The invention relates to an air purifying apparatus, in particular a passive air purifying apparatus, for along the roadside.

In general, along and in the vicinity of a roadside there is a relatively high concentration of pollution in the air compared to typical ambient air. This so-called roadside air, or polluted air comprises exhaust gases from traffic, such as greenhouse gases and particulate matter, which accumulate at and/or near the roadside. Depending on the surroundings, such as buildings, noise barriers and walls, it may be difficult for the polluted air to disperse. In particular, polluted air may linger in road tunnels. Therefore, in the vicinity of the roadside, environmental norms may be exceeded locally to the detriment of the environment and possibly to the health of road users and/or (local) residents.

Also, depending on the length of a road tunnel, polluted air may tend to accumulate at the entrance/exit of the tunnel relatively quickly and may often exceed environmental norms. Polluted air accumulates in the tunnel and is driven towards the entrance/exit by traffic exiting the tunnel. In particular, a vehicle that participates in or makes up the traffic causes a local disturbance in an ambient pressure field. This local disturbance or change in the ambient pressure field around the vehicle moves along with the vehicle and tends to drive polluted air comprising e.g. exhaust gasses and/or particulate matter towards the end of the tunnel, that is to say the entrance/exit in case of two-way tunnels. Vehicles with a relatively large frontal surface area, such as Sport Utihty Vehicles (SUVs), busses, trucks and lorries, may relatively speaking contribute more to this phenomenon as they generally cause greater local changes in the pressure field around the vehicle than for instance cars or motorcycles. Consequently the

substitute sheets (Rule 26) aforementioned types of vehicles may cause a greater displacement of polluted air towards the end of the tunnel.

Active air purifying devices are generally known and typically applied in road tunnels. Commonly, active air purifying devices are required for ventilating road tunnels of a certain length, e.g. tunnels of at least 500 m in the Netherlands. In particular, national legislation requires active ventilation in case of traffic jams, which may cause a relatively fast accumulation of polluted air within the road tunnel. Also, these active air purifying devices are often required to actively dissipate and/or lead away smoke in case of a fire within the road tunnel, e.g. for safety or evacuation purposes. Typically, these active air purifying devices comprise an inlet, an outlet, an air duct extending therebetween, and a power source to power one or more ventilators that are provided in and/or along the air duct. This way, by controlling the speed of the ventilators, polluted air and/or smoke may be actively lead away from the road tunnel. Often, the ventilators of air purifying devices run at a stationary speed during normal use of the road tunnel. Such (continuous) operation of the active purifying devices may consume relatively much energy and can be relatively costly. Also, maintenance and/or replacement of the moving parts may be relatively costly and may disrupt the flow of traffic.

The invention aims at alleviating one or more of the

aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the invention aims to provide a passive air purifying apparatus that dissipates and/or disperses polluted air and does not require active ventilation. Thereby, the energy consumption and operational cost of the air purifying apparatus may be reduced with a relatively simple construction that may require low maintenance.

To that end, the invention provides for a passive air purifying apparatus for along the roadside, comprising at least one inlet, and at least one outlet and an air duct connecting the at least one inlet with the at least one outlet, wherein the at least one inlet is positioned along the roadside,

substitute sheets (Rule 26) wherein the at least one outlet is positioned remote from the roadside, wherein the inlet is provided with a one-way valve that is biased towards a closed position, wherein the bias is such that the one-way valve opens when a valve pressure difference between a side of the one-way valve that faces away from the air duct and a side of the one-way valve that faces towards the air duct exceeds a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is chosen such that an over-pressure generated by a passing vehicle leads to a valve pressure difference that is greater than the threshold value.

An over-pressure in this context is an above-atmospheric pressure, wherein the atmospheric pressure is the environmental pressure prevailing at the roadside when no vehicles are passing. In addition, the over-pressure that is generated by a passing vehicle is meant to be construed as a local pressure increase in the flow field around the vehicle. In other words, a pressure accumulation at a side of the vehicle that faces the air flow that is incoming with respect to the vehicle. For example, as the vehicle moves through the air, the air is pushed aside by the vehicle and thereby the air flows around the vehicle. Due to the inertia of the air its pressure may increase locally causing the so-called over-pressure at the side of the vehicle that faces the direction of travel of the vehicle.

By positioning at least one inlet along a roadside with a one-way valve that is biased towards a closed position, it may effectively be counteracted that air flows out of the air duct. By configuring the bias such that the one-way valve opens when a valve pressure difference between a side of the one-way valve that faces away from the air duct and a side of the one-way valve that faces towards the air duct exceeds a threshold value, it may be facihtated that roadside air may enter the air duct through the at least one inlet under certain conditions whilst counteracting that air flows out of the air duct through the at least one inlet. When the threshold value is chosen such that an over-pressure generated by a passing vehicle leads to a valve pressure difference that is greater than the threshold value,

substitute sheets (Rule 26) roadside air may be fed into the air duct through the at least one inlet using the over-pressure generated by a passing vehicle. This way, roadside air, that is relatively polluted with respect to ambient air, may passively be dispelled from the roadside and be fed into the air duct. When the outlet is positioned remote from the roadside, it may be facilitated that roadside air that has been fed into the air duct may be expelled and/or dispersed out of the air duct remote from the roadside. Thereby, locally exceeding

environmental norms may be counteracted cost-effectively using a relatively simple construction.

When the one-way valve comprises a flap for actuating the one-way valve from the closed to an open position, a construction that is relatively sensitive to over-pressure generated by passing vehicles may be achieved. This way, the flap may be used for actuating the one-way valve from the closed to an open position.

When the flap is connected to and/or forms part of a valve body which valve body engages a valve seat when being in the closed position, the valve body and/or flap may rest on the valve seat in the closed position. In particular, the valve seat may counteract that the valve body and/or flap moves past the valve seat toward the side of the one-way valve that faces away from the air duct. Advantageously, the flap may be configured for actuating the valve body to bring it from the closed to an open position. Thereto, the flap may be aerodynamically shaped to tailor its response to over-pressure generated by passing vehicles.

By providing the at least one outlet with a flue, air, in particular roadside air, may be transferred through the air duct to the external environment relatively effectively via the so-called stack-effect. Thereby, pollutants may be dispersed remotely which may reduce their impact on the (immediate) surroundings. This way, exceeding environmental norms locally along the roadside may be counteracted further.

substitute sheets (Rule 26) When the at least one outlet, in particular an outlet of the flue, is placed at a distance from the roadside, preferably at an elevated position transverse to a plane of the roadside, pollutants may be dispersed at higher altitudes which may reduce their impact on the (immediate) surroundings. In particular, pollutants may be dispersed above the immediate

surroundings, such as buildings or noise barriers. This may be especially beneficial in so-called street canyons in which a road or street is flanked by buildings on both sides creating a canyon-like environment. In addition, pollutants may be dispersed more effectively at higher altitudes where the so-called wind speed is generally higher relative to the wind speed at lower altitudes.

When the at least one outlet, in particular comprising the flue, is configured for passively generating an under-pressure in the air duct, passive transfer of roadside air from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet via the air duct may be facihtated. In particular, by providing the at least one outlet and/or flue with e.g. a cap, cowl or so-called turbovent, the passive transfer of air may be facilitated using a relatively simple and cost- effective construction.

By providing a plurality of successive outlets, in particular comprising flues, that are placed at intervals along the air duct, it may be facilitated that a relatively large volume of air, in particular roadside air, may be dispersed remote from the roadside through the plurality of successive outlets.

By providing a plurality of interspaced inlets that are placed longitudinally along the air duct, a relatively large volume of air, in particular roadside air, may be fed into the air duct via the plurahty of interspaced inlets to be dispersed remote from the roadside, e.g. through the at least one outlet.

Similarly, by providing a plurality of interspaced inlets that are placed transversely along the air duct, a relatively compact construction can

substitute sheets (Rule 26) be achieved whilst increasing the volume of air, in particular roadside air, that may be fed into the air duct via the plurality of interspaced inlets.

By providing at least one air guiding panel placed along the air duct that guides the airflow generated by passing vehicles toward and/or through the at least one inlet, a momentum of airflow may be led towards and generate a pressure difference at the inlet. This way, flow of air, in particular roadside air, towards and/or through the at least one inlet may be facilitated. Thereby, dissipation of polluted air away from the roadside and into the air duct may be facilitated. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one air guiding panel may be provided and or formed as a so-called air scoop.

When the passive air purifying apparatus comprises at least one second inlet, at least one second outlet and a second air duct connecting the at least one second inlet with the at least one second outlet, wherein the at least one second outlet is positioned along the roadside and wherein the at least one second inlet positioned remote from the roadside, wherein the at least one second outlet is provided with an opposite one-way valve that is also biased towards a closed position, wherein the bias is such that the opposite one-way valve opens when a second valve pressure difference between a side of the opposite one-way valve that faces away from the air duct and a side of the opposite one-way valve that faces towards the second air duct exceeds a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is chosen such that an under-pressure generated at a trailing end of a passing vehicle leads to a second valve pressure difference that is, in particular in absolute sense, greater than the second threshold value, ambient air taken in remote from the roadside may be passively fed to the roadside. This way, polluted air at and or near the roadside may be diluted with relatively clean ambient air. Thereby, locally exceeding environmental norms may be counteracted cost-effectively using a relatively simple construction.

substitute sheets (Rule 26) An under-pressure in this context is a sub-atmospheric pressure, wherein again the atmospheric pressure is the environmental pressure prevailing at the roadside when no vehicles are passing. The under-pressure that is generated by a passing vehicle is meant to be construed as a local pressure decrease in the flow field around a vehicle. The local pressure decrease in the flow field usually occurs at a side of the vehicle that faces away from the direction of travel of the vehicle such as its trailing end and/or sides. In particular, relatively elongate vehicles, such as limousines, busses, trucks and lorries, may at their sides that are substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle generate a local pressure decrease which may be further enhanced in e.g. road tunnels and street canyons.

Similarly, as discussed above for the flap, valve body and valve seat, similar advantages may apply mutatis mutandis for a second flap, second valve body and second valve seat, respectively.

By providing an air purifying filter that is arranged in the air duct, air, in particular roadside air, may be purified before it is dispersed through the at least one outlet remote from the roadside. Thereby, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

When the air purifying filter forms a passage that fluidly couples the air duct to the second air duct, thereby forming an air duct unit, air, in particular roadside air, purified by the air purifying filter may be returned to the roadside. Thereby, dilution of the roadside air may be facilitated using a relatively sustainable closed-loop system.

If the (opposite) one-way valve is segmented into a plurality of valve segments, wherein each valve segment is biased towards the closed position, a construction that is relatively sensitive to pressure differences may be realized. In addition, a degree of safety may be built in that may counteract the failure of an inlet and/or outlet.

The invention further provides for a road tunnel provided with a passive air purifying apparatus including features as discussed above.

substitute sheets (Rule 26) By dimensioning the air duct, in particular of the air purifying apparatus with the road tunnel, to accommodate at least one human and provide it with at least one entrance accessible from the roadside, it may be used as an escape route. When the air purifying device comprises an over-pressure ventilation device for actively generating an above-ambient pressure inside the air duct, clean air may be forced into the air duct to create an above ambient pressure inside the air duct that is greater than the ambient pressure e.g. in the road tunnel or in the vicinity of the roadside. This way, the one-way valves may be kept closed in case of a fire. Thereby, smoke may be counteracted from entering the air duct in case of a fire. In this manner, at least part of an interior of the passive air purifying apparatus may contain clean air and have good visibility that provides a safe escape route for evacuating people as well as for emergency services.

The invention further provides for a method for passively purifying air along a roadside, comprising the steps of: providing a passive air purifying apparatus including features as discussed above, using a pressure difference generated by passing vehicles to open a one-way valve of an inlet to an air duct, wherein the one-way valve is biased towards a closed position, drawing air into the air duct through the inlet by passively generating an under-pressure in the air duct with an outlet of the air duct; and leading air away from along a road side and dispersing it into the atmosphere through the outlet. Advantageously, the method may further comprise the step of purifying the air within the air duct with a air purifying filter placed in the air duct. Such as for example arranging the air purifying filter along a wall of the air duct, inside the air duct or as a passage that fluidly connects the air ducts.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The drawings are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention, which are given by manner of non-limiting exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

substitute sheets (Rule 26) Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a passive air purifying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a simplified schematic front view of a roadside with a schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a simplified schematic and partially cut away side view of a third embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a simplified schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a passive air purifying apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a simplified schematic cross sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus according to the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a simplified schematic cross sectional front view of a road tunnel comprising a passive purifying air apparatus according to the invention.

In the Figures identical or corresponding parts are represented with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a passive air purifying apparatus 1 according to the invention. The passive air purifying apparatus 1 is placed along a roadside R. In particular, the passive air purifying apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is elegantly arranged in and/or as part of a guardrail. Additionally or alternatively, the passive air purifying apparatus 1 may be provided as a stand-alone device along the roadside R. The passive air purifying apparatus 1 comprises at least one inlet 2, at least one outlet 3 and an air duct 4. In this embodiment, one inlet 2 and one outlet 3 is shown. The air duct 4 connects the inlet 2 with the outlet 3. The inlet 2 is positioned along the roadside R. The outlet 3 is positioned remote from the roadside R. In the context of this application, remote is to be

substitute sheets (Rule 26) construed at least as facing away from the roadside R, in particular as at a distance, such as at least 5 m, 3 m, or 1 m, preferably at least 0.2 m and/or as at an elevation of 5 m, 3 m, or 1 m, preferably at least 0.1 m, above the surrounding buildings or structures or vegetation. The inlet 2 is provided with a one-way valve 5 that is biased towards a closed position I, see e.g.

Fig. 3. The bias is such that the one-way valve 5 opens when a valve pressure difference between a side of the one-way valve 5 that faces away from the air duct 4 and a side of the one-way valve 5 that faces towards the air duct 4 exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is chosen such that an over-pressure generated by a passing vehicle V (see e.g. Fig. 2) leads to a valve pressure difference that is greater than the threshold value. The threshold value is for example between 1 - 1000 Pa, such as between 1 - 750 Pa, 1 - 500 Pa, or 1 - 300 Pa .

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus 1. In this case, the roadside R is surrounded by buildings that may counteract dispersion of the so-called roadside air or polluted air, which in turn may cause roadside pollution in the air to accumulate. In particular, the buildings may impede free flow of air, which is depicted schematically by the circulating arrow. The one-way valve 5 comprises a flap 6 for actuating the one-way valve 5 from the closed I to an open position II. As can be seen, the flap 6 forms a valve body 7. Additionally or alternatively, the flap 6 may be a separate component that is connected to the valve body 7 in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. In the closed position I, the valve body 7 engages a valve seat 8. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the valve body 7 and/or flap 6 rest on the valve seat 8 in the closed position I. The flap 6 is configured for actuating the valve body 7 to bring it from the closed position I to the open position II. Thereto, the flap 6 comprises a relatively large surface area, such as a surface area of for example 1 - 10000 cm ² , 10 - 5000 cm ² or 25 - 1000 cm ² . Additionally or alternatively, the flap 6 may be

substitute sheets (Rule 26) aerodynamically formed to tailor its response to over-pressure generated by passing vehicles V in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.

In the second embodiment, the outlet 3 comprises a flue 9. Each outlet 3 of the at least one outlet 3 may comprise a dedicated flue 9.

Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of outlets 3 may as a group be in fluid connection with a single flue 9. An outlet of the flue 9 is placed at a distance from the roadside R, in particular at an elevated position H transverse to a plane of the roadside R. As shown in Fig. 2 the outlet of the flue 9 is preferably elevated above the surroundings, in particular the buildings, such that the roadside air may be dispersed at higher altitudes which reduces the impact on the (immediate) surroundings.

In Fig. 2, the outlet 3 is dimensioned such that it passively generates an under-pressure in the air duct 4. In particular, the outlet of the flue 9 is provided with a turbovent 10 contributing to the passively generated under-pressure in the air duct 4. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one outlet 3 and/or outlet of the flue 9 may e.g. comprise a cap, cowl and/or turbovent 10. Optionally, the air duct 4 may be configured for passively generating an under-pressure in a manner known to the person skilled in the art.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus 1. The passive air purifying apparatus 1 comprises air guiding panels 11 placed along the air duct 4 that guides the pressure difference generated by passing vehicles V towards and through the inlets 2. The inlets comprise a grid 23 that shields an interior of the air duct from solid particles, in particular solid particles sized in the range 1 - 50 mm. This way, entrance of e.g. pieces of asphalt or other solid particles that might damage the (interior of) the inlet 2 and/or the air duct 4 may be

counteracted. The passive air purifying apparatus 1 further comprises an air purifying filter 12 that is arranged in the air duct 4. The outlet 3

substitute sheets (Rule 26) corresponds to the outlet of the flue 9. As shown, the roadside air is filtered before it is expelled from the outlet 3.

Referring to Fig. 3, a plurality of interspaced inlets 3 are placed longitudinally along the air duct 4. In particular, the interspace between successive inlets 3 of the plurality of interspaced inlets 3 may e.g. be between 0.1 - 10 m, such as between 0.5 - 9 m, 1 - 8 m, or 2 - 5 m. Each inlet 3 is provided with a one-way valve 5 that is biased towards the closed position.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus 1. The passive air purifying apparatus 1 comprises a second inlet 13, a second outlet 14 and a second air duct 15 connecting the second inlet 13 with the second outlet 14. The second outlet 14 is positioned along the roadside R. The second inlet 13 is positioned remote from the roadside R.

The second outlet 14 is provided with an opposite one-way valve 16 that is also biased towards a closed position I. The bias is such that the opposite one-way valve 16 opens when an absolute value of the second valve pressure difference between a side of the opposite one-way valve 16 that faces away from the second air duct 15 and a side of the opposite one-way valve 16 that faces towards the second air duct 15 exceeds a second threshold value. The second threshold value is chosen such that an under-pressure generated at a traihng end and/or side of a passing vehicle V leads to a second valve pressure difference that is greater than the second threshold value. The second threshold value may be proportional to or a multiple of the first threshold value.

The opposite one-way valve 16 comprises a second flap 17 for actuating the opposite one-way valve 16 from a closed I to an open position II. The second flap 17 forms a second valve body 18 which second valve body 18 engages a second valve seat 19 when being in the closed position I. The second flap 17 is configured for actuating the second valve body 18 to bring it from the closed I to the open position II.

substitute sheets (Rule 26) Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the passive air purifying apparatus 1 comprising the air purifying filter 12. The air purifying filter 12 forms a passage that fluidly couples the air duct 4 to the second air duct 15, thereby forming an air duct unit 24.

Fig. 6 shows a road tunnel 20 provided with the passive air purifying apparatus 1. The depicted road tunnel 20 is a two-way tunnel. Passive air purifying apparatuses 1 are provided inside the tunnel 20, in particular along the side and upper-part of the tunnel 20. On the right-hand side of the road tunnel 20, a plurality of interspaced inlets 3 are placed transversely along the air duct 4. Each inlet 3 is provided with a one-way valve 5 that is biased towards the closed position I. As can be seen, the vehicle V on the left side of the tunnel 20 causes the one-way valves 5 on the left-hand side to move to the open position II whilst the one-way valves 5 on the right-hand side remain substantially closed.

The passive air purifying apparatus 1 comprises at least one ventilator 21 for actively generating an above-ambient pressure inside the air duct to e.g. provide a safe passage there through with clean air and good visibility allowing people to use air duct 4 as an escape route 22 in case of fire. In this case, the air duct 4 is dimensioned such that humans may use it as escape route 22.

It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments represented here. Many variations are possible. For example, the passive air purifying apparatus may comprise alternating sections of air ducts and second air ducts. This way, inlets and second outlets may be conveniently disposed along the roadside to disperse roadside air whilst inducing an inflow of ambient air. Thereby, the over pressure generated at a front face/leading edge and the under-pressure generated at the trailing end and/or side of passing vehicles may beneficially be utilized substantially simultaneously. Also, the road tunnel may additionally or alternatively be provided with second outlets associated with

substitute sheets (Rule 26) second air ducts for contributing to an inflow of ambient air to dilute the roadside air. For instance, inlets and/or outlets of the air purifying apparatus may be provided with a plurality of one-way valves. For example, the passive air purifying apparatus may comprise at least one ventilator for actively removing smoke from the tunnel in case of fire. Also, the air duct may be at least partially submerged and/or accommodated within the ground. Further, facades in/of buildings, in particular buildings along the roadside, may be provided with the passive air purifying apparatus without extending beyond the scope of the invention. Furthermore, additional one way valves may be placed in the air duct to counteract backflow of air within the duct. Beneficially, the at least one outlet may be integrated in e.g. lampposts, electricity poles and/or (tele)communication masts.

Advantageously, an energy generation device may be placed in the air duct for generating energy from the over-pressure generated from passing vehicles.

Further, the at least one air guiding panel and/or air scoop may extend from the inlet to direct the over-pressure generated by a passing vehicle towards the one-way valve. For example, each air guiding panel may have a cross section formed as an airfoil and/or a double curved airfoil. Said over-pressure may then be urged towards the one-way valve. For instance, the at least one air guiding panel and/or air scoop may be placed

substantially parallel to the inlet to guide the airflow generated by passing vehicles toward and/or through the at least one inlet. This way, a

momentum of airflow may be led towards and generate a pressure difference at the one-way valve in the inlet.

For example, a span of the airfoil shaped air guiding panel may extend along the longitudinal direction of the air duct. Further, a plurality of interspaced airfoil shaped air guiding panels may be placed longitudinally along the air duct, in particular such that each guiding panel corresponds to a respective inlet of the plurality of interspaced inlets that are placed

substitute sheets (Rule 26) longitudinally along the air duct. For instance, the span of the airfoil shaped air guiding panel may extend substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the air duct, in particular along a width direction of the air duct. This may be done in addition to or as an alternative to the longitudinally extending air guiding panels. The transversely extending air guiding panel may e.g. be positioned below an inlet facing towards a plane of the roadside to direct the over-pressure generated by passing vehicles towards said inlet. Additionally or alternatively, a free end of the air guiding panel or so-called wingtip of the airfoil shaped air guiding panel may e.g. be provided with a wingtip device or winglet. This way, wingtip vortices may be reduced and/or controllability of the airflow may be improved. This can facihtate feeding of roadside air into the air duct through the at least one inlet using the over pressure generated by a passing vehicle .

Such variations shall be clear to the skilled person and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

substitute sheets (Rule 26) LIST OF REFERENCE

1. Passive air purifying apparatus

Inlet

Outlet

Air duct

One-way valve

Flap

Valve body

Valve seat

Flue

Turbo vent

Air guiding panel

Air purifying filter

Second inlet

Second outlet

Second air duct

Opposite one-way valve Second flap

Second valve body

Second valve seat

Road tunnel

Ventilator

Escape route

Grid

24. Air duct unit

I. Closed position

II. Open position

substitute sheets (Rule 26) R. Roadside

V. Vehicle

substitute sheets (Rule 26)