Ulsan's Summer Heat Relief: Cooling Fog and Free Water Vending Machines
Hello, this is the official blog reporter group of Ulsan Metropolitan City.
With the arrival of autumn after the summer, we recently recorded 145.3mm of rainfall during the three-day Liberation Day holiday.
However, after the rain, humidity has remained high, and temperatures are expected to rise again, with daytime highs exceeding 32°C.
To prevent heat-related illnesses among citizens during this heatwave, Ulsan City has implemented various measures.
One notable initiative is the 'Cooling Fog System' and 'Free Water Vending Machines'.
We visited 'Wawa Park' in Samho-dong, where both of these measures are in operation. This park also features a water play area, helping to alleviate the urban heat island effect.
The 'Cooling Fog System' is an outdoor cooling device that creates artificial mist to lower surrounding temperatures.
It works by vaporizing finely sprayed tap water, cooling the air while effectively reducing dust and odors.
Additionally, the process generates beneficial negative ions as water molecules break apart.
When purified water is atomized into tiny artificial mist, it vaporizes upon contact with hot air, lowering the surrounding temperature by about 3-5°C.
This system also helps reduce airborne dust and ozone, contributing to air pollution prevention.
During the day, it helps lower temperatures, and at night, it can be used for decorative lighting, providing a unique visual experience.
The system is installed in various facilities, including roads, tunnels, shaded areas, and park structures. It is also operational in covered traditional markets like Sinjeong Market, Suam Market, and Jeongdong Street.
Even when external temperatures exceed 35°C, the internal temperature remains around 30°C, providing a cooling effect of about 5°C.
The installation cost ranges from 100 million to 200 million KRW, but it offers relief from the summer heat.
The system sprays water particles smaller than 25 microns, designed to operate for 15 minutes and rest for 5 minutes at temperatures above 29°C.
Because the water particles are so small, they evaporate quickly upon contact with skin or clothing, ensuring users do not have to worry about getting wet.
In addition to this, free water vending machines are being operated in high-traffic public facilities.
This service assists residents engaging in outdoor activities, vulnerable groups, and outdoor workers in staying hydrated and cool.
We observed the transition from free water refrigerators to vending machines, which maintain a consistent cool temperature even during peak heat.
This new system allows for hygienic and efficient distribution, ensuring that each person receives one bottle at a time.
The free water vending machines began operation on July 20 and will run until September 2, supplying 200 bottles of cool water daily per person.
This vending machine system has improved management efficiency to promote regular water consumption to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Last year, there were complaints about individuals taking multiple bottles despite requests for one per person. The switch to vending machines has significantly improved the situation.
Municipalities are implementing free water refrigerators or vending machines in various ways to combat summer heat.
Some regions have recently introduced identity verification systems, such as phone or QR code authentication, due to selfish behavior from some users.
It is essential to maintain the integrity of this public service so that more citizens can benefit from it.
As of this year, over 120 heat-related illnesses have been reported in Ulsan. We hope that these administrative services provide much-needed relief to citizens suffering from the heat.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224383050194
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