Numerical Simulations of Air Flow and Traffic–Related Air Pollution Distribution in a Real Urban Area

Abstract

With increasing urbanization, urban air pollutants are becoming more and more relevant to human health. Here, combined with meteorological observation data, a numerical simulation of typical urban blocks in Shanghai was carried out to understand the spread of air pollutants caused by road traffic sources (ground–level and viaduct–level). Firstly, we analyzed the wind environment characteristics. Then, we quantitatively analyzed the pollutant distribution profiles and the contributions of two pollutant sources (PSV). Finally, we analyzed seven urban morphological parameters based on ventilation efficiency indices. Results revealed the following. (1) Ventilation patterns within the architectural complex are determined by local geometry; (2) Pollutants released at ground level were dominant when the Z–plane < 8 m high, and pollutants released from the viaduct source were 0.8–6.1% higher when the Z–plane ≥ 8 m high; (3) From ground level to a height of 60 m, the spatially–averaged normalized concentration (C*) tended to decrease gradually with distance from the source. C* increased irregularly with an increase in distance between 60 m and 86 m. Above 86 m, C* tended to increase linearly; (4) Vertical profiles of C* around buildings were building–specific, and their rate of change was inconsistent with height increases. In general, the correlations between C* and VRw, and between C* and KEturb were larger on the windward side of PSV upstream buildings than on the leeward side. Buildings downstream of the PSV showed the opposite situation; (5) At pedestrian level, the seven urban morphological parameters had no significant correlation with VRw, Cir*, and Czs*.