1.0 BACKGROUND STUDYAir pollution involves pollutants in the form of gaseous or particulate matter contaminating the air that we breathe in. It has become an international concern as pollutants generated in one country can be deposited to another. Air pollution comes from various resources, mainly industrial smoke stacks and motor vehicles. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA (n.d), particulate matter from diesel- burning truck or car exhaust has negative effect on the air quality and health of human being.1.1 Air PollutantFirst of all, air pollutants can be classified into few categories. There are primary pollutants and secondary pollutants. Primary pollutants consist of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon that are emitted to the atmosphere whereas secondary pollutants are from chemicals that are formed in the atmosphere through photochemical reaction, hydrolysis or oxidation process. Aside from that, there are particulate pollutants. Particulate include dust, fumes, smokes, fly ash, mist, and spray (Harrison, 2005). Air quality can be measured using the Air Quality Index or AQI that calculates the five major contaminants in air which are ground level ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter below 10 micrometer diameter (PM10). In our project, we are trying to cater the problem with particulate pollutants that contaminating the air. Various sources can produce particulate pollutants. Fine particulate which ranges from 2.5 micrometer and smaller is usually produced by industrial processes, power plant and vehicle tailpipe, while coarse particulate that ranges between 2.5 and 10 micrometer is produced by crushing and grinding operations, road dust and agricultural operations (EPA, 2013). Particulate matter is the cause of several health problems like reducing lung function by penetrating into the lungs, asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes. This type of pollutant is also highly hazardous when exposed to children. According to the AQI, when the index measures AQI between 101 and 150, the air is starting to be polluted by the particulate matters and the sensitive groups will first to be affected. The sensitive groups include people with asthma or prone to lungs related disease or heart disease. The early symptoms that can be seen affecting the sensitive groups are coughing and shortness of breath. As the AQI increases higher than index 150, the air that is polluted by the particulate matter will affect everyone and worse to the sensitive groups (Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution, 2013). 1.2 Air Filtration MethodsBased on the design idea that we have come up to counter the problem with the particulate pollutants, we decided to install an air purifier on a bus. The air purifier consists of two types of air filtrations. The air filtrations that we are using are the activated carbon filtration and the High Efficiency Particulate Air filtration or commonly known as HEPA filter. HEPA filters work by filtering 99.97% of 0.3 micrometer particles and larger impurities. In dusty surrounding such as the bus surroundings, it is likely for the HEPA filters to have high efficiency in removing all the impurities and particulate matters without having to clean or replacing it often. The advantage of using HEPA filters is that it does not generate ozone or harmful byproducts. However, the HEPA filter is not able to remove chemicals fumes and smoke cigarette due to their diameters are smaller than 0.3 micrometer. Hence, activated carbon filter is recommended to be included with the HEPA filter to improve its drawbacks. Activated carbon filter functions to adsorb volatile chemicals due to the small absorbent pores designed for the filter that react chemically as pollutants go through the filter. The activated carbon filter works best by capturing chemicals fumes, gases and cigarette smoke. However, the filter cannot remove larger particles. Activated carbon must reach equilibrium in order for the adsorption process to occur therefore it is not easy to remove the contaminants completely. Activated carbon is a process of changing the contaminants from gaseous to solid phase. This process helps to remove the contaminants when there is aggravated or disturbed contaminants regenerated inside of a vehicle (Different Types of Air Filters, 2013). 1.3 BusA bus is a type of vehicle that can accommodates up to 300 passengers at one time. The current bus that is globally used is powered by diesel engine. It has internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to ignite and burn the fuel that has been injected to the combustion chamber. However, studies have shown that we are likely to be exposed to massive diesel exhaust due to the idling of the bus. Exhaust from the diesel contains fine particulate matter. Diesel-fueled engine also emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compound and carbon monoxide which all pose serious health risk to the passenger (Diesel Exhaust and School Bus Idling, n.d.). In order to achieve our objective in reducing air pollution, we have chosen bus as a device in carrying the air purifier considering of several reasons. First of all, bus is a common public transport and it is widely used. By implementing the air purifier on the bus, larger area of air can be cleaned. Besides that, the bus is a vehicle that uses diesel engine for it to maneuver therefore it will produces and emits a large amount of contaminants to the air. The air purifier is suggested to be installed on the bus to filter the emission the atmosphere.

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENTThe problem of air pollution seems to be getting more and more concerning these days, with the advancement of industries and transportations resulting in the increase of contamination of the air due to their harmful emissions (Pollution Issues, n.d). To solve the problem of air pollution, it is necessary to understand the issue and look for ways to counter it. There are several main problems which hamper the efforts to reduce air pollution these days, they are:1. Industrial development: The development of most industries might result in the increase of air pollutions due to the nature of methods used by the industries that are rather harmful to the environment, specifically, the atmosphere. Manufacturing industries release large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Process such as refining and processing the hydrocarbons are harmful to the environment. However, these methods are used because they are proven to be effective to increase productivity thus neglecting their impacts to the atmosphere (Causes, Effects, and solutions of Air Pollution, n.d).2. Vehicle emission: Emission from most vehicles are major contributors to the current air pollution issue because they release dangerous gases to the atmosphere such as carbon monoxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxides which are harmful to human health.3. Cost: Generally, it is rather costly to remodel the methods of transportation and industry to become more eco-friendly and minimize the pollution. The cost associated to reduce impacts to air pollution are more likely to reduce productivity for the industries, thus more research to obtain the best and least expensive ways are still being conducted (Reducing the Cost of Reducing Pollution, n.d) .4. Limitations of current approach: The common approach taken nowadays to reduce air pollution is by filtering the air with some kind of a filtration system, however, the current air filtration system uses a lot of energy which is also expensive when applied on a larger scale. The current outdoor filtration system is also quite static, meaning that mostly, it is used to clean certain areas only such as parking lot or some outdoor spaces which means that the purification cannot reach other areas which do not have the system installed.3.0 OBJECTIVES The purpose of this project is to reduce air pollution by creating a device to filter the air that works dynamically by installing it on the sources that contributes to the pollution itself, in this case, bus. In this project, we are going to use solar panel as our main energy to power up the system because it is a cleaner source of energy. Objectives that we wish to achieve by doing this project are:a. To reduce concentration of particulate matter in the air.b. To alleviate the air pollution in a more dynamic way.c. To ensure that the air filtration system works well and efficient and can release clean air.d. To further enhance our skill base in dealing with environmental problem with engineering approach.e. To create a user-friendly product so that it could be commercialized and benefits general consumers.

4.0 DESIGN APPROACH/METHODOLOGY 4.1 Procedures Based on our problem statement of our topics, Save the Environment, we decide to focus on reduction of air pollution. The cause of air pollution, source of air pollution, and effect to people and environment are identified (Research in Action, 2014). After researching and brainstorming, we come up with an idea, mobile air purifier, which will be installed on the top of the bus. The mobile air purifier is designed to be able to filter the air in the atmosphere while the bus is moving on the road. Figure 1 is the design of the prototype.

Figure 1: Design of prototype

We aim to reduce concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the air. Activated carbon filter and High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter were chosen as the purification system. Activated carbon filter can remove odour, smoke and gases and can reduce concentration of carbon dioxide. HEPA filter is used to reduce particular matter, dust and contaminant with size larger than 0.3 microns. Since both of them are lightweight, convenient, less energy usage and less expensive than other purification method, they are most suitable for the mobile air purification system (Different Types of Air Filters, 2013). The air purifier will be installed at the front on the roof of the bus. The air purifier will have inlet at the front so that when bus is moving, the air will enter the purifier system. It is considered the best position for highest absorption of air. Fan is installed in the air purifier to suck in air even when the bus is stationary. The shape of the air purifier are designed to minimize the air drag force on the system, thus to minimize addition fuel usage due to addition drag force to the car. Mesh is installed at the front of the purifier to prevent large particles like rocks from entering the system. Figure 2 shows mobile air purifier installed on the roof of the bus.

Figure 2: Mobile air purifier on the roof of the bus.

Air will be sucked into the purifier by fan or due to motion of bus. The air will first pass through the activated carbon filter then HEPA filter. Air will flow out from the end of the purifier. Fan is powered up using solar energy. Solar panel is installed on top of the bus to supply energy to the fan. The energy obtained will be used to charge the battery, which can then be used to power up the fan at night when there is not sunlight. Figure 2 shows the air filtration system used in mobile air purifier.

Figure 3: Air filtration system in mobile air purifier.

Limitation1. The prototype will work well when the bus is stationary or moving at low speed. The maximum speed the bus can achieved without damaging the purifier will be justified during the testing.2. The fan used for the prototype is PC fan instead of bigger powerful fan due to the limited budget.

4.2 Plan and Schematic Flow Process of the Project Select a topicDefine the problemSTART

Brainstorm for ideas and analyse feasibility of the idea

Select an idea and name the idea

NOConsult supervisorand get approval

YES

Complete project proposal

Design Prototype

Design specification

Prototype fabrication

Improve the fabrication prototypeNOQuality of prototypeGood?

TestingYES

Is the prototype function well?

Complete progress report YESTroubleshoot the prototype NO

YES

Presentation and Exhibition

Final report

END

4.3 Hardware/Tools and Software4.3.1 List of HardwareNo.NameDescriptionCost (RM)

1.Activated Carbon FilterTo remove odours, chemical fumes, gases and cigarette smoke50

2.HEPA filterTo remove dust and contaminant that are larger than 0.3 micron90

3.FanTo suck in the air15

4.Solar PanelTo converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect40

5. Rechargeable batteryTo store converted energy22

6.Plastic To build the frame of the purifier-

7.Connection wiresTo connect electronic parts-

8. Electronic componentsTo make circuit-

4.3.2 List of ToolsNo.NameDescription

1.Multi MeterTo measure the voltage of the system and for troubleshooting purpose

2. Soldering toolTo make wire connection

3. Hand tools, cutting tools and other mechanical toolsUsed to build prototype model, such as saw, measuring tape, knife and etc

4.3.3 List of SoftwareNo.NameDescription

1.AutoCADUsed for 3D modelling.

2. Microsoft ExcelUsed to tabulate and analyse data

3. Microsoft WordUsed for documentation and report preparation

5.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT.5.1 Organization Chart.

5.2 Job ScopeGroup MembersDescriptions

Eileen Wong Wee Chin (ME)

1. Planning and managing details of the weekly tasks2. Monitoring the task given.3. In charge in direct communication with supervisor4. Responsible in conducting test and experiment on prototype.

Arevind Chelvan A/L Malaichelvan (CHE)1. Give assistance to the project manager.2. Documentation.3. Recording of all group activities.4. Providing support in Chemical Engineering related field and beyond.

Nur Shahira Bt. Samsudin (CV)1. Managing the project accounts and settlement of the project claim.2. Make the budget and made sure the prototype is within the budget.3. Apply the knowledge of Civil Engineering on the prototype. 4. Ensuring the team does not miss any requirement of the project.

Luqman Bin Md Saad (CHE)1. Prototype designing and construction.2. Research on the effect of movement to the connection of the prototype.3. Perform stress and strength analysis4. Providing logistics for the project.

Muhamad Iman Elhasan Firdaus Munasir Putra (PE)

1. Prototype designing and construction.2. Providing logistics for the project.3. Record data and any errors in experiment.4. Execute additional research on advantages and disadvantages of materials and project.

GANTT CHART

Week1234567891011121314

Seminar 1 (ETP Briefing)24/9

Group Organization & Brainstorming

Research on topic

Consult Supervisor

Seminar II1/10

Data Collection for Proposal

Literature Review

Draft Proposal Submission

Finalize Proposal

Project Proposal Submission10/10

Lab Safety Briefing15/10

Work on Progress Report

Design Solution

Cost Analysis

Fabrication of Prototype

Purchase Required Tool & Material

Construction of The Prototype

Progress Report Due5/11

Seminar IV12/11

Submission of Form 0312/11

Prototype Testing

Poster Designing

Consult Supervisor

Final Check On The Prototype26/11

Poster & Product Demo( Pre- SEDEX)3/12

SEDEX10-11/12

Submission Peer Evaluation Form17/12

Submission of Claim Form & Receipts17/12

Submission of Final Report24/12

5.3 GANTT CHART6.0 APPENDIX6.1 ReferenceAir Pollution: Understanding the Problem and Ways to Help Solve It, 11 October 2014, from http://www.air-n-water.com/air-pollution.htmAir Quality Guide for Particle Pollution, 2013, 10 October 2014, from http://www.epa.gov/airnow/air-quality-guide_pm_2013.pdfDiesel Exhaust and School Bus Idling, 10 October 2014, from http://www.epa.gov/reg3artd/diesel/School_bus_idling_MAR.pdfDifferent Types of Air Filters, 2013, 10 October 2014, from http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/general-health/air/diff-types-of-air-filters.phpDwight, R. L., 2001, Reducing the Cost of Reducing Pollution, 11 October 2014, from http://fee.org/the_freeman/detail/reducing-the-cost-of-reducing-pollutionEarth Air Purification system, 11 October 2014, from www.fujita.com/uploads/technologies/1/EAPEnvironmental Pollution, 11 October 2014, from http://www.pollutionissues.com/Na-Ph/Petroleum.htmlHarrison, R. M., 2005, Sources of air pollution, 10 October 2014, from http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/78638/E90038.pdfNelson, J., 2011, Reducing Air Pollution is Well Worth the Cost, 11 October 2014, from http://www.desmogblog.com/reducing-air-pollution-well-worth-costResearch in Action, 2014, 10 October 2014, from http://www.epa.gov/heasd/research/air_pollution.htmlWhat is Air pollution?, 11 October 2014, from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-air-pollution.php