London Underground Cooling Panel Trial

Client

Transport for London (TfL)

Timeline

2021 - 2022

Context

SRC partnered with TfL to develop an innovative cooling solution for the Piccadilly Line Upgrade. The trial addressed rising platform temperatures driven by increased service frequency and air-conditioned trains, requiring a scalable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional cooling systems.

Project Services

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Design & Prototyping
  • Systems Integration
  • Innovation Delivery

Transforming Underground Cooling

The solution delivered measurable improvements in passenger comfort while significantly reducing long-term operational costs. By combining innovative design with efficient manufacturing, SRC helped create a system that not only outperformed traditional approaches but also offered a scalable model for wider network deployment.

The trial demonstrated how targeted engineering innovation can unlock both sustainability and performance benefits across legacy infrastructure.

The SRC Approach

Innovative Design

Developed aluminium extrusion system to eliminate dust clogging and reduce maintenance.

Performance Testing

Delivered live trials demonstrating measurable temperature reduction on active platforms.

Whole-Life Thinking

Designed solution to minimise operational and maintenance costs over 40 years.

System Integration

Ensured compatibility with existing LU infrastructure and upgrade programme.

UK Manufacturing

Partnered with specialist Chesterfield manufacturer to deliver high-quality fabrication.

Scalable Solution

Created modular system adaptable for wider rollout across metro environments.

“After years of being a Londoner and commuting on the tube, I am delighted to be part of this brand new tech solution designed to cool the airflow on platforms which will vastly improving the travel experience for passengers like me”.

Anthony Adamson
Anthony Adamson
Associate Director