TfL trials to cool the Tube

A new cooling system is being trialled by Transport for London, on a disused platform at Holborn Tube station.

The testing of the new panel which works by circulating cold water around pipework within a curved metal structure to chill it, and then circulating air using an industrial-sized fan - will help establish its suitability to reduce temperatures on the deep Tube network.

The trial forms part of the Government’s TIES Living Lab programme, a collaboration of ten infrastructure, data research and digital demonstration projects.

The convection system and cooling panel was 70% funded by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, and designed and developed by TfL and SRC Infrastructure.

Lab tests suggest the panel can reduce surrounding air temperature by 10-15°C.