhibition Centre.
The main focus of our 2023 upcoming efforts will be on studying, planning, and preparing for the installation of air filtration devices and monitoring stations at the pilot stations located in Alto dos Moinhos and Areeiro. To ensure that the air filtration devices are installed in a manner that is both effective and efficient, we need to conduct a study and analysis. We believe that this will require a collaborative effort from all project partners, and we are confident that with our combined expertise and resources, we will achieve the project goals.
We look forward to working together to make project AeroSolfd a success!
Metropolitano de Lisboa
[1] Davidson, C. I., Phalen, R. F. and Solomon, P. A. (2005) ‘Airborne particulate matter and human health: A review’, Aerosol Science and Technology, 39(8), pp. 737–749. doi:
[2] Kim, K. H., Kabir, E. and Kabir, S. (2015) ‘A review on the human health impact of airborne particulate matter’, Environment International, 74, pp. 136–143. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.10.005.
