Author(s)

R. San José, J. L. Pérez & R. M. González

Abstract

The advances in the capability of Computational Fluid Dynamics models and Air Quality Modelling Systems during the last decade have been quite substantial. The increase in computer capabilities and in the knowledge of turbulence parameterization and numerical schemes has also been very significant during the last ten years. On the other hand, there is a considerable public interest in information relating to the \“real” pollution they are exposed to when they are walking in the street, going to work or even during the period they are driving a car from/to work or other daily activities. At street level the differences in the concentration values at both sides of a street can be important, particularly, for instance, in relation to photochemical production during the summer time in Mediterranean regions. In this contribution we have used the CFD model MIMO (U. of Karlsruhe (Germany)) and the mesoscale air quality modelling system MM5-CMAQ-EMIMO (NCEP / EPA / Technical University of Madrid) to simulate the impact of different emission reduction scenarios in the downtown area of Madrid City. These complex systems could evaluate the impact of several urban strategic emission reduction measures such as reduction of private traffic, increase of public transportation, impact on the introduction of new fuel cell vehicles, etc. Also, they could be used for the analysis of pollution concentrations at different heights (buildings) and in different areas of urban neighbourhoods.

Keywords