SOLIDEO collaborated with Aérophile on the Aerophiltre, a fresh urban air purifier system at the Village des Athlètes. The Para-PM technology aligns with living solutions for the future European city of 2030. It’s the first time, worldwide, that products have been developed to purify the air of an urban space of this scale, according to the company.
In the bustling heart of Paris, where concerns over air quality intersect with innovative urban design, a groundbreaking solution has emerged to tackle the city’s pollution challenges head-on. Nestled within the Athletes’ Village, a beacon of sustainability and innovation stands tall: the Aerophiltre.
Developed by the French SME Aérophile in collaboration with SOLIDEO (Société de Livraison des Ouvrages Olympiques), the Aerophiltre represents a pioneering approach to outdoor air purification. Powered by AEROPHILE’s decade-refined Para-PM technology, nurtured at the Ballon de Paris Generali, this innovation stands poised to revolutionize air quality management.
Parisians and visitors to the city of love need this change. Analyses of pollution levels in Paris, spanning from 2018 to 2023 and measured by various sensors, paint a concerning picture: Parisians endure over 130 days per year exposed to fine particle (PM2.5) levels surpassing the daily threshold set by the WHO (15 µg/m3). The Aerophiltre emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative solution at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and environmental stewardship.
It’s important to note the Aerophiltres were installed at the end of December 2023, but they’re not yet functional. The electrical connections are underway and should be ready for use in the 1st half of March.
READ more about the purifiers in an interview with the CEO of Aérophile published by our sister publication DirectIndustry e-Magazine.
AEROPHILE: From Air Balloons and Aerobars to Aerophiltres
Since its inception in 1993, Aerophile has led the global market in captive balloons, innovating with creations such as the Aerophare and Aerobar, establishing attractions like the Parc du Petit Prince, and pioneering air quality monitoring with the Paris Generali balloon in 2013, culminating in their latest innovation in 2021: the Para-PM air purifier, tailored for open or semi-open spaces. This innovation evolved into the Aerophiltre, selected by SOLIDEO (Société de Livraison des Ouvrages Olympiques) to equip the Athletes’ Village at Saint-Denis for Paris 2024.
The Para-PM system is based on ionization and electrostatic filtration and offers a unique solution for capturing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in large, open spaces. This technology, selected by SOLIDEO to address air pollution at the Athletes’ Village, achieves over 95% purification of PM10, PM2.5, and even the most dangerous PM 0.1 particles, alongside mitigating ozone pollution. Moreover, its environmentally friendly design boasts low energy consumption and generates zero waste, making it a sustainable choice for urban environments.
To meet the ambitious requirements of SOLIDEO and effectively depollute a vast area near the A86 traffic, the Para-PM technology was integrated into giant shades, dubbed Aerophiltres, towering at heights of 4.6 to 5.6 meters with a diameter of 6 meters. These structures, resembling colossal fountains of purified air, deliver an impressive airflow equivalent to forty Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour, ensuring fresh air for residents and visitors alike.
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Installing the Aerophiltres with an Intelligent System
The adaptation of Para-PM technology into Aerophiltres was achieved through collaboration between TER agency, responsible for public space design on behalf of SOLIDEO, and engineers/architects from DVVD on behalf of AEROPHILE. These structures serve as air purification systems and double as shade providers during the day and public lighting fixtures at night.
In addition to purifying huge volumes of air, these AEROPHILTERS offer several other advantages: They consume very little energy (1Kw, equivalent to a refrigerator), they require very little maintenance (annual cleaning is all that’s needed), and they act as shades during the day, and public lighting in the evening.
Furthermore, to optimize energy efficiency, the Aerophiltres are connected to an intelligent system triggering automatic operation based on weather conditions, air pollution levels, and the occupancy of the Athletes’ Village. These permanent installations promise to continue providing cleaner air for future residents, underscoring SOLIDEO’s commitment to creating a sustainable and livable urban environment.
The Future City of 2030: Healthier Environments for All
The deployment of Aerophiltres aligns with SOLIDEO’s vision for the future city of 2030, characterized by resilience against climate change and recurring pollution challenges. By fostering collaboration with French businesses and prioritizing innovation through initiatives like its innovation fund, SOLIDEO aims to pioneer scalable solutions that enhance quality of life and promote inclusivity.
Antoine Du Souich, Director of Strategy and Innovation at SOLIDEO, emphasizes the significance of this project: “The implementation of AEROPHILE’s solution at the Athletes’ Village underscores our commitment to providing a healthier environment for all, particularly during episodes of fine particle pollution. We hope that AEROPHILE will further develop its offerings, making them accessible to a broader audience, for a healthier and more enjoyable city.”
Matthieu Gobbi, co-founder of Aérophile, echoes this sentiment, expressing pride in installing Aerophiltres at such a prestigious location. He highlights the importance of addressing fine particle pollution, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, emphasizing the role of Aerophiltres in providing cleaner air for athletes and visitors alike.
As the Aerophiltres continue their five-month trial period leading up to July, the focus remains on optimizing their effectiveness, particularly during peak pollution events. With their potential to transform urban landscapes and enhance public health, the Aerophiltres stand as a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
