Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) under MQDC has developed “Fahsai 2”, the second generation of its city-level air purification tower, to respond to rising air pollution and intensifying PM2.5 issues across Thailand. The first “Fahsai” city-class air purification tower was installed at 101 True Digital Park in 2020. RISC by MQDC is pushing ahead with development this year to address rising challenges. The second-generation “Fahsai 2” urban air purification tower can help solve air pollution and especially PM2.5 dust and airborne germs.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Chief Advisor to RISC, said that RISC by MQDC is following its “sustainnovation” principle for the well-being for all life on earth. “Fahsai 2” is being launched as a second-generation hybrid automatic city-level air purification tower to help address air pollution, especially PM2.5 dust and airborne germs under RISC’s 7 Research Areas in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Good Health and Well-Being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Life on Land.

“RISC by MQDC is a center for research and innovation for sustainable well-being for all life. The center not only serves MQDC projects but is open to the public to benefit society and help the country’s development. We therefore developed and built the first-generation ‘Fahsai’ city-level air purification tower in 2020. The coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak then began, immediately sparking research to develop ‘Fahsai 2’ to also combat bacteria and viruses. We intend to keep developing to meet demand and we have experimented and achieved the requisite efficiency. We hope to be part of solving air pollution in many areas,” said Dr. Singh.

Mr. Napol Kieatkongmanee, a Senior Researcher at RISC and innovation co-developer, said that “Fahsai 2”, the city-level air purification tower, is a hybrid system. Solar panels reduce its electricity demand during the day to promote well-being and sustainability. The machine improves on Fahsai 1 with its enhanced ability to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses with UV and ozone.

“There are also developments for capacity. The fans have been increased from 15,000 cubic meters/hour to 30,000 cubic meters/hour with 4 blades for a total of 120,000 cubic meters/hour to cater for an area of about 1 football field. The machine has been reduced to only 5.1 meters in height and a base 2.4 meters wide for easier access and installation and lower construction costs. The fan has been repositioned to prevent reverse airflow. The moisture trap at the air outlet has been redesigned to prevent water spray being blown out. The solar panels have an adjustable design to direct clean air farther and more effectively. The solar panels unfold to collect sunlight during the day and shut at night, when lighting comes on to enhance safety in the surrounding area.

“Fahsai 2 is another contribution from RISC to tackling current issues. It can help mitigate PM2.5 air pollution and dust and help create a sustainable environment for local people under RISC’s ‘sustainnovation’ principle,” said Mr. Kieatkongmanee.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway, along with RISC by MQDC, have installed Fahsai 2 at Makkasan Station Airport Rail Link, an area that has high PM2.5 because of heavy traffic and 10,000 daily visitors for services including the subway and the Airport Rail Link.