About this event

London Underground has firm plans to increase train service capacity by 30%. Even after careful optimisation of systems, this will require the consumption of more energy than before, and has the potential to increase temperatures in the underground. The deep-level sections of the network are already uncomfortably warm for several months each year, and further warming cannot be tolerated.

The 1bn UKP Cooling the Tube programme has been brought together to tackle the formidable challenge of controlling temperatures in the underground. It will use a blend of conventional ventilation techniques and novel technologies that circulate cool water from a variety of sources through water/air heat exchangers in stations, as well as attempting to bring viable cooling systems to space-constrained tube trains. The programme is notable for its partnerships with academia and its attention to sustainability; the pilot water-based cooling system that has been installed at Victoria Station has already won two awards for sustainability.

The presentation will outline the reasons for the current high temperatures on the underground, the ways in which the delivery of upgraded train services are being optimised in terms of energy consumption, and the range of technologies that will be used to extract heat from the network. The presentation will be given by Kevin Payne, Cooling the Tube Programme Director. Kevin is a Chartered Electrical Engineer who has also studied transport strategy and planning, and safety engineering. Kevin started his career with British Rail in 1976 and joined London Underground in 1989; he spent the first half of his career in traction power supply engineering before becoming involved in safety case generation and station engineering.

Following the presentations a wine reception will be held at the Riverside Room for informal discussion and a Networking opportunity. The bar will remain open until 21:30.

17:30 - 18:30 Registration with finger buffet and light refreshments

18:30 - 20:00 Presentations and discussion

20:00 - 21:30 Networking and Wine reception