Do you think this is just a regular street light? Think again—it's actually an outdoor air purifier designed to help clean the air we breathe.
In recent days, smog has returned to Beijing, raising public concern over air quality. In response, Professor Qiu Song from the Chinese Academy of Fine Arts has developed a unique street lamp that functions like a plant, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality in urban areas.
Environmental and lighting experts have praised the concept, noting that while the idea is promising, there are still challenges to overcome before it can be widely implemented. Issues such as energy efficiency, control systems, and cost-effectiveness need further refinement before the technology can be put into practical use.
Design Concept: Clean Energy, Air Purification, and Lighting
The reporter recently visited the Industrial Design Department at the China Institute of Aesthetics and saw a prototype of the new street lamp. At first glance, it looks similar to a traditional street light, but its internal structure reveals a clever design with multiple functions.
This innovative street lamp uses solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity, providing illumination at night without relying on external power sources. This makes it highly flexible in placement, as it doesn’t require wiring or grid connections.
Its most remarkable feature is the built-in air purification system, which mimics the process of photosynthesis in plants. It cleans the surrounding air by filtering out harmful particles and pollutants, contributing to better urban air quality.
Source of Inspiration: From Indoor Purifiers to Outdoor Solutions
Professor Qiu’s inspiration came from everyday experiences. He had previously designed an indoor air purifier and became increasingly concerned about the worsening air quality in Beijing. That led him to think about bringing similar purification technology outdoors.
He noticed that traditional street lamps are mostly used for lighting, with little else being done with them. “Why not make them more useful?†he thought. By adding air-cleaning devices, he believed they could play a role in reducing vehicle emissions and improving city air quality.
The project, called "Spiritual Streetlight," was recognized at the Third International Art and Science Exhibition in November 2012. It caught the attention of officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology and several companies, showing potential for future development.
Expert Opinions: A Creative Idea with Real Potential
Although the street lamp is still in the conceptual stage, Professor Qiu believes the technology is feasible. He says that both clean energy and air purification systems are already available, making the idea practical and ready for implementation.
Professor Zhang Pengyi from Tsinghua University’s School of Environment supports the concept. He notes that while indoor pollution is mainly caused by formaldehyde, outdoor pollution involves fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from vehicles. Therefore, the purification device must be tailored for outdoor conditions. He also suggests that placing these street lamps at busy intersections or in semi-enclosed spaces like tunnels or underground parking lots would maximize their effectiveness.
Liu Shiping, vice chairman of the China Illuminating Engineering Society, agrees that the idea is creative. However, he emphasizes that technical issues—such as energy stability and cost—still need to be addressed. “We need to evaluate the real performance and economic feasibility of the product,†he said. Once these challenges are solved, the technology could be integrated into urban lighting systems.
Key Features of the Smart Street Light:
- Membrane Structure Photovoltaic Solar Panels: Two stretched surfaces provide a wider angle for capturing sunlight, offering better visual appeal and efficiency.
- Vertical Wind Wheel: Designed to capture wind from any direction, making it highly efficient in various weather conditions.
- LED Tube: Provides high-quality lighting while using less than half the power of traditional lamps and lasting five times longer.
- Purification Device: Composed of two layers of chemical agents, with an ozone lamp in the middle to enhance air purification.
- Air Holes and Suction System: Located on the pole, the system draws in polluted air through the bottom, purifies it, and releases clean air from the top.
This innovative design represents a step toward smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environments. As cities continue to grow, solutions like this may become essential in the fight against air pollution.
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